Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986

The Act requires drivers of vehicles of 26,001 pounds or more gross vehicle weight rating, vehicles carrying placarded hazardous materials, or vehicles designed for 16 or more passengers to pass knowledge and skills tests for a CDL, with full compliance due by April 1, 1992. It created a national information system to stop multiple licenses and set disqualifications for offenses such as driving under the influence. Rules are in 49 CFR Part 383, and entry-level driver training has been required since February 7, 2022.

CDL rules define who can legally drive the trucks that move freight between warehouses, and they shape driver supply and cost. Fulfillment operators running their own fleets must check CDL status, medical certification and Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse records for drivers of heavy vehicles. For example, a 3PL adding a box truck rated at 26,001 pounds or more for local B2B deliveries needs CDL drivers, while one choosing a lighter truck can hire non-CDL drivers. That threshold often decides which trucks fleets buy.

• Full TruckloadFTLA shipment that fills a whole trailer
• Last MileFinal leg of delivery to the door

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)1938, FMCSA since 2000 · US safety rules for interstate trucks and drivers
• ELD Mandate2015, compliance 2017 · Requires electronic logging devices for truck drivers
• MAP-212012 · 2012 US transportation law that ordered ELDs

1. Commercial Driver's License, FMCSA fmcsa.dot.gov
2. 49 CFR Part 383, Commercial driver's license standards, eCFR ecfr.gov