• With a gross vehicle weight of more than 80,000 pounds, an LCV must be operated by a specially trained driver whose CDL includes a “double/triple trailer” endorsement.

A “longer combination vehicle” (LCV) is any combination of a truck-tractor and two or more trailers or semitrailers that operate on specifically allowed highways at a gross vehicle weight greater than 80,000 pounds.

What are the requirements regarding LCVs?

Because of LCV length and special characteristics, drivers require special training as well as a “double/triple trailer” endorsement on their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). There are also state-based permitting, operational, and equipment requirements drivers and carriers must follow.

Regulatory citations:

• 49 CFR 380.301 — General requirements
• 49 CFR Part 380 — Special training requirements

Employers are prohibited from allowing drivers to operate LCVs unless those drivers can produce either:

• An LCV Driver-Training Certificate as evidence of successful completion of an LCV driver training course; or
• An LCV Driver-Training Certificate of Grandfathering, showing that the driver was exempt from training requirements based on experience, when training was first required in 2004.

LCV driver training was required on and after June 1, 2004. The LCV Driver-Training Certificate of Grandfathering could only be issued during the year following that compliance deadline.

Motor carriers must retain all LCV training certificates or certificates of grandfathering in their employees’ Driver Qualification files.

Carriers are allowed to conduct the required training, provided the training program meets requirements in Part 380, Special Training Requirements, and any state or local requirements. Training consists of classroom training and behind-the-wheel practice. All LCV driver-instructors must be qualified according to 380.301, and proof of their qualifications must be retained in the driver-instructor’s Driver Qualification file.

A list of allowable LCV combinations can be found in Appendix C to 23 CFR Part 658.

Also see the state limit topics for additional information.