According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), drivers do not need a CDL license when transporting cargo in vehicles with a GVW are gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds.
Do not confuse gross vehicle weight (GVW) with gross vehicle weight rating determined by the chassis manufacturer that establishes maximum weight ratings. Alternatively, a gross vehicle weight calculates the weight of the payload and the truck once the cargo is loaded.