Record the applicable weight range for a single vehicle’s GVWR or combination vehicle’s GCWR.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer as the recommended maximum loaded weight of a single motor vehicle. The rating is to be recorded in pounds. A GVWR is the maximum allowable total weight of a vehicle or trailer when loaded. It includes the weight of the vehicle itself, fuel, passengers, and cargo.
Source: FMCSA
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) is the value specified by the manufacturer(s) as the recommended maximum loaded weight of a combination (articulated) motor vehicle. This is for truck tractors and single-unit trucks pulling a trailer(s). GCWR is the sum of the gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) of all units, power unit and its trailer(s). Add the two GVWR and record their combined GCWR.
Source: FMCSA
The use of GCWR to determine selection becomes especially important when vehicles that would NOT qualify as commercial vehicles by GVWR alone are involved in crashes when pulling a trailer.
On the truck, the GVWR is usually found on a decal on the driver’s side door jamb. On the trailer, the rating is found on or near the VIN decal located anywhere on the lower part of the trailer.
Example placement of VIN decal on trailers
Close-ups of VIN decal on trailers
01 - 10,000 lbs. or less should be used for passenger cars and light trucks with 10,000 lbs. or less GVWR/GCWR when displaying a hazardous materials placard or for buses with 9 or more seats (including driver) with 10,000 lbs. GVWR or less.
02 - 10,001 lbs. – 26,000 lbs. should be used for trucks with GVWR/GCWR of 10,001 to 26,000 lbs.
03 - 26,001 lbs. or more should be used for trucks with GVWR/GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more.
97 - Not Applicable should be used for vehicles 10,000 lbs. or less, not displaying a hazardous materials placard, for buses less than 9 seats (including driver), and for all motor homes.
99 - Unknown should be used when GVWR/GCWR information is unknown (e.g., hit-and-run).