How do I determine my GVW?

GVW stands for Gross Vehicle Weight. It can also be referred to as GVWR which stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Legally, your GVW is defined as the total weight of your truck and trailer while carrying a full load of cargo. 

One of the most important things to note about GVW is that it is not determined by any particular load of cargo you plan to haul, but the maximum amount that your truck and trailer combo are capable of hauling. This number is typically determined by adding the weight of your truck to the manufacturer's gross weight rating of the trailer. 

The reason it is important to note this fact, if you are trying to operate as a Non-CDL carrier but your truck and trailer combination are capable of hauling more than the Non-CDL limit of 26,000 lbs, you will be required to apportion as CDL and have a CDL to operate that truck and trailer combo, regardless of the weight of any particular load you intend to haul.