Under federal rules, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is generally required to operate a single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, or a combination vehicle where the total combination GVWR is 26,001 lbs or more and the towed unit’s GVWR exceeds 10,000 lbs.
A truck with a GVWR of 25,900 lbs falls under that 26,001 lb federal threshold, so a standard CDL is generally not required at the federal level for a single vehicle at that weight, though non-CDL commercial driving still comes with its own state-specific licensing, medical certificate, and insurance considerations.
Some states set additional or different intrastate requirements, so this is general federal guidance only — verify against your state’s licensing agency before making a hiring or equipment decision.
This article is general educational information, not legal, financial, tax, or insurance advice. Confirm current requirements with the applicable government agency or a qualified professional before acting.