You may have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) if you drive a Ford commercial truck for your business. There are a lot of misconceptions and confusion surrounding CDLs, upgrades, and endorsements, with air brakes, in particular, raising many questions among our customers. If you’ve ever wondered whether you need an air brake endorsement or a CDL to operate a Ford truck with air brakes, Lester Glenn Ford is here to set the record straight.
What Trucks Need Air Brakes?
Air brakes’ better stopping power than conventional hydraulic braking systems is vital for vehicles carrying large loads or multiple trailers like semis, buses, trailers, and semi-trailers. Air brakes tend to be optional on several weight classes – they’re typically options on trucks in Class 3 through Class 7 – with the vehicle’s size and application helping to determine which braking system is installed.
Air Brake Endorsement in New Jersey
Contrary to popular belief, air brakes alone do not warrant the need for a special endorsement in the state of New Jersey or on a federal level. The actual determinant is the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR); if it’s under 26,001 pounds, you won’t need a CDL, but you will need one for vehicles with a GVWR over 26,001 pounds. Not sure? Check the door tag on your Ford truck, which typically lists several weight ratings, including GVWR, axle weight ratings, and even the Gross Combined Weight Rating.
As a side note, a vehicle that may not require a CDL when empty may need one when loaded; the federal 26,001 pound GVWR restriction imposed by federal law includes the weight of the vehicle and its payload.
Commercial Ford Trucks for Sale in Ocean, NJ
Our commercial vehicle department at Lester Glenn Ford offers upfits and commercial truck body types for your exact needs. Let us help walk you through the vehicle selection process so that you get the right Ford truck for any job.
