What Is GVWR and GCWR in Trucking?
Also called: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Combination Weight Rating, GVW, GCW
GVWR is the most a single vehicle is built to weigh when fully loaded, as set by its manufacturer. GCWR is the same idea for a truck and its trailer together. Neither is the weight on the scale today. The scale shows the actual weight, called GVW. The ratings decide which CDL you need and whether FMCSA rules apply (49 CFR 390.5 and 383.91).
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 16, 2026
Key Points
- GVWR is the value the manufacturer specifies as the maximum loaded weight of a single motor vehicle (49 CFR 390.5)
- GCWR is the greater of two numbers: the manufacturer's value on the certification label, or the sum of the GVWRs or actual weights of the power unit and the towed units, whichever is highest (49 CFR 390.5)
- GVW is the actual weight of a vehicle right now. GVWR is its rating. A truck can weigh less than its rating, and it can weigh more
- The power unit's GCWR is not used to define a commercial motor vehicle when it is not towing (49 CFR 390.5). That matters for a tractor running bobtail
- A CDL group depends on the ratings: Group A for a combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more when the towed unit's GVWR is over 10,000 pounds, and Group B for a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more (49 CFR 383.91)
- FMCSA treats a vehicle as a commercial motor vehicle at 10,001 pounds or more, going by the greater of the rating or the actual weight (49 CFR 390.5)
- The rating is not the legal weight limit on the road. The federal limit on the Interstate is 80,000 pounds gross
CDL vehicle groups, from 49 CFR 383.91
| Group A | Group B | Group C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it covers | A combination of vehicles | A single heavy vehicle | A vehicle that fits neither A nor B |
| Weight rule | GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and the towed unit's GVWR is over 10,000 pounds | GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more. May tow a unit of 10,000 pounds or less | Under the Group A and B weights |
| Extra condition | None | None | Carries 16 or more people, or placarded hazmat |
| Typical example | Tractor and semitrailer | Straight truck, dump truck or bus | Small bus or hazmat van |
What is the difference between GVWR and GVW?
GVWR is a rating, and GVW is a weight. The manufacturer sets the GVWR. It is the most the vehicle is designed to weigh when loaded, counting the truck, fuel, cargo and driver. GVW is what the truck actually weighs at a given moment, such as on a scale. A truck loaded lightly has a GVW far below its GVWR. An overloaded truck has a GVW above it. FMCSA uses the greater of the two when it decides whether a vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle (49 CFR 390.5).
What is GCWR, and how is it figured?
GCWR is the rating for a power unit and the units it tows, taken together. Under 49 CFR 390.5, it is the greater of two numbers. One is the value the manufacturer of the power unit gives on its federal certification label. The other is the sum of the GVWRs, or the actual weights, of the power unit and the towed units, whichever sum is highest. The rule adds that the power unit's GCWR is not used to define a commercial motor vehicle when the power unit is not towing anything.
Where do you find a truck's GVWR?
Look at the manufacturer's certification label. Federal rules say the label is riveted or permanently fixed to the vehicle. On a truck, it is on the door post, the door-latch post, or the door edge next to the driver's seat. If none of those fit, it goes on the left side of the instrument panel or the inside of the driver's door. On a trailer, the label is on the forward half of the left side (49 CFR 567.4). The label states the GVWR.
How do GVWR and GCWR decide which CDL you need?
The CDL groups are built on the ratings (49 CFR 383.91). Group A covers any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the vehicle being towed has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. Group B covers any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, and such a vehicle towing something of 10,000 pounds or less. Group C covers a vehicle that fits neither group but carries 16 or more people or hazardous materials that need placards. The table below shows the three groups.
Does GVWR include the load, the trailer or the payload?
GVWR covers a single vehicle at its maximum loaded weight, so it includes the cargo, fuel, fluids and driver on that vehicle. It does not include a trailer. A trailer has its own GVWR. The rating of a truck and trailer together is the GCWR. The payload a truck can carry is roughly its GVWR minus its own empty weight, though axle ratings can set a lower limit.
Can you change a truck's GVWR?
The manufacturer sets the rating and shows it on the certification label (49 CFR 567.4). It is not a number an owner picks. Registration is a separate matter. Some states let an owner register a truck for a weight set by the owner, and that registered weight can differ from the GVWR. But FMCSA's rules go by the rating or the actual weight, whichever is greater, not by what you registered. If you need a different rating, ask the manufacturer.
Related Free Tools
Weight & Axle Load Calculator
Check federal axle weight limits and bridge formula compliance before you scale.
Scale / Weigh Station Guide
PrePass eligibility, what to do at a scale, violations, and a state-by-state guide.
Oversize / Overweight Permit Estimator
Check whether your load goes past the usual legal height, width, trailer length and weight, and when escorts often start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GVW and GVWR the same thing?+
No. GVWR is the rating set by the manufacturer, the most the vehicle is built to weigh when loaded. GVW is the actual weight at a given moment, such as on a scale. FMCSA uses the greater of the two to decide whether a vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle.
Does GVWR include the load?+
Yes. GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle, so it counts the cargo, fuel, fluids and driver on that vehicle. It does not count a trailer. A trailer has its own GVWR.
Does a truck's GVWR include the trailer?+
No. GVWR covers one vehicle. The rating of a truck and trailer together is the GCWR. Under 49 CFR 390.5, it is the greater of the manufacturer's value on the certification label or the sum of the ratings or weights of the power unit and the towed units.
How much GVWR requires a CDL?+
A single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more needs a Group B CDL. A combination with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more needs a Group A CDL when the towed unit's GVWR is over 10,000 pounds (49 CFR 383.91). Placarded hazmat or 16 or more passengers can also need a CDL.
Where is the GVWR on a truck?+
On the manufacturer's certification label. On a truck, it is usually on the door post, the door-latch post or the door edge next to the driver's seat. On a trailer, it is on the forward half of the left side (49 CFR 567.4).
Can you change a truck's GVWR?+
The manufacturer sets the GVWR, and it is on the certification label. An owner does not pick it. Your registered weight can be different, but FMCSA goes by the rating or the actual weight, whichever is greater. Ask the manufacturer if you need a different rating.
More trucking terms
Want a dispatcher to handle this for you?
Grow Trucking finds loads, negotiates rates and does the paperwork for owner-operators and small fleets. Tell us about your truck and we will show you how we can help.
Also: About Grow Trucking · Refer a carrier · Trucking blog
This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.