Rental Vehicles

Planning to Rent a Truck, Van, or Other Vehicle?

All vehicle rentals are processed through the Procurement Service Center (PSC):

The University's travel program includes rental contracts for passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Some rental vehicles may meet the definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) and be subject to additional Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirements.

Employees operating a CMV on University business are considered CU operators, regardless of whether the vehicle is University-owned, leased, or rented.

Before You Rent

If you believe your rental vehicle may qualify as a CMV, contact transposafety@colorado.edubefore completing the rental reservation.

Transportation Services can assist with:

  • Determining whether the vehicle is a CMV
  • Identifying CDL requirements
  • Driver qualification requirements
  • Required training
  • Hours-of-service compliance
  • Vehicle inspection and recordkeeping requirements

Tip: When reserving a truck or van, ask the rental agency to provide the vehicle's GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). This information can help determine whether DOT requirements apply before the vehicle is picked up.

What Is a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)?

A vehicle may be considered a CMV if it:

  • Has a GVWR or GCWR of 10,001 pounds or greater
  • Is designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
  • Is designed to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
  • Requires hazardous materials placarding

Driver Requirements

Drivers operating rented CMVs may be required to:

  • Be an approved University operator
  • Hold the appropriate driver's license or CDL
  • Meet DOT/FMCSA qualification requirements
  • Complete required University training
  • Conduct required inspections
  • Comply with applicable hours-of-service regulations

Travel Outside Colorado

Additional federal requirements may apply when operating a CMV outside Colorado. Contact transposafety@colorado.edubefore travel to ensure compliance.

Compliance Responsibility

Departments are responsible for ensuring drivers operating rented CMVs meet all applicable University, state, and federal requirements. Renting a vehicle does not exempt departments or drivers from compliance obligations.

Not Sure?

If you are unsure whether a rental vehicle qualifies as a CMV, assume it may and contact Transportation Services before renting or operating the vehicle.

Questions?

Email:transposafety@colorado.edu

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