DOT regulation/requirements.

[86K5Classic]

Anyone run a business or familiar with Interstate commerce? Looking to do a little interstate towing with a 2500-3500 series and 8.5x24 enclosed trailer. Gross Combined weight under 26,001lbs. What all is need to make this a legal business venture(CDL required, etc)?


Edit- I found the proper info i needed.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

I dont know where you are from, but if you visit your states highway patrol / state patrol / state police office, they should have a motor carrier officer that can help you with all the requirements.

Any vehicle or combinitaion of vehicles with a GCWR of 10,001 lbs or more is required to have a DOT# if it is used for the furtherance of a business...in other words, if you get compensation for hauling with your vehicle, then you need to get a DOT#.

You can also go to http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ and register online. Browse their site and it wll give you the nuts and bolts of the requirements. Under 26,000 lbs does not require any special endorsements.

Hope this helps if you didn't already find all the info you needed,

 

[86K5Classic]

Thanks, I found most of it. Medical card is required if over 10,001 lb.I was going to call today, but haven't took the time to do it yet. Do you know if you have to keep a log book if your over 10,001 but under 26001 lbs?

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

Thanks, I found most of it. Medical card is required if over 10,001 lb.I was going to call today, but haven't took the time to do it yet. Do you know if you have to keep a log book if your over 10,001 but under 26001 lbs?

I am a Trooper in CO, so I will brief you what CO rules are. Most states like CO have adopted the Fedral laws as they are written. A general rule with most laws, the states can be more strict but not less strict than the fedral laws.

Anything over 10,001 lbs used for business is considered a commercial vehicle and would require a log book or time card.

As far as log books. You do need one if you are in interstate commerce or more than 150 air miles from your business hub. If those perameters don't apply to you, then you need to have a time card proving your hours of duty and your days off, etc.

You need to have a paper log for your current travel day and also the last 7 calender days with you at any time. If you do any type of electronic log, then you have to be able to print it on demand when requested by law enforcemnt (this would obviously require a mobile printer in your truck).

When you apply for a DOT#, your State or Fedral Motor Carrier officer in your area should schedule some type of meeting to make sure you are squared away with all the requirements. After 12 - 18 months of being a carrier, then you can expect a compliance review to be sure tha you are keeping proper records, vehicle maintenance etc.

It would be best to confirm what I am telling you with your local Motor Carrier Officer so that any State specific issues can be addressed.

You can go to www.mancomm.com and request a Safety Regulations Book to review all the laws regarding licensing, equipment, hours of service, etc.

Again, I hope this helps,
Brian

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

By the way...I just had a shipper fall through on some axles he was going to haul from Illinois to CO for me. He gave me a smoking quote to throw them on a existing load and only charge me $200. Anyway, if you get things going soon, I may have a partial load for you.

I'll keep in touch.

 

[86K5Classic]

THANK YOU! I have been reading so many different things the past few days, i never had a chance to make any calls today, but i plan on calling DOT and my local trooper office(or stopping by there) asap. This stuff is confusing, license requirements, plate requirements, etc.

I really thinking about just getting my class A CDL just so i dont have to be so worried about weights.

It will probably be a few months before i get into this, gotta save up a little more money. Hope you can find another shipper, have you posted on Uship.com?

 

[ktmoutfront]

I really thinking about just getting my class A CDL just so i dont have to be so worried about it.

you still have to watch your truck weight. The local officers here set up portable scales. If you have DOT numbers, you must stop.

I was in my non commercial semi last week, just out running it to keep the tires round. Blew by a portable scale set up by Colorado Springs PD. Was pulled over 5 minutes later.gave the officer my non CDL license, reg., and insurance. He looked at the signs on the truck, NOT FOR HIRE. Had to show him a picture of it towing the 5th wheel RV with the car on the back of the truck. He is the first to stop me. Told me to have a nice day.

 

[86K5Classic]

you still have to watch your truck weight. The local officers here set up portable scales. If you have DOT numbers, you must stop.

I was in my non commercial semi last week, just out running it to keep the tires round. Blew by a portable scale set up by Colorado Springs PD. Was pulled over 5 minutes later.gave the officer my non CDL license, reg., and insurance. He looked at the signs on the truck, NOT FOR HIRE. Had to show him a picture of it towing the 5th wheel RV with the car on the back of the truck. He is the first to stop me. Told me to have a nice day.

I was meaning more about the 26000 lb Limit.

But I have been thinking about this a lot lately and im not sure if its the right time for me to start this.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I have started 3 business's and sold 2 of them. If you wait for the right time. It will never happen. Do the math on it. Start up costs. Six months of salary and payments for ins. fuel, food, lodging. If you can swing that, then go for it. Also get with the RV hauling brokers. The biggest things I have found in owning is, answer the phone, call them back and do not lie.

 

[B.N.Z.MTNS]

The biggest things I have found in owning is, answer the phone, call them back and do not lie.

That sounds like good advice for any business.