I am currently in the process of starting a small part time hauling company. My next long run will be to bring a helicopter in on a flatbed. This will be a little over the line for being able to bootleg it. So I think it is time to get legal. The problem is that while I have driven a lot of miles (flatbed and van) I was always under lease to a company that took care of keeping me legal. Now I will need to get all the permits and paper work straight on my own. Could one of you that have been down this road before help me out. Tell me in plain words what I’ll need to run legal. Weight will not be a factor; permits and insurance are the things that come to mind. Also will I need to start using a log book, if so what are the new rules for hours ect..
Thanks in advance.

PS I have been off the road since 1983 ,so treat me like a greenhorn .

 

There is too much to list in one forum post

Insurance

DOT number

Vehicle Inspection

States Authority

CDL License

Fuel Tax Reporting

And the list goes on and on

Start by reading at these sites
http://www.usdotnumberregistration.com/
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/fmcsrguide.htm
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsrhome.htm

Then you need the proper insurance....try a search
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&l...ce&btnG=Search

 

Since 1983? Wasn't that the year of CHRISTINE, the possessed 1958 Plymouth? Wouldn't be a connection there would it?
Nat

 

1983 = 1958 possessed Plymouth
2004 = 47yr old possessed man that was lucky enough to have survived being on the road for several years and is now dumb enough to want to do it again.
Not sure if this is called middle age crazy or if I’m just falling back to something I can understand a little better than water treatment.


Thanks Pappyman I'll start reading

 

Nah can't be middle age crazy. Maybe empty nest syndrome?
Crazy would be selling the house and buying his and her Harleys.

 

DOT phyisical (medical card) and yes you will need a log book for travels over 100 miles.

 

the roads out there are too crazy now a days

 

Soooo what happened? Sounds like someone cut you off, or perhaps you got caught up in some road rage maybe?

 

what's an average cost for commercial insurance coverage?

 

Ok I will try to give you the start of it. If you are hauling only in your state, you need insurance based in your state laws.

If you are hauling across a state line or in another state, you need 750,000 liability for non hazardous freight. Also 5000 in cargo insurance.

You will need a USDOT number, get the application on the internet and fax it or send it on line, no charge.

You will need authority for your state, charges depend on the state.

You will need MC number of out of state, $300 filing fee.

You will need a single state registration, cost depends on how many states you add. This is t register your insurance in each state traviled.

If out of state you will need a process agent. As soon as you file for authority you will be inundated by offers from processing agents.

You will need commercial tags to cover the weight that you will carry.

If your truck gvw and trailer gvw add to more than 26,000 you will need a cdl.

Pick up the FMCSA code from any larger truckstop, about 5.00.

A couple of things you will need is the safety equipment, three reflectors, bolted in fire extinguisher with the compartment door labeled.

You need a few weeks to pull all this off.

 

having been there done that......I would go get a cheaper hobbie....this one will cost ya$$$ and the bills never stop....did anyone mention adverizing,,yellow page adds...800 number....break dwn....law suits from the public...(you thew a stone in my windshild).....yes you win the case but it cost ya...did I mention you have to find more loads to pay these bills,,,,did i mention you have to put on more trucks to pay for those bills....
Buy a R/C airplane or a real sailboat and dont name your son Sue(Johny Cash)

 

Listen to Thumper, I'm still fixing stuff from hauling trees the first six months of this year. I've put just about every penny I made back in my truck either trying to make it safer w/e-brake or fixing transmission rear seals everything but t-case and motor. I spent alot of time away from home for nothing. So I would get another hobby.

 

What I would like to do is move or transport rv's from where I live over to the coast. There are so many people here that buy a trailer and need it taken to the coast where it will be stored. Its only 150-160 miles from here and a nice drive.
I wouldnt want to do it full time...just now and then for some extra fun money. And it would also be something that my son and I can do together...

Rick

 

look at this www.roadrat.com and dont use you truck.................that makes you for hire

 

You can also check out www.truck.net In the forums there is a section for folks who do what you wanna do.

Here's a direct link: http://roundtable.truck.net/viewforum.php?f=6