Do any of you have your own business, and use a DOT number for your private hauling, etc but do not haul "for hire".

I have heard that if you get a DOT number for hauling your own items, then you dont get a DOT safety audit, however the guy with FMSCA said someone will contact me to schedule my audit at a later date.

Thanks

 

Are you making money off of this stuff you are hauling? And are you over 26,001 pounds? If you aren't making money on what is on your trailer, then you shouldn't have to have a DOT number. If you go to the FMCSA website, something like DOT.GOV, that will have all of the information you need. If you need more info, or more help, email me. I had my own company with a few trucks before I joined the Marines 4 years ago, but I hesitate about giving you a definite answer without thorough research, as the DOT laws change almost every year.

 

Hope this helps, it's right from the federal rule book;

To help ensure the safety of large trucks on roadways, most commercial motor vehicles-including those used in agricultural operations for transporting livestock and produce-must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) identification number, according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Federal regulations define a commercial motor vehicle as any self-propelled or towed vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating, a gross combination weight rating, or a gross combination weight of 10,001 or more pounds. The regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles traveling (intrastate) as well as between states (interstate).

Definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle as per Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Part 390.5 for the purpose of compliance with DOT Marking Requirement 390.21:

Commercial Motor Vehicle means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle:
Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight of 10,001 pounds or more;
Is Designed to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation;
Is designed to transport 16 or more people including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation;
Is transporting hazardous materials in quantities requiring the vehicle to be placarded. (There is no weight threshold for placarded vehicles and applies to both intrastate or interstate operations.)

chaikwa.

 

I have US DOT #'s on my truck. I have a grading and landscaping company, and usually pull a bobcat around. Don't know if that qualifies as for-hire hauling, as the equipment is mine, but I do use it to do work for hire. I had to do the same thing, had the auditor come out and go over all my paperwork. He was looking for maintenance records, log books, insurance and endorsements, driving record, etc. Never even looked at the truck though, which was busily dripping diesel on the driveway.

 

Not all states must enforce this. I tow over 26,000 regularly for my business and have stopped at scales in three different states. Not once has anyone ever said anything to me about having a dot #.

 

sorry to be rude, but only one person even answered my question, and that was Timberman. I didnt ask if I need one-I already have one, and know the laws for needing one-thats why I have one.

Thanks Timberman. I believe you are treated the same as me, so I better get my papers together, and get ready. Thanks again.

 

To my knowledge, yes you need a DOT # and yes you will or at least should be auditted.

Timber you are not for hire, using and hauling your own stuff... For hire is if you are getting paid for the transportion of other peoples stuff. I never quite understood why FedEx and UPS etc. do not need operating authorities.

 

It's also considered 'for hire', (worded differently however),if you're providing a service like I do; portable welding. I'm not transporting goods for profit, but I AM hauling my own stuff which will contribute to making a profit.

chaikwa.

 

Yes, you are correct. Sorry about that. I guess I shoulda read your question more thoroughly.

chaikwa.

 

No MC # required (USDOT if over 10,000 lbs): A private motor carrier transports its own cargo, usually as a part of a business that produces, uses, sells and/or buys the cargo that is being hauled.

USDOT # required if over 10,000 lbs: A for-hire motor carrier transports passengers, regulated property or household goods owned by others for compensation.

Portable welding and landscaping would required a USDOT #, no operating authority (MC) # is required. Assuming you are over 10,000 GVW GVWR GCW or GCWR and crossing state lines.

 

If you have a DOT number you will be auditted.

 

I guess I've been lucky then as I've had DOT#'s on the trucks for years and not had anybody come for an audit. My vehicles do have farm plates though, so maybe that helps. We also have IFTA stickers and get the Federal Safety Inspection done every year. Registered up to 80K. All we haul is farm products or equipment.

One thing I have had happen is that I get 'stopped' for a routine inspection more often with all the lettering on the side. They usually get a little nasty when they see the farm plates 'cause it cancels so many rules. I've also found that depending on who you get stopped by makes a huge difference, I get a different ruling every time. You will get pulled over, (at least in my state), so keep it clean. Remember even if you're not, you now 'look' like a for hire pro.

Now this is just my .02 but if they do show up, be real nice and all, play like you want to have things just the way this guy wants it and you'll often get by OK. I know a guy that tried to tell the DOT guy what the rules are, didn't go well, his truck may still be impounded. I've dealt with many inspectors and unless you really have defective equipment you won't have any problems, if you are at least trying to comply.

Remember any trailer etc. you have hooked to the truck is also fair game for them.

Good luck.
Scott

 

if you go to www.safersys.org and put in your DOT #, do you show up under "Company Snapshot"

 

interstate commerce is the key word here. if you are hauling your own stuff, and are not making money by doing so (ie. hauling lawn care equipment, or even a race car), then you are considered private.

I have had this explained to me this way now from 4 different dot/fcmsa people.

 

Ya know... its really weird safersys.org now seems to suggest you need an MC # even if you don't need a USDOT # (under 10,001 lbs) but my understanding is that if you are under 10,001 you don't need anything??? So what is the real answer