Can I go the NOT FOR HIRE route?

It means nothing legally. It's also frequently used by clueless drivers that think it makes them immune to CMV laws. Because of this, officers tend to pull over vehicles marked as "not for hire" more often because they know there is a higher likelihood of a violation.
Kinda like why old ratty filthy trucks are pulled in more often than brand new clean trucks.

 

Same problem here, in CA I own a box truck, I purchased to get out of this God forsaken state, later learning you just can't drive your box truck across the good ol USA without a DOT number and all the regulations that go with it. No commerce, just my own stuff. It's like everyone has their hand out to be paid off for blessing you through the weigh station

 

Yes you can. You don’t need a DOT number or anything to haul your personal belongings. There is not a single regulation on the books that prevents you from having a box truck or a tractor trailer for your every day daily driver.

 

Heading out later this week in my Peterbilt 379 to escape from WA

No DOT number, no CDL. The truck has collector plates

 

@RocketScott if we were closer I would join you in my 379. While mine is not old enough to have collector plates, in Ohio I have no other choice but to played it as a commercial vehicle. But, I have no DOT number and no CDL and as stated, it is not needed as I am doing nothing commercially.
Played in commercially sucks for insurance purposes as I probably pay a higher rate than the collector plates would but if you’re worried about a few thousand dollars you probably shouldn’t have A 379 as a toy.

 

I just bought a truck. Drove it back from Pennsylvania no plates no nothing got pulled into a weigh station and they told me to pull over they came out I told him private party not for hire and they can't do anything to you. You don't need a log book you don't need anything.

 

If you're not operating as a commercial vehicle is one thing, "not for hire" is completely different. All "not for hire" means is you're operating as a private entity, but you can still be a carrier, i.e., your own (company's) stuff.

Or in my case, it means you can't afford me.

 

Thinking it's the state of California that's my biggest obstical, I've called endlessly and get different answers. But the most consistent is that I need a DOT number and I have to be governed by the regulations. There is only one weigh station between me and the state line. The FMCSA is pretty clear with it's two question "do I need a DOT number" tab on their website. It comes down to the definition of "motor carrier" and agency interpretation of "motor carrier". Even after pointing out all of this to agencies (CHP) they still inform me that I am defined as a "motor carrier" regardless of what the FMCSA indicates. They hang their hat on is the vehicle greater than 10001 GVWR, if so, you need a DOT number. Contrary to what is outlined by the FMCSA website. So I called the FMCSA, they told me I need a DOT number, even after I pointed out the guidelines of their website. Seems like no one really knows, even the so called "experts". So I am now asking myself why again do I want to drive this truck? I thought I was living in the USA, not China. The idea of cruising down the road, doing my own thing, I guess is over. Unless I want to pay off every agency with their hand out as a result of being governed by the Department of Transportation.

 

My advice would be to establish a residence outside of California to start the process. Tou would have to do this anyway if you plan on leaving the state. At that point you could transfer your drivers license to whatever state you choose and CA to kiss your Arse as you don’t fall under their rules, you fall under your home state rules regardless of where you travel.

 

You aren’t a motor carrier. Of course the state is going to tell you that you need to pay them and follow all their rules, so kindly ask them to show you the requirement that says a non-commercial vehicle with non-commercial plates hauling your own household belongings is required to have a DOT number and follow the rules set for a commercial vehicle hauling for hire. You can rent a box truck and haul your own belongings without a logbook or concerning yourself with any regulations.