Do Hot Shots under 10001 lbs follow DOT and FMCSA and HOS?

What about the haul for hire rule? I think it covers anyone except farms and only if they are hauling their own product so you ahve to have 500K insurance and log and have a business plan with office. Best bet is to call DOT and ask them about FMCSA rules. I was going to set up an operation 3 years ago aand it ended up being too much money so I took up farming. You an go broke farming, so I bought 2 farms, I'm going broke twice as fast and I will be twice as happy as you!

 

One thing to remember is trying to find ways to be "legal" by skirting the law can get you burned and broke quick. I do most of my loads through brokers and every broker I deal with require a copy of my authority and insurance before I book my first haul for them. It is an expensive investment to start out but worth it in the end. The biggest thing is to have patience and thick nerves in this business. It takes time to make money but it can be made. Remember you are working for yourself and times will be hard at the beginning but once you emerge you will see the rewards of your struggle.

 

Michigan requires all vehicles based out of Michigan to have at least US Dot numbers if they are being used for commercial purposes. They also define a cmv as anything ... that is used to make money, that is over 5500 GVW, that is over 8300 GVW and anything over 10,001 GVW - it is a messed up state.

 

Does that include the teenagers delivering pizzas? I enjoyed the scenery on my last haul to Michigan. I am still kicking myself for not stopping at a cider barn.

 

Panther limits their drivers even non cdl. I'm class c. No log no weigh stations. Ford e-250

 

Here's what I've found. If your truck (power unit) is less than 26000 lbs, or the combination of your truck and trailer is less than 26000 lbs you do not need a CDL. If the trailer portion of the combo is more than 10000 lbs, regardless of the combination weight, you do need a DOT #. If the combination weight (GCWR) is more than 26000 lbs you need a DOT#, a Class A CDL, and an Apportioned Plate which registers your maximum combined weight. If you travel in more than one state with that rig you also need an IFTA sticker and you need to do IFTA reporting quarterly. If either or both units (truck/trailer) have air brakes you need the air brake endorsement on your CDL.

Weigh stations in different areas have different stop requirements. Some are 26000 lbs and over, many are less. Any DOT unit can pull you over at any time for a spot check regardless of your weight.

Because there has been a recent upswing of interest by the DOT in hot-shot type rigs, I would strongly recommend that you adhere to all the DOT requirements regardless of your real weight. Maintain a log book. Pay attention to the hours you spend driving. Record all fuel transactions, including the state where the fuel was purchased. Keep a strict log of all maintenance done to the vehicle and trailer. Note your mileage as you cross state lines. Use a pre-trip inspection checklist and keep completed checklists with your logs.

Sounds like a lot, but it's not really. Look at it this way. The longer you drive, the more likely you are going to be to buy a bigger rig, so you'll have to do all that stuff anyway. In addition, these rules do help keep you safer than the sleazes who are out there with no license, overweight, no maintenance and no insurance.

 

i have a good question,,,cargo vans that dont haul passengers or hazmat under 10,000lbs are all using MC numbers becuase they cross states lines.But there not FMCSA regulated,well MC numbers are a FMCSA rule.

You are subject to FMCSA regulations if you operate any of the following types of commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce:
· A vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating (whichever is greater) of 4,537 kg (10,001 lbs.) or more

· A vehicle designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation, whether direct or indirect

· A vehicle designed or used to transport 15 or more passengers including the driver and not used for compensation

· Any size vehicle used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.) and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-177). This includes INTRASTATE Hazardous Materials carriers

 

On FMCSA website,if you dont apply to the above then your not regulated,but then they say if you cross state lines then you need MC numbers in ADDITION to DOT numbers,,,,,,,but your not regulated in the first place,,im confused

 

Another point to having your own authority and DOT/MC numbers is broker requirements. If you plan on hauling cars or other freight to subsidize your income the only load board that will accept you is U-Ship and they suck. Major Carrier/Brokers require DOT and insurance regardless of the size of your truck. When I started I ran a Ram 1500 and a single aluminum trailer which was under 10,001 but in order for me to get work I had to have my DOT and MC along with $1 million in liability. Just a little FYI