Why do dump/logging trucks not need an authority?

Some operate under Farm status which in some states exempts them from it. They only have to have a DOT number and insurance. My take on your friend is that he's betting he won't get caught, not that he doesn't have to have authority. Even here in backwoods AL they have to have both.

 

You only need authority to haul manufactured products. You can haul agricultural products without an authority.. You can technically run a trucking co only hauling ag products but it's very hard. I used to have a good friend who hauled only produce, hay, and bulk potatoes. He never had authority but it was a hard way to make a living and he ran empty alot.
This was 12 years ago, I don't know if things have changed but I believe they have not.

 

It's a common thing, DOT loves loggers, dumps, tankers and cowtrucks here in Bama. What Medicine Man said is true. I ran my cattle trucks for about a month without it cause I could but it was 7 kinds of headaches.

Here in Bama it's called a Farm tag, everyone has to have a DOT number now but not an MC.
I don't know what it's called anywhere else. Here we run 82K on 4 axles 88K on 5 axles, 92,400K on 6 although they are not allowed on the interstate. The DOT sets up portable scales regularly on the mill road and the loggers have NO choice but to cross them or park and wait them out. Most wait them out as the ticket is over $700 bucks in this county, every county is different on fines. Don't get a log book violation they went up to $500 bucks PER violation.

 

Things such as fresh produce, agriculture goods, such as hay, water, gravel, dirt, logs, or most any non-manufactured good is known as an Exempt Commodity, needing no authority.

After some of these things are processed at a plant or mill, then authority is needed to haul.

 

All they are required to have is a USDOT #
They are considered interstate motor carrier (for those that do cross state lines as is common here in the carolinas), For-Hire exempt property Carrier.

All that requires it is to fill out form MCS-150 USDOT and from MCS-150A saftey certification.