Courier Service

[arkjarhead]

If someone wanted to start a courier service would they need a DOT authority? I've been looking at the FMCSA website and I can't find anything on the subject. I would most likely be using my Dodge Dakota Sport which is no where near heavy enough to be considered a Commercial Vehicle. Maybe someone knows of who I can contact and find out. With the way the government is regulating everything else I don't know why they wouldn't regulate this.

 

[theoldprof]

What is the difference between courier service and expedite?

 

[arkjarhead]

Well a lot of times when people say courier they are talking about short hauls between an airport and consignee or shipper and consignee. Some couriers deliver legal documents and such that can't be sent electronicly and the customer doesn't want to send them through the postal service. On the other hand some courier services run nation wide. I didn't know if the size of the vehicle to be used made any difference or not.

 

[Broompilot]

Yes even Courier Service have to have DOT #s which means registering. I cannot quote the law exact something like this: Any vehicle for hire in transporting goods or products: must register with the DOT.

 

[JohnMueller]

Arkjarhead;

Forget the specifics of the term "Courier Service" and look at specific requirements for a "Carrier" on FMCSA webiste. Courier Service, Expediter, Truckload Reefer Hauler.... all are "Carriers". Vehicle size does come into play on certain parts of the Regulations and permitting. Also, you may want to look at if the state or states you plan on operating in regulate "Intra-state" authority. An example would be if you were based out of Toledo, Ohio - you may be operating into Michigan or Indiana on some days, while other days you operate in the state of Ohio only. "Commercial Zones" may come into play also with your intended operations on other days.

Hope this helps you out.

Thanks,
HotFr8Recruiter