USDOT # confussion/ what type of plate

joelswork · Feb 7, 2011

hey guys,

I was pointed over this way from the ford diesel forum. I actually install interior signs and artwork all over the country. I have a few very large jobs coming up and wanted to be legal in my 1 ton van. I get signage in from the print company and drive all over creation putting it up.

I have never regestered commercial but my tags are up right now. The loading zone bennifits seem awesome and the legality is important.300-600 pound loads is what i usually get and I cross all kinds of state lines.

Do I need a commercial license? Do I need a USDOT #? And I'll always be under 9,000 pounds, so will I need to stop at the scales? Log book?

(This is a 15 passenger van with just the two front seats, could I expedite in it? Business is slow for me)

Thanks in advance!

Joel

BillChaffey · Feb 7, 2011

Re: USDOT # confusion/ what type of plate

Why not stop at your nearest MVO, pick up a booklet or just ask at the Office.

limeymike · Feb 7, 2011

Bill is correct, best to hear it from the horses mouth from you home state Motor Vehicle Office. My state says that if I am under 10,001 lbs and not hauling Hazmat I don't need a DOT#, I don't have to log and I don't have to cross scales.

purgoose10 · Feb 7, 2011

joelswork said:
hey guys,

I was pointed over this way from the ford diesel forum. I actually install interior signs and artwork all over the country. I have a few very large jobs coming up and wanted to be legal in my 1 ton van. I get signage in from the print company and drive all over creation putting it up.

I have never regestered commercial but my tags are up right now. The loading zone bennifits seem awesome and the legality is important.300-600 pound loads is what i usually get and I cross all kinds of state lines.

Do I need a commercial license? Do I need a USDOT #? And I'll always be under 9,000 pounds, so will I need to stop at the scales? Log book?

(This is a 15 passenger van with just the two front seats, could I expedite in it? Business is slow for me)

Thanks in advance!

Joel

You have a 1 ton you don't need a CDL. You do need a tag registered with the gross weight of the vehicle. That includes your load and your truck. No log books, your under 10k, you can haul freight in anything if you can get it in it.

RedBird · Feb 8, 2011

Why don't you put signs on your van about your sign installing business, that way DOT will leave you alone, as its your company business vehicle and that way your not giving any indication your hauling freight on the side! if its a passenger van, I'd cover your side windows.

joelswork · Feb 8, 2011

So, should I have a USDOT#? I will be going through a lot of different states.

As for the putting graphics on this thing...um...well, it's ugly (92 E350 diesel extended van)

Do y'all know any companies that might hire a part time expediting fella from Mid Tennessee?

Brisco · Feb 8, 2011

joelswork said:
So, should I have a USDOT#? I will be going through a lot of different states.

As for the putting graphics on this thing...um...well, it's ugly (92 E350 diesel extended van)

Do y'all know any companies that might hire a part time expediting fella from Mid Tennessee?

My opinion......

You're in a 19 year old van running around the country doing little jobs here and there on your own. Just put the keys in it and go. Don't worry about the "for hire" rules and regs that most here have to abide by. State Troopers and Scalehouses are not out looking for you. There are probably thousands and thousands of guys just like yourself who drive from town to town doing odd jobs here and there in 10-20 year old vans also.

As far as "Part-Time" Expediting opportunities with a 19 year old van......Probably won't happen. So, just fill the tank, turn the key, and go.

limeymike · Feb 9, 2011

That's not a bad idea Brisco. When I was an IBMr, I drove all over the country in my own minivan hauling all kinds of stuff. They paid per mile but they didn't provide plates, permits, insurance, etc. It sounds the same as what you are going to be doing. You may be over thinking.

Brisco · Feb 10, 2011

limeymike said:
That's not a bad idea Brisco. When I was an IBMr, I drove all over the country in my own minivan hauling all kinds of stuff. They paid per mile but they didn't provide plates, permits, insurance, etc. It sounds the same as what you are going to be doing. You may be over thinking.

Yes, he is over-thinking it..............

Classic case of going to one of those "Ford Diesel Power" - "Duramax High Performance" - "Cummins Rocks" discussion boards first to seek advice on what it takes to run "OTR" legally. Advice from 99% of those members who think they know the rules and regs because "Hey, I drive a DIESEL truck too" is absolutely worthless.

I am probably one of the biggest "Cummins" fans/believers out there and used to participate on all the Cummins boards years ago. But, the advice given by amateurs on those boards when it came to running OTR caused me to form a hatred for those boards. Sure, I still read one Cummins board, DTR, but just ignore the ignorance shown on that board when it comes to auto hauling and hotshotting with 3500 Cummins trucks.