Weigh stations & personal goods

[GreatScout]

This may seem like an odd situation. I will be moving my personal goods cross country in a used truck that I purchased. It's a CDL vehicle, 26' 33k lbs GVW w/air brakes. I got my B lic. just for this, covered elsewhere in my first post in this website. It's bigger than I need, but I got what I think is a pretty good deal on it.

However, since I'm not driving for hire, do I need to stop at the weigh stations? I did this once before, in the early 80's (Yeah, nearly 30 years ago!!) , and the weigh station I did stop at, in Colorado, told me that I did not need to do so in the future.

Are there any regulations re fuel/road taxes I should be aware of?

Route will be PA thru OH, WV to Louisville KY, stopover, IN, IL, WI, Duluth MN.

 

[Doggie Daddy]

when in doubt,it's better to just go in.I know that some states have it posted on their signs that rental trucks must enter the scales.

 

[Crazynuff]

You may not have to worry about weigh stations but I'd be concerned with LEO's that don't understand what does and doesn't fall under FMCSA regulation . You're correct that you are exempt . In many states more trucks get checked on the road and at rest areas than at weigh stations . When going through IN be very careful of your speed , especially in construction zones . They really enforce that 45 m.p.h. where lights are flashing on signs .

 

[Dakota]

You may not have to worry about weigh stations but I'd be concerned with LEO's that don't understand what does and doesn't fall under FMCSA regulation . You're correct that you are exempt . In many states more trucks get checked on the road and at rest areas than at weigh stations . When going through IN be very careful of your speed , especially in construction zones . They really enforce that 45 m.p.h. where lights are flashing on signs .

Funny, I never have a problem in Indiana, but when in Kentucky they always stop me at the weigh stations

When I drove my Mom cross country in a Penske rental, I pulled through all the weigh stations. Got stopped once, don't really know what they were looking for since we had no logs etc. Just checked our licenses.

 

[GreatScout]

Thank each of you for your replies. I expect I'll pull in at least one station, just to make sure.

Re speed, this is going to be a low and slow drive, just to save on gas, since every drop is out of pocket. Reading the entries here on fuel economy pounded home the physics. Doubling velocity (Ok, acceleration, but what the hay) squares energy needed. Set the cruise at 60 or 62, and chug along. I'll keep the warning in mind about construction zones. They are cracking down in PA as well.

 

[Moot]

Scout, how are the brakes on that used truck? Duluth is a miniature San Francisco; complete with water features.

Velcome to Minnersoter, ya.

 

[greg334]

A truck you rent is different than a truck you own. You can get away with a truck you rent, playing dumb most of the time works and most scales don't care about the Uhaul type rental.

If you own it and you pull into the scale, they may make you sit there until you get the right insurance and the right numbers. If you visit Michigan, that is a commerical vehicle even with the Not For Hire stickers plastered all over the place unless you register it as an RV.

 

[GreatScout]

Scout, how are the brakes on that used truck? Duluth is a miniature San Francisco; complete with water features.

Velcome to Minnersoter, ya.

Ya tanks, been dere, Central on da hill class of 78 ya know, wintered over too coupla times mebbe you betcha. Bro's still dere, got hizzown place ya.

Mesabi aint too bad if'n you only go up ya know, and down in the winter it don't matter how good the brakes hold the tires from turnin. If you needs anyplace below Skyline drive, better go tru Two Harbors on the way down ya.....p

Re the stops, that's a good point. I have good commercial liability insurance on the truck, but am not carrying goods insurance. What "numbers" are you referring to, registration as commercial carrier? Your point seems to indicate not stopping, but driving by, might be better. Re registration, the truck currently has temp transit tags until it's in MN.

 

[greg334]

Here is a recommendation;

If you know what states you are traveling through, call their DOT offices and ask them directly. Every state has their own set of rules and they do not have to follow the feds. And remember that every officer also has their own set of rules, they are independent to make decisions at a moments notice. Get a name and put down when you talked to them, date and time ... and what you asked them and their response. CYA

Michigan would not normally do a thing about an under 26k truck with hydraulic brakes but like a tractor used for personal reasons, they will want to know more about why you have a 33k truck with air brakes. AND the fuel thing may be an issue in some states. I use Michigan as an example.

 

[Dakota]

Here is a recommendation;

If you know what states you are traveling through, call their DOT offices and ask them directly. Every state has their own set of rules and they do not have to follow the feds. And remember that every officer also has their own set of rules, they are independent to make decisions at a moments notice. Get a name and put down when you talked to them, date and time ... and what you asked them and their response. CYA

Michigan would not normally do a thing about an under 26k truck with hydraulic brakes but like a tractor used for personal reasons, they will want to know more about why you have a 33k truck with air brakes. AND the fuel thing may be an issue in some states. I use Michigan as an example.

If your under 26 can you go the car speed limit in Michigan? I've always wondered that. I know in Indiana you can

 

[cranis]

If you are under DOT authority, it is required to stop(thru scales.) It best to run log, and under, shipping, put personal belongings. In indiana on the turn pike you have to put in dot number for discount from fuel tax.

 

[greg334]

If your under 26 can you go the car speed limit in Michigan? I've always wondered that. I know in Indiana you can

No, you have to drive at truck speed because trucks are defined anything over 10k. This also includes hot shot pickups with trailers. I heard there may be an increase in ticket prices for speeding in this state.

 

[Dakota]

I heard there may be an increase in ticket prices for speeding in this state.

It wouldn't suprise me Michigan is going broke

 

[jdoug2007]

Which states are you driveing from and to and thru? Also, how did you go about getting an intransit tag? I am asking because I am going to move my 26K+ plus D unit, empty with a few household things in the box, from Gulfport, Ms to Jupiter, Fl. It is titled in La. and the La. DMV told me I have to purchase a Class B tag just to move the vehicle.

 

[GreatScout]

Here is a recommendation;

If you know what states you are traveling through, call their DOT offices and ask them directly. Every state has their own set of rules and they do not have to follow the feds. And remember that every officer also has their own set of rules, they are independent to make decisions at a moments notice. Get a name and put down when you talked to them, date and time ... and what you asked them and their response. CYA

Michigan would not normally do a thing about an under 26k truck with hydraulic brakes but like a tractor used for personal reasons, they will want to know more about why you have a 33k truck with air brakes. AND the fuel thing may be an issue in some states. I use Michigan as an example.

Excellent suggestion, thanks, I'll do that this morning after the government wakes up.

I am currently thinking the fuel thing will be a non-issue. I was worried about it for a while, but if I am not registered in any database as a commercial operator, pay cash for fuel just like a tourist including all taxes, there shouldn't be any handle for them to grab me for "fuel used" taxes. In any case, I've decided just to drive through and only pay them if they make demands.

JDoug, the states I'm travelling through are listed in the first post. Re transit tags, these are pretty standard but regulations may vary. If someone purchases a vehicle in a state they are not resident in, most states (all states I've ever purchased a vehicle in, so anecdotally, 100%) allow the owner to transport the vehicle back to his own home state without paying the sales tax in the purchase state, paying it in the home state when registering it there. BUT, you need residency, address, ID, etc... in your home state in order to get the transit tag.

 

[Kurn]

I would at the very least keep a log book,and note "Non commercial driving."

 

[Moot]

If you needs anyplace below Skyline drive, better go tru Two Harbors on the way down ya.....p

I used to pull pulp logs out of Two Harbors. Come through Duluth about 02:00 and run right through downtown skipping the truck route. Then I would read a magazine while chugging up the I-35 hill.

The city has done an excellent job of redeveloping the Canal Park area. I enjoy visiting; waiting for a ship to pass through, a margarita at Little Angies, and a meal at Grandma's. I do miss the old days; the combined smells of Jeno's, Superwood and fermenting grain.