Trucking: Tring to get started, fmcsa regulations, trucking website

Question
I am a 30 year old man trying to get started in doing hot shot I have just bought a 2008 dodge 3500 but i do not have a trailer is there anything i can do with out a trailer i am in dallas texas

Answer
Hi Bryan and thanks for the question....

The short answer to your question is "yes".  An area that you might want to examine is towing other people's trailers.  This can include towing boats on trailers, relocation of purchased or sold trailers, and hauling ATVs and motor cycles.  You may also consider transporting travel trailers, 5th wheel RVs, and other camper trailers.  Another thing to explore is delivering trailers from some of the many trailer manufacturers in your vicinity... i.e. Big Tex & others.


However, a word of caution, if you use your truck to transport interstate (across any state line) for hire, you'll be subject to US DOT/FMCSA regulation as a motor carrier.  To do this legally, you must have your own operating authority or be leased to a company and run under their authority.  If you are not leased to a company with authority, you would be required to obtain a US DOT number (no charge) & Motor Carrier Authority (MC#) and the fee for that is $300.00.  Both can be obtained by registering on line at the FMCSA website http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online-registration/onlineregdes...

There are numerous other requirements that you would have to satisfy including the commercial carrier insurance minimums, which are generally much more than private/personal use insurance.

I'm certainly not trying to discourage you, but if your intention would be to legally transport for hire interstate, it is quite a complex operation and you would need become knowledgeable about many of relevant subjects including the FMCSA regulations.

I do have an abbreviated check list or guide published on the "Stop Illegal Trucking" website.  I would suggest you go to that website http://www.stopillegaltrucking.com/ and proceed on to the forum where a lot of helpful information is posted and another place where you can ask questions.  In the "Stop Illegal Trucking" forum, under the thread "GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS IN THE TRUCKING INDUSTRY" and sub thread of "BEGINNERS GUIDE & TIPS" you'll find the guide I mentioned above.

I hope this helps a little and please feel free to ask any other specific questions you may have.

Thanks again....
...Don