QuestionI need to get legal to do some small load hot shots. 3/4 ton truck no trailer no hazmat light weight 600 mile radius of Marshall, TX sometimes in neighboring states sometimes in Texas only. What am I required to have ? Do I cross scales, keep log book, physical, anything from DOT, ICC,MCC numbers just to name a few ? Thanks
AnswerHi Roger.... Thank you for the question.
What you'll need to be legal in interstate commerce is dependent on some information that you did not provide. First of all, FMCSA only regulates motor carriers operating Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) in interstate commerce. Assuming no transporting of passengers or HazMat in placardable amounts, a CMV is defined as a vehicle or combination of vehicles with a GVWR or CGVWR of greater than 10,000 lbs. So if your 3/4 ton has a GVWR of less than 10,000 lbs (most 3/4 ton are around 8,500), you would not be subject to FMCSA regulations therefore wouldn't be required to have a US DOT and MC# (motor carrier authority). If that is the situation, you wouldn't be mandated to comply with the Hours of Service (logbook), physical, and you wouldn't have to be registered as a motor carrier with FMCSA...no DOT, MC numbers.
However, if your truck has a GVWR of over 10,000 lbs or if you tow a trailer and the combined GVWR is 10,001 lbs or greater; or if you transport passengers; or if you haul HazMat, everything changes and you'll be subject to the full spectrum of FMCSA regulations.
Scales and weigh stations are operated by each state and under each state's particular regulations. Most states would not require you to cross the scales if you're below 10,000 lbs, but in some cases they may. The best recommendation I can offer is to watch the signs for each state you're traveling in and abide by their instructions.
I hope this helps and if you have any further questions please feel free to ask.
Thanks again for the question.
....Don
