QuestionI have a 1 ton truck and would like to put it to work. What are the requirements for cdl license. Would I need one for hauling fith wheel campers.
AnswerMy assumption is that your asking "what is required to legally transport 5th wheel trailers interstate for hire". If so, this may be a little more complex than you had anticipated. Don't be discouraged though, it sounds a lot tougher than it really will be.
First to answer the question about CDL. States issue CDLs and the federal requirements they must meet are as follows.......Whether you'll really need one or not depends on the GVWR of the truck and the GVWR of the trailers you might transport. You will need a driver's physical even if you do not happen to need a CDL.
You need a CDL if you operate a:
(A) Combination vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR/CGVWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. Some states require a CDL if the GVWR of the trailer is 10,000 lbs or more regardless of the GVWR of the power unit.
(B) Single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds.
(C) Vehicle transporting 16 or more persons (including the driver).
(D) Vehicle of any size carrying hazardous materials in quantities large enough to require placards.
But the CDL is only the beginning of what you'll require if you transport interstate for compensation. To operate legally under your own company, (i.e. not leased to run under another company's authority) You'll need to have a US DOT number assigned (free and you can do it on line) and an MC number referred to as "AUTHORITY, which is basically your federal license to operate as an interstate motor carrier. Both can be obtained by logging on to the FMCSA website and completing the applications on line. There is a $300 charge for the MC# assignment and it can be paid by credit card. You can also obtain the forms and submit hard copy applications. Additionally, before the numbers are activated you'll have to meet the financial responsibility requirements, usually done by obtaining the minimum required commercial insurance. For your 1 ton, you'll need $750,000 BIPD (Bodily Injury-Property Damage) liability and $10,000 ($5K + $5K) cargo insurance to register as a common carrier. Your insurance company must do those filings. They are as follows...
BMC-91X Filing
A BMC-91X filing is a document submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Like a BMC-91 filing, it guarantees the FMCSA that you have enough Liability insurance to cover the increased risk of transporting goods or people across state lines.
A BMC-91X filing is required when your insurance is provided by multiple companies instead of just one.
Form MCS-90
An MCS-90 filing is an endorsement that must be attached to Liability insurance and Cargo Liability insurance policies. An MCS-90 is not filed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The BMC-91 or BMC-91X filing is submitted to the FMCSA as proof that the MCS-90 endorsement has been properly completed.
You'll also need a "Process Server" to file a BOC-3. Essentially, a process server is a person in each state where you operate that can be served official papers in the event of actions taken against your company. That usually costs about $50 to $75 and is a one time cost unless you change servers. The process server company will register all the servers for you.
If you stay below the magic 26,000 lbs threshold and don't require a CDL for one of the other reasons, you'll need to register under UCR, about $40 a year and can be done on line also. If you are in CDL land you'll also have to have a drug screening and testing program. The best way I've found for that is to join a consortium for about $100 a year. OOIDA, as well as many others have programs that satisfy the requirements. If you go over the 26,000 lbs threshold you'll likely need to have apportioned plates and file IFTA fuel tax reports.
There may be some other state specific filings necessary, but I don't know your state requirements at this time.
There are a few other less significant hoops to jump through, if you want to do this legally, but none are insurmountable or too expensive.
I doubt if this is what you wanted to hear, but I have to tell it like it is. I recommend the first thing to do is get insurance quotes and offers because that will be the single biggest initial expenditure besides your truck. If you opt to do this as an Owner-Operator, you'll be in the same category as any other motor carrier or trucking company. There are alternatives such as leasing on with a transport company and running under their authority and insurance. To mention one, Star Fleet, a major Travel Trailer/RV transporter out of Indiana is among several companies that may be something you'll want to investigate too.
I hope this helped some and please feel free to ask any additional questions you may have. I'll gladly help step you through the process if you elect to become a motor carrier....and that's what is required if you transport for hire across state lines on your own.
Good luck // Don
SEMO Motor Transport Service
