QuestionQUESTION: i was wondering since i am thinking about starting a hot shot service in montana to haul things for the drilling rigs to Wyoming and where ever, how would i go about getting started and how much should i charge also do i need to keep a log book on everything since i have a class A CDL? I have to agree i am full of questions and the only dumb one is the one that is not asked.. thanks for your time and response..
ANSWER: Hello B.S.,
Let me make one thing clear first. No matter what setup you use, you will be operating a commercial motor vehicle. You will be required to follow all the regulation that a trucking company and a driver with CDLs would. A CMV begins at 10,001 lbs. The configuration of the truck has no bearing on whether or not it requires CDLs, only the GVWRs.
Part 390.5 Definitions Commercial motor vehicle means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property.
A commercial motor vehicle requires: annual vehicle safety inspection (*Part 396.17 Periodic inspection), DOT #, Company name, and is subject to roadside safety inspection (*Part 393: Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation)
As a driver and company owner, you are responsible for ALL driver qualifications (*Part 391: Qualifications of Drivers), requires running a log book (*Part 395: Hours of Service)
A driver of a CMV has to follow all requirements like a driver with CDLs.
390.21 Marking of CMVs: Must have company name and DOT # on the truck.
Interstate means crossing state lines.
Intrastate means moving product within 1 state.
You can find these regulation Parts at the FMCSA Regulation home page (www.fmcsa.dot.gov)
The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is listed in the driver's door of the truck and the trailer will have the GVWR listed on the data plate. The GVWR is not the actual weight of the vehicle, but how much weight the vehicle can handle.
As long as your trailer GVWR does NOT exceed 10,000 lbs. and your truck GVWR does NOT exceed 26,000 lbs., you will NOT be required to have a CDL.
Example 1: truck GVWR 26,000 lbs + trailer GVWR 10,000 lbs. = GCWR 36,000 lbs. NO CDL
Example 2: truck GVWR 16,000 lbs + trailer GVWR 10,001 lbs. = GCWR 26,001 lbs. CDL REQUIRED (Class A)
Example 3: truck GVWR 26,001 lbs + trailer GVWR 10,000 lbs. = GCWR 36,001 lbs. CDL REQUIRED (Class B)
Take notice of the 1 lb. added to examples 2 & 3. That 1 lb. makes all the difference. Class B license begins at 26,001 lbs. for the truck. If the trailer is 10,001 lbs. or more and the combination of the 2 together are 26,001 lbs. or more, then a Class A license is required. You will notice in example 1 a gross combination weight rating of 36,000 lbs., the truck falls 1 lb. short of a Class B and the trailer falls 1 lb. short of a Class A. NO CDLs required for this operation and is the maximum weight you can get by with without CDLs. I can back up my answers with code sections out of the Federal Regulations if I need to. I understand how easy it is to get different answers, but I can prove it if I need to.
I recommend pulling a wedge trailer, you can haul cars, boats, and small cargo trailers. That would give you a better chance to get a load. The easiest way to start is lease on with a company first and learn from them. Check out BakerTransport.com, they lease on hot shots. Also www.dotauthority.com can help you with permits, DOT #, and operating authority if you decide to drive on your own.
I hope this answers your question. If you need me to clear up anything you might not understand or just ask a whole new question, feel free to shoot me another line. I don't believe in stupid questions, I figure if you knew the answer you wouldn't have asked the question.
God Bless, Israel
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I realize about the DOT standards, I have a Class A CDL right now. is there any way to get grants for help on getting started, and how long do you lease onto a company for before going on your own?? there is one company here close that does alot of the work for the Oil Rigs here, and that is the field that i was looking to get into, how do i go about starting that, or should i say who do i talk to and what would i say to them? thanks for everything Israel..
AnswerHi B.S.
My knowledge is limited on the business side. The length of time leased on to a company depends on how long it takes you to learn what you need to learn. A lease usually don't bind you with a certain length of time you must be with the company. If you want to start out on your own, go to the folks that operate the oil fields and just ask questions. I don't know of any grants, but you could check on small business loans. There is one person that has started a company that can help you get your business off the ground. Go to www.dotauthoriy.com
I hope this helps, Israel
