Trucking: Permits, hot shot buiness, motor carrier regulations

Question
QUESTION: Israel...need help with the following..been getting to many conflicting info...not sure what I really need.

First question:
Starting a hot shot buiness in Texas.
-truck GVWR of 11,400
-trailer GVWR of 7,000
-together total is 18,400
-will not exceed 26,001 lbs.
-no haz mat.
What permits am I require to have (ex..authority,usdot,txdot...etc)?

Second question:
Planning to go into New Mexico.
-truck with a GVWR of 6,400
-will not exceed 10,001 lbs.
-no haz mat.
What permits am I require to have?

Thank you.


ANSWER: Hi Roger,

1st question: Since the trailer's GVWR does not exceed 10,000 lbs., it will NOT require CDLs. The combination IS consider a commercial motor vehicle. CMVs begin at 10,001 lbs., single or combined. All rules that apply to a tractor trailer driver, applies to a CMV operator. You will have to run a logbook, keep driver files, DOT physical, roadside vehicle inspections, and so fourth. The only difference between you and a tractor trailer driver, is CDLs.

2nd question: I don't know New Mexico's state laws, but from a Federal stand point, this particular vehicle is NOT a CMV and does not require anything. Federal Regulations only apply to CMVs and vehicles hauling Hazmat.


I understand all about different stories. If you're still unsure, let me know. I can give you code sections from the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations book. If you have any other questions, just let me know.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: O.k..so if I hot shot in Texas only...with truck and trailer (gvwr 18,400) I will need txdot..usdot..ucr..authority...logbook...etc..right?

Do I need usdot if I stay in Texas?

What if I only run my truck in Texas...gvwr 11,400...will I still be consider a CMV and need the above.

One more question...what is "getting your own authority"..do I really need it with a hot shot business.

I'm brainstorming all my option...

Thank you for replying to my first email....looking forward to the second one...great info....Roger


Answer
Hi Roger,

I'm from Georgia, so I haven't been trained on Texas law. The Federal government develops regulations for highway safety. These regulation only apply to interstate travel, which means crossing state borders. Each state has to adopt the Federal regulations or create there own. So if you were to travel in Texas only (intrastate travel), Texas could have a different set of regulations. You can contact the Texas Motor Carrier Compliance office to find out.
Authority is having permission to operate for hire, it's a permit and it will have each state you plan to operate in. You have to pay to operate in each state you choose. Check out DOTAuthority.com. The US DOT # and TX DOT # is the same thing. DOTAuthority.com can help you with everything you need to start a hot shot business.


http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/lw/Publications/mcs9/cover.pdf

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/services/motor_carrier/registration.htm

http://www.dotauthority.com/home.htm

I hope this helps, I've included 2 Texas DOT web sites and the DOT Authority web site. If I can help with anything else, let me know. I don't mind.