Trucking: Hot Shot Trucking, vehicle safety inspection, gross vehicle weight

Question
Hey, I was just wondering. I plan on starting to run a hot shot rig in the state of Kansas. With in 3 months and I will be 18 next month. I will be using a '97 Dodge Ram 1 ton V-10 dually and a 39 foot flat bed goose neck trailer and I was wondering what I needed to start.

Answer
Okay first and foremost, if your trailer GVWR is less than 10,001 lbs., you will NOT need a CDL license. If your trailer is 10,001 lbs. or more, BUT the truck GVWR and the trailer GVWR combined is less than 26,001 lbs., you will NOT need a CDL license. If your trailer is 10,001 lbs. or more, AND the truck GVWR and the trailer GVWR combined is 26,001 lbs or more, you will NEED a class A CDL license to operate the combination vehicle. I'm from GA so I'm not familiar with KS State law. Federal law will not allow you to possess a CDL to age 21, but KS State law may allow a CDL to operate within the state.  GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)

Whether you need CDLs or not, your vehicle is a Commercial Motor Vehicle if the truck is 10,001 lbs. or more. If your truck is a CMV this is what you'll need: You can find these parts at the FMCSA Regulation home page (www.fmcsa.dot.gov)


*Part 391: Qualifications of Drivers
*annual vehicle safety inspection
*DOT # & company name on truck
*Part 395: Hours of Service (requires running a log book)
*Part 393: Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation
(subject to roadside safety inspection)

For DOT # and Authority Go to www.DOTAuthority.com and they can help you with that part.

I know this is a lot and not know exactly what equipment you have, I tried to cover everything. I hope this answers you question. If you need me to further explain any part just shoot me another question.