uShip Forum / The Truck Stop / Rules of the Road

Who is required to have a CDL?

1MeanDog — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:02:12 GMT

Okay boys and girls....What's your answer?

fire extinguisher

BBLTransport — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:31:25 GMT

Hey everyone, looking for advice on where is the best place to mount the fire extinguisher. Does it have to mounted inside or outside the truck? How bout the labeling? Drive 2006 2500 turbo deisel Quad cab 4x4. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks and Best regards. Bill at BBL Transport.

What kind of Drivers License is needed for Large Rental Trucks hauling your own property

1MeanDog — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:58:54 GMT

The scenario is an individual rents a Penske truck and car hauler trailer to move their own personal effects from Arizona to Florida. The truck is a 26' box truck rated 25,500 lbs. GVWR and the trailer is rated at 6,500 GVWR. The truck will contain approximately 7,000 lbs. household goods and other personally owned items. The scale weight of the truck will be approximately 18,000 lbs. total. The trailer will be hauling a 4,200 lbs. private vehicle owned by the truck driver. Will the driver be required to have a CDL and if so, what regulations apply?

DOT REG

marineexpress — Sun, 18 May 2008 14:54:51 GMT

LET'S MAKE THIS SIMPLE FOR NON COMPLIANT TSP'S. IF YOU ARE A PRIVATE CARRIER OR HAULING EXEMPT COMMIDITES AND ARE UNDER 10,001 POUNDS YOU DO NOT NEED A DOT#. IF YOU GO OVER 10,000 POUNDS YOU NEED IT, BUT YOU DO NOT NEED A MC# . IF YOU ARE HAULING FOR HIRE, WHICH ABOUT COVERS EVERY THING THAT YOU CAN HAUL IN THE FEDERAL LIST AND CROSSING A STATE LINE YOU NEED A MC# NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE DRIVING. IN ORDER TO GET A MC# YOU MUST ALSO HAVE A DOT# . DO NOT CONFUSE THE 10,000 LBS FOR DOT WITH MC#. SO TO MAKE THIS SHORT AND SIMPLE IF YOU ARE HAULING FOR HIRE AND RECEIVING COMPENSATION YOU MUST HAVE BOTH DOT AND MC# TO BE IN COMPLIANT WITH FED REGS.

Cargo insurance only? Any help....NEWB here...

stunya — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:47:12 GMT

All have a brand new F350 that I use to tow my two favorite toys (CJ-7 and snowmobile). Got turned on to USHIP by a friend who said that I might want to look into this. Here is my question:

I have a 18 ft one car open trailer (that i use for above toys). I would like to do some shipments for locals on USHIP up here in New England. Obviously, i have insurance on the truck, but it is personal insurance and I wasnt immediately planning on starting a small business. Is there a way to get Cargo only insurance for like say only $20K. IE ill take a few motorcycles 200 miles, or maybe a banged up jeep, but want no part in a porsche or a corvette.

Is this even legal? Do i have to go commercial, get commercial plates, and get independant trucking insurance? Obviously if that is the case, this isnt worth my while. Can i bid on uship jobs without insurance (if i openly state it)?

I probably have a million more questions, really just a hobby as i have quite a full plate with my regular job. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks...

Self admission to NOT having credentials?

VeteransTransport — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 11:07:39 GMT

Mickey,

Here is another post from a self admission NOT to having the required credentials IAW U-Ship rules etc. I had to retype this one, for it was in the bid details of a posting and therefore I could NOT copy/paste it. I type it exactly as was.

Hello Shipper, I am Jim. I will be headed home to St Pete next week. I am here in Texas on my business buying and selling Boats and Real Estate. I will do this for you to help out my Gas exp. You can get extra insur if you would like to. I am not a Regist Professional like some of these guys and new to Uship. But, the folks that I have helped liked my honesty and skills. The meid to end of next week for pick up if that is OK...Nice Boat!

WHY CAN WE NOT FLAG THESE POSTINGS THAT ARE A SELF ADMISSION OF "NOT" BEING IN COMPLIANCE WITH U-SHIP RULES, DOT & FMCSA LAWS? Then have them/their accounts revoked?

screening of tsps

fearless1 — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 23:15:57 GMT

what do you think

Would you let any of these haul your Ferrari?

WhiteLightning — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:38:09 GMT

2008 Ferrari F430 convertible Cars & Light Trucks		8	Redwood City, CA	Huntington Beach, CA	407

No offense to U-ship, but would you offer up your 2008 Ferrari to be shipped through this website?

Check out the bidders on this one... NOT A SINGLE ONE LEGAL!!

Does IFTA significantly affect the bottom line?

jmd — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 20:20:05 GMT

Allright, I am a longtime class "A" CDL driver trying to crunch the numbers to start hauling autos. My buddy is doing it with a 1 ton dually, and a 50 ft wedge trailer. I've read most of the posts I can find and I believe that using a Fl60 is a better way to go (for me.) I don't mind running through the weighstations, or the other things I need to do to stay legal and sleep at night. I just can't figure out, or find the info needed, to quantify the fuel tax apportionment into my business plan. My buddy thinks I'm nuts for not running a dually pickup and avoiding the scales and over 26k apportionment thing. I'm amazed at the help you all are willing to give and would appreciate any knowledgable input.

Thanks in advance! J.M.

FMCSA Driver Qualification Requirements and Other

transport12 — Mon, 19 May 2008 19:35:09 GMT

Hi Im new here and trying to figure out the proper way to do everything. Any advice would be great. I've already applied for DOT & MC NUMBERS, All of my paperwork is done just awaiting to become active.
What I'm unsure about is some of the paper work I have heard of that I need to have done before my audit (oh boy) and monthly or what not [Ermm] .

I had someone call me from Foley Services trying to sell me a bunch of stuff and I need to know what I need and what I don't need, as this is a very expensive business to start and I don't want to spend more than I have to.

I'm NOT Cdl because I will be Under 26,000 pounds. This is something that my fiancées and I will be starting together but she will not be driving, however the business is registered in her name on our DBA and everything under the FMCSA is under mine. I was told I need the following:

A DOT Physical (Required even though not cdl?
A pre-employment Drug test (Do i need this even though not cdl?)
Driver Quailfication Pack
Initial Screening Pack
Background Check
Driving Record and So Forth. Can anyone Please Please tell me what all paper work I need to have for my Audit as I really want to pass this thing. NC says I don't need a log book but it wouldn't hurt to keep one, and thats no problem my truck does have a sleeper on it.

Anyways can you tell me what paper work I may need and if its easier for another company to take care of this if so do you know one or is it not as complicated as it sounds. Also if I should do it my self where should I find the forms? Just trying to be legal begal! Thanks for any info, it seems as if everyone I call doesn't really know because there is such a fine line between cdl and hot-shots!!

Another Question I havent drove for anyone in the past 3 yrs, as before that I was working for my dads construction company, so what do i need to do about that? Also how do i get the forms of my driving record? And what about a road test? How does all of this apply to me if im not cdl? Please help and tell me what I need to do? Thanks so much

Intrastate California Auto Transport Help

WhiteLightning — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:46:34 GMT

Anyone out there want to chat with me and give me a few pointers on helping someone start a small auto transport company in California.

I have the freight for him, but I don't want to lease him on as an owner/operator. It would all be intrastate in California. The truck and trailer would be a 1-ton truck, and a wedge 3/4 car hauler. GVWR less than 26,000, licensed for 34,000 in tonnage.

As a sole proprietor, he doesnt need a business license, just to register his trade name, if it's different than his own. I also have read that he needs a MC number through CHiP. I am assuming he doesnt need a DOT number though, since he is Intrastate, and California doesnt require it.

I have also read something about an Occupational License through the DMV. From what I read it applies to Auto Transport, but doesnt seem right. They require background check and fingerprints, plus a 120 day processing window?? Is this right?

Things in Cali are sure different than WA, so any help would be appreciated.

Driving my stuff south/ empty on return

brushwoodnursery — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 07:43:02 GMT

I've used uship happily as a shipper in the past and will still list when it's time to move my big stuff south. Meanwhile, I have a light trailer for personal items and smaller nursery equipment. I'll be carrying loads south from Eastern PA to GA regularly over the next 2 years. Probably 4-6 times each year. It's an enclosed 6x12 set up for motorcycles and cargo. 2995lbs. I use an SUV. My total gross will be under 7000lbs.
So, the darn thing will be empty on every trip north. I'd love to help cover some of the costs but I have no interest in taking chances with lawyers and the law. What would I need to do it legally and what would you suggest beyond that as a good idea?

Indiana I-64 headaches

kydriver — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:01:51 GMT

I-64 Eastbound and Westbound will be 1 lane with a 45 m.p.h. speed limit from the 92mm to the 105 mm with a 45 m.p.h. speed limit while the Eastbound lanes are being rebuilt . I don't even want to think about somebody wrecking or breaking down in that 1 lane stretch . No shoulders - jersey barrier on the left and right shoulder used as a traffic lane when Eastbound is shifted to Westbound . Indiana added unmarked Mustangs for enforcement . I saw a maroon one at the 85 mm Saturday . http://www.themustangnews.com/fomoco_08/st-0508indiana116.htm . An Indiana driver told me these cars were assigned to troopers with reputations for writing the most tickets . If you are stopped in Indiana they will always ask for your log book .

Towing

wepackandship — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:29:44 GMT

Hi everyone, new here but doing it right. MC & DOT #s have been assigned, and insurance just kicked in, so I should be fully compliant in a week or two.

My question regards towing other peoples property: If someone hires me to trailer an unregistered motor vehicle, do I need anything other than a signed bill of lading?

Thanks, Scott

Where's the DOT ?

kydriver — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 17:29:09 GMT

I thought they were having one of those 72 hour blitzes . I left Carrolton KY on the 3rd at 8:00 a.m. and ran up I-75 through Ohio and Michigan to the Flying J in London , Ontario and all the coops were closed . Started 5:30 a.m. the 4th , ran across the 401 to the 400 in Toronto , delivered in Bradford then back to the J in London . Passed 5 coops -all closed although a few obviously had closed within the past 1/2 hour because they were still inspecting trucks they had pulled around .

NC Farm tag question

oldflyingfarmer — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:47:11 GMT

With a NC vehicle (dually pick-up) with farm tags and pulling a trailer, is the driver required to have class A license? It is licensed for less than 26000#. Most farmers pull trailers with no trouble running regular driver license with no problem as long as the truck has farm tags.

Can someone explain the law on this and possibly point me to it?

Thanks for a great site. I was searching for this answer and found this forum.

Dot# only over 10,001 lbs.

ishipitfast — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:30:58 GMT

Hello, Please verify what Im reading on www.permitsplus.com (Us dot and interstate authority) If I read this correctly even if Im a commercial driver, as long as single or combined unit(s) are under 10,001 lbs. Dot# is not needed. So if Im only transporting cars from state to state no # is needed. Correct? TY MJ

NY HUT required when weight over 18,000 lbs.

kydriver — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 17:44:26 GMT

Don't be caught off guard on this http://www.authoritiesdirect.com/nyhut.htm
This goes back before CDL times when many states classified a Class B CMV as a vehicle over 16,000 lbs .

Pickup Truck Insurance... Where?

enRouteAssistance — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:23:57 GMT

I've been going round & round with with insurance for almost 3 weeks now, and have little or nothing to show for it. I've called all the Trucking-insurers (independant or otherwise) I can find. So far none of them have been able to offer me either Primary or Cargo quotes for a heavy-duty pickup + 1auto trailer. I've gotten a couple quotes from the typical insurance companies like Progressive, at around $6,000+, but that doesn't cover Cargo.

So is it typical to have a simple Commercial Auto policy, and get Cargo somewhere else? Or is there a company out there that can quote Primary AND Cargo for a pickup+trailer? and if so, please let me know!

Oh, this might be a silly question, and I'm pretty sure I already know the obvious answer, but I'd like a difinitive answers to it - Would a Personal Auto policy with $300,000 Bodily Injury & Property Damage meet the DOT / MC requirements (except cargo)?

(again I'm expecting an astoundingly blunt "NO"... but I'm curious :hehe

Thanks! - Mike.

Which states require CDL A for over 10000# gvwr and 40' trailers

FVRR — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 01:40:27 GMT

Does anyone know which states require cdl a for over 10K? I'm based in CA and bought a 3 car trailer but havn't gotten it home yet because I don't yet have my cdl a. I'm going to blame it on (a d d) but really. I eventually will get it but don't want to leave the trailer in AL for too much longer. I can store that trailer in NV and run it out of there if I have to but if anyone knows if their state requires the A please post which state and yes or no. Thanks

Bobtailing

PassinThru — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:05:04 GMT

There are some rules governing running ety after you deliver a boat or trailer. First you need in writing that your insurer covers bobtailing, 2nd You MUST log ety miles if you have DOT #S. My baby bro drives bigtruck and he says hes seen alot of them get pulled in and it's a $275 fine. Log EVERY mile. Passin Thru

Clarification of needs and regs for a horse farm in NJ

96PSD — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 23:28:36 GMT

My future father in law operates a horsefarm in NJ that breeds and boards horses. He sometimes contracts For Hire haulers to haul large quantities of horses, but other times he takes smaller quantities himself. Right now he operates a Ram 2500 SRW truck with a gooseneck horse trailer for I think 4-6 horses. He has "Farmer" plates, no signage on the truck. Travels around NJ and into Harrisburg, PA and NY for horse sales. Some of the horses are his and others are clients that board horses on his farm and I believe are considered consignments.

So he has a farm logo that he would like to put on his pickup and trailers. I know this is probably going to raise a red flag with the DOT especially at state lines. He is obviously over 10,001k GVCWR, but under 26,001. My interpretation of all the FMCA and DOT stuff I could put my hands on says this to me.

1. File for a DOT#

2. Does not need a CDL, but needs a medical card, fire extinguisher, triangles. log book, driving records on file of any drivers including himself.

3. Have IRP exempt document in hand for travel into PA. A NJ/PA thing

4. Apply for UCR because of NY. My understanding is PA may join by the end of 2008.

Does he need a MC# and what impact does "Not for Hire" do? He and I have seen some farmers with it on their trucks and others that don't in NJ.

Am I missing anything else?

Thanks

John in Jersey

Warning about CrewCab Sleepers

kydriver — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 17:16:35 GMT

The Canadian manufacturer of these sleepers falsely advertises them as being DOT compliant . However , if you contact the manufacturer http:/crewcabsleeper.com and outright ask them if the conversion fully meets the 24" height requirement they will admit it does not but will tell you "most" inspectors will accept it . "Most " is not all . Many inspectors will probably let it slide figuring the drivers are trying to be compliant . However , some people don't have the sense to realize just who may be reading truck forums . Some FMCSA officials drive diesel pickups and belong to diesel forums also . Last year a member of a forum showed pictures of his CrewCab Sleeper . Other members questioned the legality of it . This member (and others since ) bragged if they got a ticket they would win in court and laugh in the officer's face . Well , this member had his sleeper measured by an FMCSA official and here is the result . http://www.cvsa.org/issuerequestsapp/issue_info.cfm?issueid=438&displayOnly=1 . CVSA members will recognize these sleepers on sight and having one will be an invitation to be called in for a log book check . If you have any doubts and know someone that has one check the measurements on it and see how much of the 24x24x75 requirements are met .

Shipping of firearms

jonestwworks — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:09:16 GMT

Can anyone tell me any rules and regulations concerning the shipping of firearms across the country. I was unable to find anything on the Uship website.

Thanks.

GETTING STARTED BUT DONT HAVE A CREDIT CARD

THESILVERBULLETEXPRESS — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:15:38 GMT

I AM DEFINATLY INTERESTED IN GETTING STARTED BUT I DO NOT HAVE A CREDIT CARD IS THERE ANOTHER WAY?

Only $50,000 Insurance???

gsxspeed21 — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:13:08 GMT

Hello
i am looking to get into the transportation business but right now i only have a little truck and a little trailer and i want to be able to transport little things like house hold goods and maybe one car at a time. But i dont want to do it illegally because i would just get to paranoid. So i was wondering how people Only have $50,000 worth of insurance and are allowed to travel in and out of state with no problems? Because i thought that if you travel in and out of state you have to have a MC# and have to pay $600-$850 a month for insurance coverage of $750,000+
Please let me know the secrete so i can do the small stuff to save up for a 5 car hauler and CDL'S .
Thank you
brandon

NOW you're almost legal

PassinThru — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:38:21 GMT

You cannot run a radar detector in a commercial vehicle and Police and Weigh stations have radar detector detectors, specifically in MD so throw the thing in your pocket.

IFTA

FVRR — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 21:20:09 GMT

OK, I have decided to get a bigger trailer and not a bigger power unit at this time. Since I can't find insurance to go outside the 500 mile radius for goose neck I was planning on just running inside California with my wedge trailer @21K and my 2 car bumper pull @14K outside. I will still need to get appropriated plates but am I going to need to get the ifta paperwork set up if just running the higher weight in 1 state?? And for the weight sticker, can I just go with gvw or do I need to go with gvwr as I will NEVER be at the GVWR weight. I will always be under 30K with the bigger trailer and the difference in sticker price is $300 from 30K to 35K. DMV says they can't tell me what to weigh in at I have to tell them.....

Q for Don @ SEMO

PassinThru — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:15:48 GMT

Don, Do they expect you to send all the records of test's and & inspection or just hold in file until the Safety Audit? Thanks, Pasin Thru

Oversize Permits

TrueNorth — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:50:10 GMT

When moving a boat that's overwidth (11.5-ft) with a 1-ton, do you run the amber lights (on front of truck and rear of load) and Wide Load signs? I was reading on the Illinois web site and it says all overwidth permitted loads must do so.

Thought I would ask for future reference.

Rick

RUN SAFE. RUN LEGAL.

10,001 vs 26.001

jag0905 — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:18:49 GMT

I got pulled over a few months ago south of st louis on I-44. I was driving a rental penske box truck and a small trailer. when dot weighed me i was around 24,565 in combination. Lucky for me i have a cdl and had a log book. the problem was the truck was rented to a company and not to me. so they knew i was getting paid. Mo. Dot told me that i was lucky i had a cor i would still be there. If you are getting paid to drive in any way and in combonation of 10.001 you need a cdl. I also beleive that is for the 48 states. if you are pulling your own trailer and cars registered in your name (personal cars and you can prove it) You are good to 26.000. Lets see where this one gets me........ John

independant contractor with a van

wynona — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:29:51 GMT

I have been working as an independant contractor for a courier service.I want to start providing service here on uship and doing alot more work .I have 300,000 ins and dot health card but i dont know if i need any type of mc or dot number.I think the problem i am having in reserching exactly what i need is i dont know how to classify myself.I have no interest in hauling cars or horses or anything that needs a trailer ,just van or car work and a truck with liftgate in the future.I just really want to be sure i am covered before i bid on any job.I do have cargo ins also.I want to be able to go to any of the lower 48 states and be in compliance with any laws.So if anyone has any sugestions i would appreciate the imput.thanks

Just Turn Wheel And Shift Gear

SWT — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:16:05 GMT

This is more entertaining than watching the soaps... with - out the T and A.on any given day you will get a different awnswer.bla bla bla.25 years of CDL driving... and still learning.just drive-deliver-and go home.[you have to feed the dog]! oh ya try to make some $$ with u-ship.also enjoy the cccoooolllddd winter june is just around the corner.Well enough typing under my palm tree. have to go turn wheel and shift gear..74deg. today GREAT TO BE HOME! S.W.T WE GONE!

Newbie question

Dickster — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:05:16 GMT

Don't panic, setting up as private carrier only, not for hire

Got my DOT # >> Don't need MC auth

Do you have to be visited and approved by inspector while in trial audit>> before you go in service?

Do you still have to file BOC [bipd] if not getting MC?

Couldn't find a good reference on fmcsa or safer.

Truck is 1000 miles from me and was told there was no grace period to transport new purchase> makes it a little tough to meet lettering/decal requirements

Thanks, Dick

Hours-of-Service

TrueNorth — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:15:23 GMT

For all those wondering what's going to happen at the end of the month, here is the latest news posted in the Federal Register.

Click here: FR Doc E7-24238

how to find my old driver from az?

outsideartist — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:43:36 GMT

where in the world is dennis sykes?

he was a jolly driver

he came to my home on Catherdral rock drive in 2004

his brother came in his other company truck,they were gone in a flash...

'I then had 2 other portions come and go

he was the only one that did a good job,I want to ask him something

where in the world is

"dennis sykes"

What needs be done to go into Canada with a load?

KayLogistics — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:37:16 GMT

Can anyone tell me what needs done paperwork wise to go into and come back out of Canada with a load. Does the new agreement between Canada, Mexico and the US help in this process any?

Thanks Kay Logistics

UNIFIED CARRIER REGISTRATION (UCR)

1MeanDog — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:19:03 GMT

I'm going to post a couple of websites for information about FMCSA's newest way to get your $$$$..It is about $39 for most of us. I'm talking about the repalcement for SSRS, UCR is here, but it is actually less $$$ than the SSRS cost in the past. I suspect some of you are getting letters from your state about registering. I've already registered but I probably screwed up by doing it too early. Check out these websites for more information or to register.
http://www.occ.state.ok.us/Divisions/TR/UCR/UCR%20Q%20&%20A.htm
http://www.ucr.in.gov/

Auxillary Tanks for Trucks

Lansidec — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:23:41 GMT

Does anyone know the laws on auxillary tanks? Are they illegal in all applications?

Help, want to get complient but dont know where to start

BlackSheepTrucking — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 22:32:33 GMT

Are there any opportunities to for a newby who wants to be complient but lacking the capitol to do so?

I originally got my truck to use for my home improvements business but since thats slow I found myself here just trying to keep food on the table.

I always imagined it was as simple as getting a truck, insuring it, and driving, but since I've been here I learned through reading forums that theres alot more to it than that. I especially am not trying to get stomped on by the DOTS while attempting to make an honest buck.

Are there any opportunities to attach myself to another TSP's authority like an apprentice? Or maybe a company or organization that shares the costs to lessen the damage to the pocket when starting??

My truck is in fantastic condition, I rebuilt and refurbed everything on it from the front bumper to the lift gate personally. In addition to that I'm not new to driving. Started driving trucks like mine and bigger in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and New Jersey! (hows dat for a break in) lol.

With that being said I would only be an asset to anybody who wanted to take me on if I couldnt find a way to get my own authority.

Any Suggestions on the most economical way of getting this done??

Thanx in advance.

BlackSheep.