Getting started in auto transport

delgadosr (4/5/2007)

ok folks you are starting to worry me just a bit.i have a new ram 3500 dulley and a 3 car hauler. i got this wild hair up there(you know were)i got my cdl and my portion plates and ifta. working on my us dot and mc #s but i need my insurances first(any help on finding the best rates would be greatly appreciated)i understand the logging and keeping track of things on the truck and at the home base.(being an auto tech for 30 years kids are grown and its time to breath the fresh air and get the heck out of the shop life)please dont tell me my truck is to weak. i hate to think that i spent all this money for weakness. my hole ideal behind the dulley was use it for 2 or 3 years then step up. also a question not about the truck but on the op-1 papers.i will be working for the public. not hired on by a company. is that a common carrier or a contract carrier.i am thinking a common carrier but not 100%.the forms for performing dot spection on my own trailer were can i get this i feel very strongly that i can perform this inspection my self and safe me some money.thanks guys and wish me luck if you would. done my life sentence in the shop and its time escape.

To answer your question about "common" vs "contract" carrier.....presently there is very little difference. You'll be required to have your insurance company file (MCS-9X) for both BIPD and cargo insurance before your common carrier numbers are activated. You can file only (BIPD) liability and get the contract carrier number activated, but you won't be authorised to haul for hire. That would allow you to haul only your own property interstate....no MC# and not for compensation. You can apply for a contract carrier number and MC# and file the BIPD and cargo insurance then you can haul for hire as a contract carrier. As to insurance, you can plug in mine or any other legal carriers DOT number in to the FMCSA website http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx and obtain a "licensing & insurance" report. There you can find the carrier's insurance company along with their address. As to forms, again go to the government FMCSA website http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/rules_search_results.asp and you should be able to find about all the forms you may need. You'll need to be certified to perform your own inspections and keep appropriate records of your certification in your file. The one thing many seem to lose sight of when they start out is that they now wear two different hats.......your a company owner responsible to keep the company legal and maintain the required records........and you're the driver. That is significant because you can be fined twice for the same infraction, one for the company and one for the driver. Since you're going to haul for hire I would suggest you file for common carrier authority. I hope this helps and if I can be of assistance just let me know...// Don

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