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Hi, I'm hoping someone will be able to help me out. I am potentially driving a box truck from New York to Seattle. I'll be driving for-hire. My question is regarding DOT requirements of this kind of job.
I have been driving trucks in NYC for almost 9 years now, but it has always been basically in-city and freelance. Which is to say, I don't have a CDL (never was required) nor do I have a health certificate. Believe it or not, I have never had to go through a weigh station.
I figure if I do this Seattle job, I'll have to stop at weigh stations, as I'll be running as a commercial operator. Other than weighing the truck, what other issues arise at weigh stations? Do I need to look into getting a health certificate?
Basically, what can I expect when I pull into the weight station?
Also, if I have a partner, will he have requirements as well?
If you and your partner are operating a for-hire trucking company, you should already have applied for and obtained your U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and federal motor carrier (MC#) numbers based on the type of intrastate or interstate operating authority you applied for.
If you do not have authority and the required insurance, not only will you be subject to both state and federal fines for every state you go through, but DOT safety compliance or state police officers could actually impound your truck and cargo on the basis that you're operating illegally and endangering other motorist.
Sounds to me like you need to rethink your business plan because this trip has the potential for costing your a whole lot more money that you could possibly hope to make.
Since either you or your company are engaged in motor vehicle transportation in interstate commerce, both you, your co-driver and the equipment you are both operating MUST be licensed and approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Otherwise both you and your company can be fined and the truck impounded!
If money is exchanging hands and you're crossing a state line, it's interstate commerce! The safety and compliance officers that stop you and ask for your paperwork won't ask how you interpret the phrase.
Get your CDL! There are plenty of local and long distance trucking companies trying to hire right now. Last I heard there were over 100,000 jobs open in interstate transportation.
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