US DOT requirement

Centerplate · Oct 18, 2020

Almost everyone is supposed to have a DOT number(federal) for their trucks. I don't remember the requirements and am not
sure what site to be looking for? Can someone point me in the right direction?

Destroked 450 · Oct 18, 2020

If licensed for over 26000 lbs yess DOT number is needed
If under 26000 lbs it dead ends on your states requirements

BarnyardEngineering · Oct 19, 2020

You are required to obtain a USDOT number if you have a vehicle that:

Is used to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials requiring a safety permit in intrastate commerce (see 49 CFR 385.403).

OR

Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; or
Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation;

AND is involved in Interstate commerce:

Trade, traffic, or transportation in the United States

Between a place in a State and a place outside of such State (including a place outside of the United States);
Between two places in a State through another State or a place outside of the United States; or
Between two places in a State as part of trade, traffic, or transportation originating or terminating outside the State or the United States.

BarnyardEngineering · Oct 19, 2020

The above, by the way, is quoted directly from the FMCSA website.

Centerplate · Oct 19, 2020

FMCSA
That is what I was looking for.
Thanks

Destroked 450 · Oct 19, 2020

That is IF you are a commercial carrier that transports goods for profit
If you are non commercial and 26000 lbs or less no DOT numbers are needed

Steve in IL · Oct 21, 2020

"for profit"? That would exempt a lot of the commercial truckers!

ss55 · Oct 21, 2020

Maybe "for hire" is more accurate?

showcrop · Oct 21, 2020

(quoted from post at 09:04:35 10/21/20) Maybe "for hire" is more accurate?

The word "commerce" is more accurate. If there is no commerce going on you are not regulated.

john in la · Oct 24, 2020

Maybe "for hire" is more accurate?
Wrong That is a ICC number.

If licensed for over 26000 lbs less DOT number is needed
Wrong The cut off is 10,000 lbs.
You are thinking of the farm exemption.

First you have guys that are for hire.
For this you need a DOT and a ICC number.

Then you have guys in business.
A private carrier that hauls only his goods.
A lawn cutting service.
The electric company.
All these guys need a DOT number if they cross a state line and have a weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more.
Some states even require a federal DOT number for intrastate use.

Farmers and the transportation of personal property have a exemption in some cases.

Destroked 450 · Oct 24, 2020

(quoted from post at 10:30:51 10/24/20) Maybe "for hire" is more accurate?
Wrong That is a ICC number.

If licensed for over 26000 lbs less DOT number is needed
Wrong The cut off is 10,000 lbs.
You are thinking of the farm exemption.

First you have guys that are for hire.
For this you need a DOT and a ICC number.

Then you have guys in business.
A private carrier that hauls only his goods.
A lawn cutting service.
The electric company.
All these guys need a DOT number if they cross a state line and have a weight rating of 10,000 lbs or more.
Some states even require a federal DOT number for intrastate use.

Farmers and the transportation of personal property have a exemption in some cases.

Well your almost right.
For commercial use
26000+ is were CDL licensing is required
10000+ require DOT numbers
A private carrier hauling their own goods that are eventually sold is still considered commercial and must have DOT numbers even if they don't leave their state
Lawn care service, utility company trucks over 10000 lbs must have DOT numbers even if they don't leave their home state.
Farm exemptions vary from state to state, here no DOT numbers needed until 26000+ lbs
Private individual with dually truck rated for 13000 lbs pulling a 14000 lb camper are not commercial and do not need DOT numbers or CDL licensing UNLESS it's required by their home state.

David G · Oct 24, 2020

Is the magic number 13 Ton +, so 13 ton plates do not need CDL?

SVcummins · Oct 24, 2020

Scale signs say 26001

David G · Oct 24, 2020

What is the 10000 pound value for?

David G · Oct 24, 2020

I did the DOT online questionnaire, and there is a big AND for commerce and needing DOT number.

It says I do not need one regardless of weight.

SVcummins · Oct 24, 2020

That’s how it here as well . The signs at the scales say trucks of 26001 must pull in . I license for 30,000

john in la · Oct 25, 2020

Only 36 states require a DOT number for intrastate use.
Here is a list of those states.

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
New Jersey
New York
Nebraska
Nevada
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Puerto Rico
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

john in la · Oct 25, 2020

26,000 lb is for a CDL
10,000 lb is for a DOT number

john in la · Oct 25, 2020

Commerce is a word that confuses a lot of people.
They think it only applies to people transporting things for hire.
That is really a ICC number.

But for a DOT number.
I think it was you that just sold a business so lets use that.
You travel all over the country for your business in your pickup.
Lets say you need to bring a part that requires a trailer to haul it.
Even a small trailer on a new pickup will put your rating over 10,000 lbs gross.
Since Iowa requires you to have a DOT number for intrastate use;
If you ever pull a trailer behind your pickup in connection with your business you need a DOT number to leave your driveway.

David G · Oct 25, 2020

I agree, it might have been a little muddy on my DOT number with the business, probably should have had one. I have personally purchased the truck now and am using it for personal use, so do not think I would need one now.

john in la · Oct 25, 2020

Yes pulling a boat; camper; and trailer of furniture to haul your kid to college is all personal use and does not require a DOT number.

While a lot of people cheat the IRS when it comes to deciding if it is a hobby or business you could use that to decide.
If it is a hobby no DOT number.
If you claim it as a business and are over 10,000 lbs you need a DOT number.

US DOT requirement

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