DOT Audit

[flyingcow]

And I agree...it shouldn't be the same if your operating a lawn care business vs a commercial rig. But, it's an easy revenue for the state.

 

[schoolsout]

Well i drive and operate a business with a big rig. They're pretty rough on us. Some states allow operation within a 100 air miles of registered business, you can run a time card. A little easier on the day to day log book. I have a lot of runs that are "100 air mile exemption rule". I can only run 12 hours, overall miles doesn't matter. Just be within a circumference of 100 air miles. Just show start time and end time. In Maine i don't even have to have my card with me. Can be at "office".

I'm saying the big fleet companies aren't scrutinized as much as the little guys...

 

[flyingcow]

Yeah you're probably right. The fleets usually have all the ducks in a row. Especially now alot of them run electronic logs. It's us independents that run a little sloppy on the paperwork. Which is the same with the you guys, they figure you won't have all the paperwork in order. Easy $$$'s, quick stop, etc.

 

[Diamondpilot]

A CDL is required to operate the following:
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
A vehicle pulling a trailer if the trailer has a (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
A vehicle hauling hazardous materials in amounts required to be placarded.

NOTE: A vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in excess of 10,000 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds may require a Class D Chauffeur痴 license.


I just looked this up for La. According to this I need a CDL to haul my horse trailer. This would include all 3/4 and 1 ton trucks built today. I guess they are not enforcing that too hard, YET.
Does anyone know if you have to go by each state's laws if you are traveling in that state, or is it just the state of registration that matters?

This is for hire or commercial operations. There are many exemptions. If it were the case everyone pulling a 5th wheel camper with a 1 ton diesel or a grey hair driving a motor home across the country would be a outlaw.

Chris

 

[strum456]

In PA you can register your trailer at any weight you like as long as it for is equal or lower than the manufacturer rated gvw. For example, my trailer is rated for 10400. I registered it for 10000, so it would not be commercial.

MD is being pretty irrational, if they only let you like drop it to 7500 with no options inbetween. You should write your state representative.

Have you ever tried weighing your trailer, etc. I wonder if you would be better off taking a risk of getting caught over 7500 vs getting busted for all the other crap that comes with a commercial trailer. I doubt you are much over the 7500 anyway.

 

[tcartwri]

As was mentioned, if you are within a 100 mile radius of your business address, you do not have to keep a log book.

 

[whodat526]

A CDL is required to operate the following:
Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
A vehicle pulling a trailer if the trailer has a (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more.
A vehicle designed to carry 16 or more passengers including the driver.
A vehicle hauling hazardous materials in amounts required to be placarded.

NOTE: A vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in excess of 10,000 pounds but less than 26,001 pounds may require a Class D Chauffeur痴 license.


I just looked this up for La. According to this I need a CDL to haul my horse trailer. This would include all 3/4 and 1 ton trucks built today. I guess they are not enforcing that too hard, YET.
Does anyone know if you have to go by each state's laws if you are traveling in that state, or is it just the state of registration that matters?

louisiana just past a law last year if you have a dual wheel one ton and pull a trailer you must have a cdl no matter the wieght rating on the tractor. I know a man that got a ticket in his truck pulling a single axle bumper hitch trailer. They have not cracked down to hard yet but they was bad in texas. That is why i got a 3/4 ton when i bought in 09 and am looking for a big truck because if i have to have the cdl to drive the one ton i mine as wheel get a 18 wheeler for what i do.

 

[Diamondpilot]

So much bad info here. Seems to come up weekly. CDL is just that, a Commercial Drivers License. Commercial = for hire.:confused2:

Does not matter if its a 1 ton dually or a Ranger.

Chris

 

[whodat526]

So much bad info here. Seems to come up weekly. CDL is just that, a Commercial Drivers License. Commercial = for hire.:confused2:

Does not matter if its a 1 ton dually or a Ranger.

Chris

i am telling you they are trying really hard in louisiana to make a trailering with a 1 ton considered commercial (no matter what you are doing one of my best friends is a state trooper down here he is the one that informed me of the new law). I dont believe it is right but they are doing it. In Jasper Texas a man i know was pulling a 20ft dual gooseneck trailer with single wheels with his one ton going to nome texas to a auction hauling his personal tractor to sell it his neighbor brother is a state senator and he bales hay for him and the other brother is the warden of angola prision they tried to beat the ticket and couldn't cost the man 1200 bucks when he was done paying. He has Farm Tags. The officer give him a ticket for improper drivers lincense no health card and no log book.

 

[QRTRHRS]

I'm saying the big fleet companies aren't scrutinized as much as the little guys...

Been out of it for four years now but I had run for a well known company hauling their own product with "custom" Ryder long and short term "standard" rentals for two year up until then and that was the rule.

Even during the yearly crack down week, mostly we got waved through. I think I went through one level one during that time frame. I ran computerized logs and only one inspector ever had me get into any detail. Had more hassle from US Customs.

We did have at least quarterly safety meetings and regular randoms including hair samples. No mercy for those that failed the random.