DJ Business Owner Straight Truck DOT compliance.

It has been over 10 years since I drove a local straight truck so my memory may be a bit hazy, but to the best of my recollection:

Yes (to be exempt you'd have to stay within 100 miles, keep timekeeping records for 6 months, etc)

Yes

Yes

Yes

They wouldn't care as long as it is secure when going down the road and your box didn't exceed normal dimensions.

 

Double Yellow is mostly correct, but since you do not require a cdl for your truck you have a 150 mile radius exemption from the log book meaning you will just need time records at the office (can be as simple as a page with start and stop times). Yes, you do need a DOT medical card, annual inspection, driver qualification file, your DOT number should indicate not for hire so they don't go looking for a MC (motor carrier) number when you are at the weigh station. Also, carry paperwork indicating you own the equipment in the box, something as simple as a note on your letterhead, just something to act as a bill of lading in case you are ever asked. Michigan may have some other intrastate requirements if you never leave the state, check with the MPSC. As for the stage modification, so long as you have not made the truck any wider or removed any of the required lighting/safety devices then they will not care.

 

I see my regular physician and tell them I need a dot physical.

Edit: They now have to be certified to give dot physicals. Just remembered that.

 

OK ... why such a big truck?

OK no issue there.

No.

Maybe, I say maybe because a number of trucks run without inspections and because it is under cdl limit (26,001lb gvw), it may be exempt.

Yes, all trucks (defined over 5500/8600/10k according to state laws - take your pick) need to scale.

No you shouldn't but because I heard from someone who runs an under 10k pickup for his business, he has to which makes absolutely no sense, he doesn't have a cdl so the dot physical thing shouldn't apply, beside what happens if you have some problem that is covered under the CDL regs that would prevent someone from driving which is not covered under the Michigan operator's license regulations that allows you from driving?

As long as you can provide any proof that it is safe and secure.

 

I would get the inspection as well, a Federal annual DOT inspection is only about $75-$100 dollars at most truck shops, and it will give you peace of mind that the truck will pass a roadside inspection.