newbie to the forum and the auto hauling industry....

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/faq/what-unified-carrier-registration-ucr-system-and-how-do-i-sign

 

#1-If you bought the truck and trailer in AZ, and register in AZ, what makes you think there is no sales tax?
#2-If you are giving up the AZ residence, how do you maintain AZ registration?
#3-Is this a real business? Or just a hobby? You are already trying to play games with registration.
#4-I cannot remember the reason, but when I was a TM with Hadley Auto Transport in AZ, my trucks (real trucks like 75' stingers) were plated California with the main office in Santa Ana address. Like I said, I cannot remember why we did that, but I am sure it had to do with money.
#5-There is a search function that should tell you all you need, as the subject of a dually and a 3 car has been beaten to death.

 

Short answer to your questions, yes if your registered gross combined weight is over 26,001 pounds you will need IFTA, IRP plates, UCR, a US DOT number, MC authority, and maybe even a CA DOT number for your in-state moves (although I am not positive on that one, I don't practice in California). In my experience on the east coast, most guys with a wedge and dually register their combination at 26,000 then they stay under the apportioned plates, fuel tax, etc, but again I am not positive how it works in CA and AZ since AZ has apportioned registration on even small trucks (over 10,000 pounds). As for sales tax, does California exempt interstate motor carriers from sales tax on equipment purchases? I know many east coast states do, so you could just skip the AZ registration and transfer to CA by using your MC status?

Another word of advice regarding the pickup truck and wedge trailer, look into the length laws in the areas you plan on running, you may not be able to legally fit 4 cars on your trailer as not all areas allow the extension ramps to be out, again I am east coast but for example New York will cite you for over length if you have your flip out ramps out and they make your trailer over 53', or even if the overhang of the cars make your trailer over 53', not sure about CA or AZ, it has been almost 10 years since I have been in CA and 3 since I have been to AZ. My point on the length is, if you can't legally fit 4 units on your trailer thern why incur all the expense and paperwork hassle for IRP/IFTA and the higher base plate costs associated with the higher weight class, unless AZ will require it to enter their state. The last time I was in AZ it was in a non-cdl flatbed tow truck (25,950 gvwr) and I was surprised to have to pay at the port of entry for a trip permit allowing me to go to Scottsdale and back out to New Mexico, again being from the east coast trucks under 26k don't have to have IRP plates or weight distance permits in any state except New York HUT.

Sorry I couldn't give you state specific advice but hopefully you get something to think about out of this post, good luck and don't let the nay sayers get you down, we ( it is a loose partnership between myself and a good friend) started our company 12 years ago with one pickup and Kaufman wedge, now we have 3 Miller 7 cars trailers, a Chevron 4 car carrier, two 2 car flatbeds, a dually for moving campers, and a F-250 with a 2 car trailer for residential p&d in New York City. I am just about to take the plunge on a brand new 9 car Pete/Cotrell combination and another 4 car carrier. With patience and solid business practices you can make it, just don't be one of the guys that cuts corners on safety, compliance, or rates to get ahead, that never works in the long run.

 

Maintaining a business presence in AZ might be the way to go for you then, it also would help with the AZ weight/distance or other type of taxes if you have a AZ base plate on your truck. You may also find the business income or property taxes to be cheaper, these are things to discuss with a tax adviser, but at least you are thinking ahead, these are all good steps leading to success.

 

You will be shooting yourself in the foot staying under 26k. The most I have ever paid in a quarter for IFTA in 3 years in business was still less than what 1 car pays!

So unless there is some reason you just can't get a class A cdl, its a no brainer