Can a truck be not for hire?

Yes it's the same as say Walmart transporting their own goods with their own trucks and trailers

 

"Not for hire" is s fiction perpetrated by people that don't know any better.

For the driver it's 100% the same as hauling general freight.

For the company there is less paperwork requirements. I believe less insurance too, although don't quote me on that. @Accidental Trucker might be able to help there as that's what he does.

 

Not For Hire has been posted on random doors, as long as I can remember looking at trucks on the road.
I have not personally investigated the limits that apply to operating with that posted. However, it would seem obvious that you are subject to the rules, for the licensed load limit that the vehicle has and so on.
That would in all likely hood include being in a safe condition and being subject to safety checks both at random official check stops, as well as scheduled in shop by local law.

Then there are the usual stops at scales and brake checks where required. It would seem that the three words speak for themselves, about hauling for others and billing for that.

Checking with federal and state authorities would make sense to get the final verdict, IMHO.
Look for Not4Hire, he's hanging here somewhere Otherwise enjoy the ride.

 

Correct, everything applies, except the requirement for commercial cargo insurance / MC number.

Edited to add:
This is speculation on my part, but "not for hire" may have had meaning in the ICC days. Today, it is a meaningless phrase as far as regulations are concerned.

 

I've seen "Not For Hire" on farm trucks around here. All they can do is haul grain and their own equipment to their fields and storage area.

 

If truck is in a buss. name you will have a hard time making it work?

 

Not at all. Every private property carrier is "not for hire". Think Flying J. fuel tankers, or Pepsi trucks. Not for hire, even though they are commercial trucks. All they carry is their own products.

 

I was under the impression that private class 8 trucks that maybe haul a travel trailer or a hirse trailer could be not for hire. The general rule being that if you make money with what you're hauling the term doesn't apply to you.

 

The race car guys run not for hire as well