Medium Duty & Weigh Stations

Here is the general information that applies nationwide. The movement you are asking about is driveaway transportation and since you are crossing state lines the truck meets the definition of a commercial vehicle because the gross weight rating is in excess of 10,000 pounds.

You will need to pay attention to the signs for each weigh station as some states require all trucks to enter while others place a weight limit like 5 or 8 tons, which would then be based on your actual weight unless they say "all trucks over XX GVWR", then it would be based on your door tag with the manufacturer's declared GVWR. If I recall correctly MD is all trucks over 5 ton GVWR and VA is all trucks regardless of weight.

Now, for the good news. I have made that trip hundreds of times doing driveaway moves of bare chassis, tow trucks, or car haulers and have never been flagged for an inspection. Depending on which route you take from Fredericksburg to Richmond, you may never even see an open inspection station. I like US 15 and US 17 personally, a few more miles, but no DC/NOVA area traffic.

Now, to further lessen your chance of an inspection be sure to display your friend's legal business name and US DOT number either on both sides of the cab (I use clear plastic sheet protectors and blue painters tape) or put the US DOT number in the back window of the cab (legal for driveaway, just don't put it in the front door windows as that can result in an obstruction of vision citation).

You also will need to run a log book showing all your time from leaving home or his place of business, picking up the truck and delivering it as hours of service also apply since the truck is being moved in furtherance of commerce by being a work truck and going to have a body installed.

Bare chassis are rough riding animals, especially the lighter ones. Be prepared to be bounced around and stay slow to avoid being thrown all over the lane by bridge joints. Avoid doing this in the rain if you can, they do not stop well without a body, especially on wet roads.

 

Depends on the state. Some are all cmv's, so even that F-150 counts. Some are alll vehicles over a weight regardless of type of vehicle. You just need to check the requirements of each state.
P.S. make sure it's properly licensed (trip permit may be enough)

 

15,17,95 you wouldn't hit any weigh stations.