DOT, MC Confusion

I'm confused.

I have an opportunity to run some cargo across state lines. I'm going to use a rented 24' Box Non CDL. I called FMSCA to explain this to them, asked if I would use the rental truck companies DOT and MC numbers or do I have to get my own under my business name. FMSCA told me I had to get my own. I called the rental agency and asked them this: "If I rent a commercial vehicle from you can I cross state lines to make deliveries? and do you have the DOT and MC numbers in order for me to do this?" ,, He stated I can cross state lines with their trucks.

I called the FMCSA back and told them what I was told. Told them I need to know 100% if what the rental agency told me is true because you previously told me I need those numbers and i don't want to cross state lines and have a problem. He took my name and number and said he'd call me back. It's been 3 hours now.

Anyone know the correct answer? I'm needing the answer because while I sit here typing it's costing me lost time on the road.

 

Yup. You guys are good!

You need a USDOT number if:

• You are going to be working for yourself (NOT leased onto another company)
• You are operating interstate (crossing state lines). If you are never leaving your home state, check with your home state for rules and regulations.
• Regardless of whether you are hauling "for hire" or "not for hire". So, if you need an MC number, then you must get a USDOT number, but not vice versa.

You need an MC number (aka Operating Authority) if:

• You are going to be working for yourself (NOT leased onto another company)
• You are operating interstate (crossing state lines). If you are never leaving your home state, check with your home state for rules and regulations.
• You will be hauling "for hire." This means you will be hauling other peoples goods. If you are only hauling your own company's goods, you do not need an operating authority.

When signing up, they will ask you what type of carrier you are: I am a "common carrier" this basically means that I do business with anyone. There will be descriptions of each type, but this is what most people will be.

I would strongly suggest that you do not get your MC number until you have insurance lined up, or at least gotten real quotes. You will have a certain amount of time to get all paper work in order once you get your USDOT/MC number otherwise they will deactivate you. Once you are deactivated it's an $80 charge to re-activate. It also involves more paperwork that cannot be done online.

 

More info.

Here is the lowdown on log books.

First of all if your GVWR/GCWR is under 10,001 lbs., you are free to drive as much as you want without stopping and without logging.

If you are returning to your home terminal every day and you are not traveling more than 150 nautical miles (1 nautical mile is 1.15 miles) then you do not need to keep a log book, but you do need to keep a "RODS" (Record of Duty Status).

If you are over 26,000 lbs, this changes from 150 nautical miles to 100 nautical miles.

If you are driving "over the road", i.e. you will not be returning to your home terminal, you must carry an official HOS log book and fill it out every time your status changes.
Regardless of whether or not you are returning to the home terminal, you have to follow the "Hours of Service" regulations.
You must be able to show a 7 day history.

Pre and Post trip inspection of your vehicle every day. Keep copy in the truck and another copy at terminal. A lot of HOS log books will also have a daily vehicle inspection log in the same thing. This is basically going over your truck to make sure everything works-- lights, brakes, couplers, horn, etc.

"Bill of Lading" form filled out, with you, in the truck, for anything that you are hauling (that is not yours?).

You need to create a file for yourself and have it readily available on file at your home terminal. While this seems a little absurd because "I know my own work and driving history" you need to have it in written form for when you get audited by the DOT.