New operator needing help crossing the T's. Need to operate in 2 weeks.

About 17-18K on the weight. As for DOT and you other questions. Some will depend on your state as to what you'll have to have some will be dependent on where you'll be going hauling etc. You will have to have a DOT number at the least.

 

The DOT will still consider it a commercial vehicle, so yes, annual inspections will be necessary. You are, essentially, a not for hire carrier in their eyes. You will have to meet the same filings as any other carrier. Not sure of your circumstances, but I know in Ontario you can FARM plate the tractor and get a reduced rate for the base plate, as this looks like a farm enterprise from your description. You will also have to certify the trailer(s) annually as well.

The truck will certainly handle anything you will be intending for it I would think. Easily licensed to 80k although don't go any higher than you think you need. Why pay for capacity if you're not going to use it. Scales will also be mandatory. Hours of service are standard between states as these are federally mandated but are different if you cross into Canada. Again, although you are not for hire, you are still driving a commercial vehicle.

 

what part of the world are you going to reg. your new truck in?

 

A lot of bad info in here. Op, you need to check with each individual state you will be operating in. You may not even need a dot number, and would almost certainly not need to worry about hos. Each state is very different on this. Just make sure you stick with the personal farm use phrasing. Don't slip up and mention you are reselling that hay.

 

What type of fees are you referring to?

 

I can answer a couple of your questions. You will need a CDL driver's license period, no exceptions.

If you do not get IRP plates, you will have to purchase a trip permit each time you wish to travel out of state. for every state you travel in.

If you do not enroll in IFTA, you will have to purchase a fuel trip permit as well for each state, each trip.

Most people who go out of state more than once or twice a year usually just bite the bullet and get the IRP plates and IFTA.

You probably do need to get a USDOT#, but that is simple and I believe it is free, or at least cheap.

You probably do not need to get an MC# as long as you only haul items you own.

I do not think you need to get Kansas authority, again as long as you only haul items you own.

I am uncertain as to what record keeping you will be subject too. Questions you will have to answer is

Do I need to keep a log book ?
Am I required to enroll in a drug consortium ?
What record keeping requirements must I meet ? (motor carriers have to keep driver qualification files, drug and alcohol policy, IFTA records, log's, etc.... Not sure if being not-4-hire will necessarily let you off the hook for all or some of these requirements)

Also, a big question for you is insurance, does your current insurance guy offer policies for a semi truck and trailer ? If not, you may have a great deal of difficulty even getting insurance, and it could also be insanely expensive. It is getting increasingly difficult to get insurance especially for someone with no CDL experience.

lot's of questions to answer, what might be good for you is to talk to other farmers with trucks in KS, see what they do. It is hard for someone like me who is a for hire carrier to answer questions about not-for-hire, farm plates, etc...