Hello, everyone!

I should introduce myself, I guess. I'm 45 years old and a safe, defensive driver; though I've never possessed anything over the standard Class C nor have I ever driven for money. Because of reasons I can not change or affect, I have great difficulty obtaining and maintaining jobs. In a roundabout manner, that's what brought me here ...

My long time friend and I decided that we could probably make money by going into business for ourselves with shuttlebusses; Class B and C. Both of us have good driving records, we are both well versed in customer service and we have common sense. In doing research, we have found many options (many which are unfeasible for gas guzzling shuttlebusses, which opens the doors for a minivan; and thus the costs keep rising); but none of these options are sufficient by themselves to support 2 people. We have looked into Day Labor, Local hospitality, International airport runs (about 80 miles from here), group transportation, funeral services; and if we can get off the ground and maybe get a few shuttlebusses, we may be able to take over some major corporations here in town shuttling people for them; more options we've looked into.

Anywho, I have more questions than I have answers about the myriad of ideas, paperwork, filing this and that, etc. etc. so I stumbled on this website and hoped I could get some help! Our intent was intially hauling up to 15 passsengers in a vehicle less than 26000 GVWR.

After researching the State guidelines, I figured we were pretty much good to go; However, I stumbled on a governement agency I didn't even know existed: FMCSA. So, this brought up several questions: To be blunt, I'll put my questions right here; If anyone can answer them, that would be great! If not, can you direct me to the right forum?

1. This site seemed to state that we needed a DOT Number if we were hauling passengers for profit if the vehicle could seat 8+; So, if we are running up to 15 passengers, I guess we need a DOT Number, yes?
2. I guess a statement of the obvious: If we cross state lines at any time, even if deadheading, we need a DOT Number?
3. Do we need to be ADA compliant to qualify for a DOT number for hauling passengers of a count of 15 or less for profit?
4. Today was the first time I ever ran accross the term "MC Number". Is that something else we will need?
5. How could I find someone willing to sit accross from me, face to face, and help guide us through the legalities of this? We need to follow the rules, but how many rules there are, where to find them, and what they mean is a little overwhelming!
6. To further complicate matters (LoL), I started looking into "side work" of courier/delivery work of cargo that could fit into a shuttlebus or minivan. I ran accross a company called ExpeditersWanted.com; I found an old thread where others were talking about this company. Some drivers were dubious, another driver seemed to be jumping on board, and that conversation ended in 2011 with no real review of that company. They say they will lease, as available; and that short hauls are typically available for cargo van hauls; does anyone know anything about these guys?

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks for letting me sign on!

 

Bookmarked for further investigation!

 

Thanks, ChefBrian, for your kind offer to help!

From federal standpoint, carrying no more than 15 people within State lines, for profit, do I need DOT number and/or MC Number; and do I need to be ADA compliant?