Driving My Private Truck Across Country. Need Advice

I, ve been all over KY and Bama with Tenn Commercial plates in a G30 1ton Box truck never a problem . But ive never driven up north or out west in it so idk

 

Thanks for the tag. To the OP, the definition of a commercial vehicle varies by state, although more than half of the states use the federal definition which is any vehicle greater than 10,000 pounds GVWR that is used in commerce. So, you are rightfully concerned since you usually use this truck for your business as an electrician.

To make your cross country move in this truck with your personal belongings should not be a problem. Given you are going across state lines it would be regulated under the federal rules, and since you are moving your own personal property it is not "in commerce", and therefore is not regulated. You would not need to display any business name or US DOT numbers, however you do need to pay attention to the wording of the signs as you approach the various port of entry and/or weigh station locations. If the sign says "all trucks" or "all trucks over 5 ton" etc., you must enter or risk being chased down by a cop. Many will argue this point, however your truck is still technically a commercial vehicle because you do use it for business purposes and likely intent to continue to do so once you have relocated to New Mexico.

Be prepared to prove that you are only hauling your personal belongings and don't mention if you are relocating for a long term contract, or any other business purpose, otherwise they could make the leap, albeit a long leap, to it being a regulated move as a private motor carrier of property! If your truck is lettered up with a company name it will be a bigger target, although it is still a perfectly legal use of a commercial vehicle for non-commercial use such as moving your own personal property.

Non-business use of a CMV is covered in this FMCSA guidance document at this link. I suggest you print and carry it with you and make sure you are complying with all the provisions within. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulatio...y-asked-questions-non-business-transportation

Basically, if there is no compensation, the trip is not business related and you own the property you can treat the vehicle the same as a car or non-commercial truck even when it is primarily used as a commercial vehicle for business purposes. This is why it is important that you ARE NOT moving to NM for a new business venture, rather you are just moving to NM and no longer in business in MA if asked by any officer!

One important note, when you enter New Mexico, do not bypass the Port of Entry, you must enter and tell them where you are going, especially if you are towing a car or trailer. They enforce this against all trucks. Your truck is not heavy enough to require purchasing permits, but they will want to see you as you enter the state just to verify.

As for license plates, the regular plate from Massachusetts is fine provided it is for the actual weight the truck will be with all your belongings and you have any required state inspections valid. Your regular driver license is fine. Having a DOT medical certificate wouldn't hurt, not required for personal use, however if you do return the truck to business use then it is required anyway to engage in interstate commerce. For intrastate only, (specifically to NM) meaning you will not do work outside of New Mexico when you get there, no medical card is needed until you get into CDL weights of more than 26.001 pounds.

Once you move to NM you have thirty days to transfer the title, and if in Bernalillo County get an emissions inspection. New Mexico does not have a state safety inspection program, so you are all good there, unless you travel out of state then you will need a Federal Annual inspection for DOT compliance. You would also need a US DOT number to travel out of state, but nothing within the state of NM.

 

My how times have changed! In 1974 I went with my dad and Jackie Banks to Des Moines with lettuce. Jackie had a house in winterset and couple boys who were like big brother ages to me. My dad delivered and I spent a couple days at the farm. So there we were, all three boys, in the back of Jackie's pickup, going down I80 near Van Meter. The sign said "pickups must weigh", so we go across the scale with three kids, aged 9-13 in the bed. Nobody cared back then!

 

Whereabouts in New Mexico will be home?

 

That will work. The Port of Entry on I-40 westbound is in San Jon, just past exit 366. If you look you will see a sign at the state line reminding all trucks to proceed to the POE. Technically, even getting off for Russell's truck stop is a violation of the letter of the law, however they are not that picky.

I lived in Albuquerque for a few years and ran that whole area as a heavy tow truck driver and a few times prior to living out there. I hope you enjoy the state, Las Cruces is a beautiful area.

 

Usually yes, although sometimes after midnight and on the weekends they are unmanned and closed

 

If your heading to Las Cruces, go thru El Paso, sections of I-10, and I-20 have 80 mph speed limits.