Help im a newbie!!

Hi im somewhat a newb when it comes to trucking... I am a private carrier. I own a seafood company based in texas. I have a USDOT for my current truck (under 26k), but i am going to be retiring that truck and buying a new one in new orleans. I plan on flying from houston to new orleans with my daughter and driving back to houston in the new truck. The new truck is registered for 25,999 and my question is: What steps should I take to avoid getting held up by any weigh stations in LA?? Do I need to add the new truck to my USDOT number before driving it home even if I am driving it home empty?? Should I carry an extra set of my USDOT door signs on the plane for the new truck? All suggestions and helpful tips welcome!!