OP-1 (MC number) without USDOT number? Is that possible?

Yes, I understand the part about getting the MC number in advance do you can get loads. I just don't think you can get the MC without the DOT. Going to have to get them both and deal with the drug consortium stuff.

The other issue you might run into is, when you get your initial audit, they may revoke your MC and DOT number if you aren't actually doing anything.....not sure about that one.

 

When I first started my operation on a brand new DOT & MC #s I thought I was going to go through a slow process of freight brokers trusting me to run loads. I heard all the hype about you have a brand new MC number and nobody will run you. I ignored it.

I connected with my first broker and it took off from there with no problems. I think its the luck of the draw for some people starting out with a bad business credit rating or no business credit rating and inspections too.

I didn't have any problems my first year. Good luck to you.

 

I used to drive car hauler 7/8 cars in 2008-2009. The site they book the loads(cars) is http://www.centraldispatch.com, but you need your MC/DOT to register. The prices in 2008-2009 were like $700 small car and $1000 SUV from Chicago to LA. But these trailers are expensive, new about $100k, a good second hand will be around $40-50k and you need a good tractor. It is a very risky business, you have a check list for every car to mark all the scratches and etc., you have to measure the height of the trailer before you take off, to avoid any crashes in low clearance bridges. The enclosed trailers have better rates, but are even more expensive.

 

Okay. A couple of things. There are a number of load boards out there that you may be able to just "look in" and see what's running. Unfortunately, without looking at them daily for an extended period, you won't learn much about trends in your area. Not sure how to go about that, other than to talk to truckers based where you are or who are going to run where you run. A lot of your ability to make money has to do with whether you are located in a busy freight area where you'll go out and come back, or else you're going to go out to a busy shipping lane and work it for awhile until you take a break.

As for the MC Number, the only way you will get an MC # without a DOT # is if your vehicle is less than 10,000lbs GVW and you're not carrying hazardous. This means, basically, a pickup truck or a cargo van with no trailer. In any case, as stated above, you MUST have liablilty insurance for the MC #, and you'll have to carry cargo insurance if you want anyone to give you a load.

 

I think doing that will hurt you more than help you. You have 30 days after the FMCSA processes your app to show proof of insurance. If you don't, they will dismiss your app. You can reinstate it in the future for $80 but anyone checking your background will see it was inactive. Sort of like DMV driving records.