Required to use anothers DOT#, Why?

Hi, I'm new to this board, liked the layout so I joined.

I have a couple of questions to do with DOT #'s and Signs on my truck. I am an independent trucking company - brand new.

I have been offered to move materials for a local company as an Independent Contractor, they want me to put their signs on my truck and also work under their DOT#. I have my own DOT# and have explained this to them. There is no reason I can see to use their number or their signs. When I asked them why I should use their DOT# they could not explain why. Nor could they explain why I am to use their signs. They referred me to their NY office and I called but no answer, just voicemail so far.

I understand there is a fine line between being an employee of a company and a Independent contractor.

By agreeing to use their DOT# and signs it seems that would make me an employee, not an Independent.

Can anyone shed any light on this situation? Has anyone come across this before?

 

I can understand that to a point. But, If I get an infraction using my DOT# while hauling for them, they would be held harmless, correct?

If I use their number they would incur the hit on their rates.

So why would they take that gamble.

Also, It is my truck. If they deemed it to be theirs, Why wouldn't they be responsible for fuel and what not?

They are contracting Owner Operators.

 

OK, You can see I'm new at this but want to cover all the angles. This "trip lease" or "temp lease", are you saying they will want to enter into a signed type of lease agreement to use my truck to their benefit?

 

OK, got it. Thanks. I'll have to wait and see how they spell it out. It was good to be here, I've learned something. I'll be back again for sure.