Rusted frame? Next step?

I confessed to not correctly reading your post. LOL Thanks though on the independent shop doing the job.

 

Does a rusty frame such as in the original post pics pass DOT inspection. Is it not too much rust? Or from a DOT point of view it does not matter...it is just ugly.
I am asking because I consider repainting mine, it will take a couple days of down time, never mind the cost of it. It does not look as bad but it could look better. I am just concerned whether or not the rust removal from the frame is necessary per DOT equipment safety requirements. I did not find any guidelines for that.

 

Pulling up part 393 there is zero hits for "rust" and one for "oxidation" dealing with the heater.
There is a section about frames that mentions cracks, but even in the op I didn't see cracks. Here is the rega for frames.

§393.201 Frames.

(a) The frame or chassis of each commercial motor vehicle shall not be cracked, loose, sagging or broken.

(b) Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the body of the vehicle to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing.

(c) The frame rail flanges between the axles shall not be bent, cut or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer.

(d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

(e) No holes shall be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer.

 

Applying a product like this couple times a year would prevent the rusting. I use it on my own passenger vehicles. Doing it today to access a area while I have fuel tank off even, although this stuff does creep in all directions