Transporting commercial vehicles.

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by HotH2o, Oct 2, 2025.

  1. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    Hey all, having a hard time finding definitive info on transporting a commercial vehicle. Here’s the situation:

    I’m working for a company that runs local only. We are wanting to purchase a new vac truck that is located out of state. Can we fly a guy out to drive it back to our state on a DOT number alone? Do we need permits or an MC number? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
     
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  3. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    Just get a bill of sale and drive it home. I wouldnt even put the dot number on it until its at ur place and registered properly... Until its registered as a commercial vehichle, it isnt one..
     
  4. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    This ^^^^^ and cover all numbers if any. And write on the side, NOT FOR HIRE. Don’t forget to insure it before moving it. Call your agent to make sure you’re covered out of state or purchase a one way insurance.
     
  5. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    What about scales? Just blow by em?
     
  6. Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Why ? If there open, you stop. @staceydude drove from California to Texas with no problem.
     
  7. HotH2o

    HotH2o Road Train Member

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    “Until it’s registered as a commercial vehicle it isn’t one” which you seconded is why I asked.
     
  8. North Pole Nightmare

    North Pole Nightmare Heavy Load Member

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    If the truck is new the dealer should give you some paper tags,don't put any dot numbers or anything on the truck,drive it home.Stop at the scales if they're open,shouldn't have to get weighed,they'll probably give you the green light.
    Bill of sale and insurance in case they do stop you and ask for it.
     
  9. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Any vehicle needs to be registered and insured when on a highway being driven. This might mean "buying" temp reg in any state. However as mentioned above, dealers will issue a temp reg but not all states will honor it. Just buying it and putting not for hire on the door won't cut it, unless the scale guy is half asleep.
     
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  10. Big Road Skateboard

    Big Road Skateboard Road Train Member

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    I drove from near DC to Arkansas. Didn't stop at any scales, didn't have any trouble. No tags. Carried bill of sale, title, and insurance.
     
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  11. Oldman83

    Oldman83 Medium Load Member

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    I’ve bought three trucks over the last six years.
    California to Kentucky, Oregon to Kentucky, New Mexico to Kentucky.
    Bobtailed all three of them home, bill of sale, insurance, no letters, numbers, nothing on the side of the truck. Drove them like my personal vehicle. Didn’t stop at any scales. Zero issues.
     
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