Trying to figure out how the law works. If the gross combination rating of vehicle and trailer is over 1001lbs then vehicles transporting for hire are required to have one. The "for hire " part is what gets me. So if I'm delivering wood, the wood is mine until arrival at the customer's location correct? So since I'm transporting something I own I don't fall under the D.o.t. restrictions?
From what I understand, there are multiple variables to this, as well as if you want to be 'legal'. If you use your vehicles for a business (using a vehicle in order to earn money in any way), then they are technically considered 'commercial' according to state and federal laws. If your vehicles are considered commercial, and if you do not allow anyone else besides your employees to use them, then you would put "Not for Hire" on the vehicles. Additionally, the truck and trailer combination coming in at over 10,001-pound GVW (or gross vehicle combination weight) would require a D.O.T number and markings for interstate commerce, as well as intrastate (Ohio is on the list that requires D.O.T. numbers for intrastate commercial vehicles). Do most small business firewood sellers do this? Probably not. However, if your state is serious about motor vehicle carrier enforcement, or if you were ever in, or caused an accident, you could expect state and federal fines (in addition to those from the accident). Best bet if you want to be legal is to contact your local D.O.T. office. Do I Need a USDOT Number? | FMCSA
Couple of clarifying points… you need motor carrier authority if you earn money with your truck…. however… there are exempt commodities…. firewood is one of them. What is an exempt for-hire (exempt commodities) motor carrier? if you don’t cross state line, you only need to be registered with the state motor carrier entity. They often require you to register with the feds to get a USDOT number even for exempt commodities.
How do you get your USDOT number? file an MCS-150. Form MCS-150 and Instructions - Motor Carrier Identification Report | FMCSA
