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Originally Posted by motorscot
I'm not sure where you are coming from with your charges of law breaking and under the table antics of my example. I am not attempting to glorify this local transporter and (in your opinion) his blatant disregard for the law (your words).
I am a LEO with over 20 years on the job and don't appreciate your insinuations.
Apparently my words were taken out of context and as the true gospel. Sorry for that. The dude was legit, he had insurance, he was DOT registered. He told me about deductions, maintenance, depreciation, etc.
When he said he wasn't sure if he wanted to deal with the extra paperwork of DOT regs, he was referring to the extra steps and issues with going over the 26,xxx lb GVWR and the included legalities. Much like Greg's concerns with truck/trailer GVWR and overall length which he could have been faced with when considering his car hauler.
Did I take his words as gospel? No. Did I feel like breaking down each and every minute of travel time through 5 states and varying traffic conditions, foul ups, and other unforseeables in my post so that I would have no chance of being misinterpreted? No.
I am in complete agreement with you in your assertion that you can't travel that far in two days. I merely used Mapquest.com to get general information.
I am in complete agreement with you when you talk about loaded windshield time being the way to maximize your income. I used the original poster's question as my premise of a part time operation.
I shouldn't have generalized so much and perhaps my words would not have been misconstrued. I was only trying to pass along info that I gleaned from my conversation with him. I would hope that being the logical and intelligent men that I believe all of us are, that we, or anyone, wishing to get into hauling would research it completely and go about it legally and responsibly.
As I have NOT done further investigation because I won't be eligible to retire for another 3 1/2 years, I wasn't going to waste my time right now.
When the time comes, I will do my due diligence and make a rational and informed decision.
I didn't ask if he was being emotionally or spiritually fulfilled by being a small time car hauler. BUT, he said that he made good money working for himself, and liked the job.
If any of my responses have come across as hostile, my apologies.
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I wasn't trying to be critical, but by giving example numbers, I assumed you were using them to making a point. This is a good example of always doing your research. I understand your LEO background, but again, if you are not in DOT enforcement, your experience may not be up to date. For example, just by being a vehicle for hire, the driver you talked to is AUTOMATICALLY governed by the DOT regulations, he doesn't get a choice if he needs a CDL or not, and he must abide by all the regulations, including log books. The FMCA/DOT regulations are somewhat confusing and certainly lengthy, but the bottom line is that anyone hauling freight like vehicles, across state lines, for hire, is on borrowed time if they are ignoring the regs and they
WILL get caught. It's just a matter of time.
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There are two definitions of a commercial motor vehicle. The first is found in FMCSR 390.5 and covers vehicles with gross vehicle weights (GVW) or gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) between 10,001 and 26,000 lbs. An example would be a Ford F-350 dual rear-wheel pickup with a GVWR of 11,300 lbs., or a combination unit such as a Ford F-150 pickup (with a GVWR of 7,200 lbs.) towing a trailer with a GVWR of 2,801 lbs. or more.
Once the vehicle or combination vehicle exceeds 10,000 lbs., it is regulated and FMCSR Parts 390-396 and 399 apply.
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An example that should make us all nervous from the FMCA website:
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A company driver is operating a pickup truck and towing a trailer. The driver is transporting company property to a work site or delivering products to a customer and is pulled over by a law enforcement officer for a broken taillight. The officer approaches the driver, requesting license and registration.
After a quick look at the documents, the officer asks for the driver's Health Card (Certificate of Medical Exam) and/or log book. The driver has neither, and a citation is issued for the lack of health card, log book, as well as the broken taillight. The truck and trailer combination weighs at least 10,001 lbs., but less than 26,000 lbs
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The 26000 discussion was in reference to
private vehicles that must abide by commercial regulations due to their weight. regardless of whether they are being used for a business.
There are plenty of exceptions in the regs, such as for farmers in certain situations, but there isn't one for car guys.
Last year in my area, the DOT guys were out for blood and pulling over any dually pickup with a magnetic sign on the side. My general contractor friend traded his dually for a SRW truck just to avoid the hassle. The lawn care guys took the signs off their trucks, but were still getting pulled over if they had a couple of mowers on a trailer.
Good luck.