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General Forestry => General Board => Topic started by: Greyman on January 04, 2019, 09:49:06 PM

Title: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 04, 2019, 09:49:06 PM
I just bought a 2004 F450 that I plan to use only to haul my own equipment etc., with trailer as needed for tractors, building materials, etc.  The truck has a GVWR of 15,000 lbs with towing capacity of 21,400 lbs, so 36,400 lbs total.  I've done a lot of looking on the internet and it seems there are a wide variety of opinions, experiences, and interpretations of the law even by law enforcement about the need for a CDL.  The GVWR requirements for a CDL are pretty clear (over 26,000 lbs) but it gets fuzzy because they say "commercial" vehicles.  CDL even stands for Commercial Drivers License.  I've decided based on that that I don't need one.  Any advice, experience out there on this?  Should I stop at inspection stations (to explain that I don't need to stop :-\, as some on the web say) or blow on by?  I plan to carry titles and/or bills of sale for any equipment I haul to prove it's mine.  I just don't want to be forced to drop a trailer in the middle of nowhere by an overzealous cop and figure out what to do with it.  I'll look like a hotshot vehicle but won't be.

I've also read that putting "Not For Hire" on the side can be a good or a bad thing.  Would rather not do that but could probably get a magnetic one.

I'm in Texas by the way, and will be making several trips to Idaho over the next few years.  So if there are any states that are bad in between (OK, KS, CO, WY, UT, NM) maybe I can avoid them or drive at night.

I'm also getting the 3rd degree on trying to get insurance - "send us a copy of your CDL" from Progressive and Farmers.   ::)
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 04, 2019, 09:52:45 PM
Also, I'm not in any kind of business that would include hauling stuff.  I'm a "trying to retire" aerospace engineer.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: chet on January 04, 2019, 09:58:50 PM
Not sure about Texas, but this is the wording of one of the exemptions in Michigan.

(Individuals: Operating motor homes or other vehicles used exclusively to transport personal possessions or family members, for non-business purposes.)
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 04, 2019, 10:03:14 PM
If you are driving a combination vehicle - truck and trailer - where the trailer exceeds 10,001 lbs and the combined GVWR is 26,001 lbs or more then you need a Class A CDL, does not matter if you are transporting sail boat fuel for your local charitable summer camp, seven of your very best mares, or a JD dozer.  You are exempt from the medical card, rules of service, and log book requirements if this is for personal use - but you better be able to prove that on the side of the road or you will be trying to prove it to a judge.  

I can't remember on the others but CO and WY for sure have ports of entry, and they do look for those who blow on by.    
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 04, 2019, 10:32:43 PM
That sounds along the lines of what I've read in the Texas Commercial Drivers Handbook, but they are so loose with the word "commercial" that it makes it confusing.  The only definition I've seen for "commercial" in the actual laws say it's "a vehicle engaged in commerce".  

What impact does having a CDL do to insurance rates?  I wouldn't mind having a CDL because our little community in Idaho has a water truck we're hoping to hire out to fight fires and you need one to go out of state with an emergency vehicle.  I just don't want to be penalized for it by having the F450.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Don_Papenburg on January 04, 2019, 11:18:04 PM
 sounds like you need to sell the trailer and f450 and get a BIG motor home,  toss the fancy stuff behind the driver  and put in  a large door in the back.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 04, 2019, 11:20:15 PM
Commercial has no bearing on my info above, that is FMCSA regulated and the numbers  / weight designate the required license. Where commercial would come into play is where the log books, hours of service, random drug testing, etc would apply. 

I can't help you with insurance rates, but I suspect a driving out of class conviction would negativity impact your rates. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 04, 2019, 11:21:44 PM
Quote from: Don_Papenburg on January 04, 2019, 11:18:04 PM
sounds like you need to sell the trailer and f450 and get a BIG motor home,  toss the fancy stuff behind the driver  and put in  a large door in the back.
I was thinking I could just bolt a couch to the flatbed and call it an RV...   :D
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 04, 2019, 11:42:42 PM
I got a driving out of class in NY with a 2ton juice brake truck and an empty 4wheeled gooseneck headed to my eviction which the trooper verified. I weighed around 18k combined andnwas sleeping at a truck stop that they entered for a 3 day blitz.  Truck and trailer were towed and impounded and trailer was very hard to get back but i just barely managed.  All together it was a $3100 scam.  Their CDL book said not engaged in commerce is exempt.  She was yelling at me that i needed CDL-A, logbook, IFTA, NYS tax stamp, medical card etc.  

  I had no option to explain it to the judge, if i chose to appear in court it was a win or lose license affair that i did not expect to win.  I managed to plea bargain to a parking violation before the response deadline.  Plea bargain is a big sheet of paper you sign that releases the state of all harm for anything they do.  Then you pay em even more for the pleasure of being raped. 


Most of em might be fine folks but Its the corrupt DOT cops and tow companies and impound rackets and kickback courts you gotta watch out for.  Theyll make up anything they want and cuff you in a heartbeat if you fight it.  

May the odds be forever in your favor dude.  Thats what it boils down to.  Evade capture.  I got my A license and i still avoid scales even empty. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Tasha on January 05, 2019, 02:59:21 AM
While I can not speak for each state and their enforcement. by Federal interstate rules you have to have a CDL.  They should actually remove the word commercial  and come up with something else but the only exemptions that the states around here have are RV's, farm if tagged as farm and operating within a small radius of said farm.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates transportation in interstate commerce for vehicles weighing 10,001 or more pounds (i.e., any of the following: gross vehicle weight (GVW), gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), gross combination weight (GCW) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR)). Vehicles with a GVW, GVWR, GCW or GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more may require the driver to have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
However, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) provide an exception for the transportation of horses (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/non-business-related-transportation-horses) and other animals to shows and events, as well as cars, boats and other similar items. When such transportation is not business related (i.e., the transportation is not for compensation, and the driver is not performing in an underlying business related to the move), the FMCSRs do not apply, even if prize or scholarship money is offered for the event. This exemption includes the Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, requirements for use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and CDL regulations, unless a CDL is required by the driver's home state.

Problem is in my state it is a pita to get a CDL unlike many states.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Resonator on January 05, 2019, 08:14:01 AM
You would be taking the risk of being stopped and inspected by crossing over multiple state lines (OK, KS, CO, etc.) driving what looks like a hotshot, without a CDL. The DOT can be strict and the fines heavy. You may want to hire a carrier who is licensed and insured to haul 26,000#, and avoid that risk. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: dgdrls on January 05, 2019, 08:49:59 AM
Browse CFR 49. probably will make for more questions but 
at least you'll know more. 

eCFR ? Code of Federal Regulations (https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=f9ca67eca1ea94456f8d995eafe1f481&mc=true&tpl=/ecfrbrowse/Title49/49tab_02.tpl)

I say get the license, In the long run I suspect you'll be more comfortable.

D

Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 05, 2019, 09:54:51 AM
There is no possible way to be fully compliant if the trooper steps out of his or her car having already decided you arent... is what i have learned in my 2 yrs on the road.  The CFR is too large, the powertrip troopers out there [not all are bad] dont know it and dont care. And they sure arent willing to get a roadside class from you.  The court is not in the habit of dismissing trooper errors either, youll pay before theyre thru.  Owning private duallies and running interstate has become a gamble.  Theyll accuse you of being a hotshotter and let you prove otherwise. are you gonna drive 700 miles to court and maybe lose?  No, youre gonna beg for a plea bargain over the phone and pay pay pay.

Every state has different rules and is enforcing their own at the state borders on purpose.  They dont want a standardized rulebook.  Ive been pulled over for having not for hire and ive been pulled over for not having it.  I been pulled over for plate on the front, been pulled over for plate on the back same day different state.  You cant make them all happy and thats great for state revenue.  Its a secret tollbooth.

they ticket the bigrigs on the in/out shoulders of every full rest stop a few times a night around roanoake VA. Been there paid that.  Its all an enormous revenue machine.  They dont block the shoulders so you cant park there.  They keep it wide open so you do park there, then make $1500 for the state every 3 hours all night long.  Meter maids.  When NY took my truck it started over being in the rest stop shoulder [because it was plum full] then ended with them enforcing NY specific laws.  My truck was 100% tennessee legal but they dont care.

Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: TKehl on January 05, 2019, 10:06:25 AM
It might be fine in TX.  Going interstate though...  Western states aren't as harsh as New England, but it seems like a risk. 
 
This confusion is why I downgraded from a nice IH S1900 with DT466 5+2 speed to a F350 that is obviously a farm truck.   >:(
 
In MO, RV's are legal without CDL, even full blown Semis hauling campers somehow.  Farm plates give a lot of exemptions.  No CDL, medical etc. required under 40k, which is how I have mine plated, but it's only good for local (150 miles) and not across state boundaries.  However, I don't think DOT cares about farm plates.  If your data plates exceed their limits, even with empty trailer, boom, issues.  I stay off the interstates...  
 
If you can insure it as is, having a CDL shouldn't make a difference.  I had trouble getting insurance on the IH even with farm plates and going through Farm Bureau...  Lot's of places insure RV's though.  It's commercial INSURANCE on a medium duty truck that starts getting into $$$ ($3k quote).  Whereas commercial insurance on my F350 was an extra $100/year.   ::)
 
In your situation I'd either make it look like a camper and plate as an RV or hire someone to haul the stuff.  Shipping can be a lot less than fines especially with fuel savings.  Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a "BEEF" license plate on there somewhere.  That's a get out of jail free sometimes between the Mississippi and the Rockies.  :D
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 05, 2019, 10:14:58 AM
Progressive commercial wrote my noncommercial policy for the 2ton without my CDL and it was cheap. Like $40 a month or so until another truck and higher coverages were added.  I think the 2 trucks and 500k coverage is $1400/yr.  I need to call and add my CDL info soon.  

I took a driving job.  1am monday morning i start hauling rock to georgia/SC.   Im sure ill have all sorts of fresh angst to share. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: TKehl on January 05, 2019, 10:20:38 AM
I'll also add there are "schools" out there that will get you a CDL A in a day.  Usually $3-500.  A towing company in my hometown runs one.  They run single axle day cab tractors and a 20-25' flatbed.  Train you in the morning, teach you everything you need to pass the test, practice test, and if you are ready, test around noon, but they will keep training a full day if needed.  This kind of setup would be good for your situation where you just need license, not training to back to convoluted docks etc.

Mike, I guess I should have shopped around before I sold the truck.  Oh well, the other reason was I realized I'm in the manufacturing business and not he transportation business.   :)

Good luck with the new job.  Owner operator or driving theirs?  How's the family?
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: muggs on January 05, 2019, 11:06:53 AM
I have driven all over the US with a F-450 flatbed pulling a 27 ft. enclosed trailer containing household goods and lumber. I only stopped one time at the NM POE. They took some of my money. I vowed to never stop again, and I have not. I have never been pulled over. Not saying you won't. Some of these states just see it as a revenue source. Logic does not seem to have much to do with it. You can buy a map book at truck stops that shows where the weight stations are at.     
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 05, 2019, 12:37:43 PM
In the north eastern US they are EVERYWHERE.  

Just a hired wheel holder.  Drive my 13spd spring ride junkwagon to a quarry,  Get in an air on air on air automatic and move pallets of rock. Get home, catch kids, homework dinner dishes sleep 4hrs repeat. We're all good, probably better than we deserve.  Thank the Lord and thanks for asking.  ;) 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 05, 2019, 12:45:22 PM
Mike, don't you mean that you go home and take a complete, uninterrupted 8 hour rest period before returning to work?  ;D
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 05, 2019, 01:56:45 PM
@muggs (http://forestryforum.com/board/index.php?action=profile;u=31240)   I have heard similar stories - my brother has an employee who drove a similar vehicle with trailer for 18 years and no CDL and he never got stopped.  Some people are just lucky I guess, others not so much...  Maybe I should just load the truck bed with a round bale or two of hay and get some bumper stickers.  I will look more into getting a CDL though.  I was afraid that would jack the insurance rate way up.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: lxskllr on January 05, 2019, 02:01:26 PM
I wonder if having a CDL could make some things worse? For questionable setups, you play the country farmer routine, and say you don't know better. With a CDL, the assumption could be you're trying to screw the system cause you should know what the rules are.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 05, 2019, 02:20:33 PM
Quote from: lxskllr on January 05, 2019, 02:01:26 PMFor questionable setups, you play the country farmer routine, and say you don't know better


That often gets you a paid in full masters degree from the local court house.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: nativewolf on January 05, 2019, 02:32:15 PM
Quote from: mike_belben on January 05, 2019, 10:14:58 AM
Progressive commercial wrote my noncommercial policy for the 2ton without my CDL and it was cheap. Like $40 a month or so until another truck and higher coverages were added.  I think the 2 trucks and 500k coverage is $1400/yr.  I need to call and add my CDL info soon.  

I took a driving job.  1am monday morning i start hauling rock to georgia/SC.   Im sure ill have all sorts of fresh angst to share.
Glad to hear you'll have a bit more income.  Stay safe night driving.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Brian w on January 05, 2019, 04:58:17 PM
I'm a logger in Ohio started out with a single axle 2 ton truck to haul logs on. At first I never got pulled over. Then we got a new state highway patrol in the area who was pulling over every log truck she passed. Pulled me over on a Monday wrote me a overload ticket . Same cop pulled me over on Tuesday with a lighter load wrote me a ticket for overload and no CDL. I have gotten a CDL since but I have come to realize that they can and will write you a ticket for anything whether you are guilty or not they don't care at all about that. Then it's up to you to prove that they are wrong. Which most people aren't willing to do because it usually cost more to prove that you are innocent than to just pay the ticket and go on. I believe that they know this and count on it makes it easier for them to get their ticket quota filled. I really wish something would be done about it but I doubt that it will because the truck driver is who it's affecting and a lot of the time the next day they are not even in the same state anymore.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: charles mann on January 05, 2019, 05:36:16 PM
Im in tx too and for many yrs i pulled my 24k gn for personal use. I had been told many times that i needed a cdl even though i wasnt commercial. According to the dps dl offices, it would have been a farmer cdl, meaning writtens, no driving test, no medical or logs. 
For a long time the law wasnt enforced, but it seems a few yrs ago, certain areas, mine for ex. started cracking down on it. Troopers would wait down the road from these equip rental places and when they saw a rig without dot #s, they pulled them over to ck for some form of cdl. If no cdl, either a cdl driver had to get the rig in a reasonable timeframe, or the rig was towed. 
If hauling for personal and dont want that ticket or impound fee IF they catch you, the farmer cdl will come out cheaper in the long run. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: SawyerTed on January 05, 2019, 07:04:41 PM
I've been going through the same decision making and have had questions similar to the original post.

For NC the wording pretty much follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's wording on what constitutes a "commercial vehicle."  It boils down to the weight.  Over 10,000 pounds GVWR is a commercial vehicle.  Over 26,000 pounds combined GVWR requires a CDL.  Use of the vehicle as private not for hire doesn't matter.  Weight is the determining factor.  Some exceptions for RVs, farm use and transporting horses occasionally are in place.

Turns out for my business in NC  I have to have a USDOT # but no CDL because my combination is less than 26,000#. Because of weight, NC requires a commercial insurance policy and $750,000 minimum coverage.  My truck and sawmill combo is in the neighborhood of 14,000#.

I have one neighbor who is a DMV officer and one who is a retired colonel from DMV.  Their advice has been invaluable.

I encourage anybody with questions to consult with their state agency that regulates trucking.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 05, 2019, 08:36:19 PM
After looking into my truck specs more closely, and finally catching on to the difference between combined GVWR and GCWR (truck GVWR + trailer GVWR, versus combined rating for the vehicle) and other info, I think I'm ok.  The GVWR on the door jamb says 15,000 lbs.  Therefore, as long as the GVWR of the trailer is 11,000 lbs or less I'll be under the 26,000 lb limit.  That's all the law cares about from what I can tell - the combined GVWR (not the GCWR, which isn't labeled on the truck).  

I assume that at a scale they measure the total combined weight and make sure that's under the combined GVWR, is that correct?  I wouldn't imagine they would have you drop the trailer and weigh truck and trailer separately.

A GCWR is not shown on the truck, but per the 2004 Ford towing guide, it is 26,000 lbs.  The towing capacity of 21,400 lbs I mentioned in the OP was incorrect, it is actually 18,100 lbs for mine, and is just the GCWR minus the empty truck weight.  Towing that much would put it above the 26,001 lb combined GVWR though (15k+18.1k), so that would be a Class A load.

So, I would definitely like to haul more on a trailer but I think I can make it work by putting more on the truck flatbed.  My heaviest item is about 9,000 lbs which is a little above a 11,000 lb GVWR trailer rating.  I would definitely be below the combined GVWR though, so my only risk is if on that one load they made me weigh the trailer by itself.

Sorry for the confusion, but it's been a good discussion and I know it will come up again.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Dave Shepard on January 05, 2019, 09:13:44 PM
When classifying a truck, it's the tags on truck and trailer that determine if you are cdl or not. If the single or combo is over 26,000, then you need a cdl, even if the truck and trailer scale less than 26,000 at the time. I think under federal regs, you should be under cdl with 15,000 and 11,000, although I'd find a trailer that was 10,900, just to give yourself a margin.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 05, 2019, 09:36:05 PM
A scale is going to weight two things, your gross weight, and the weight of each axle, so you also need to know the weight rating of your axles and not exceed those either, they will weight that at the same time while the truck and trailer are hooked together.  

Trying to understand a part of what you are stating here.  Your heaviest item is 9,000 lbs.  Is that just the piece of equipment?  If so then lets look at the math.  The truck probably weighs in the range of 7,000 lbs depending on the cab configuration etc.  My '06 3500 is around 7,500 lbs with 90 gallons of fuel in the bed tank for reference.  9,000 + 7,000 = 16,000.  What does the trailer alone weigh?  I have a 10 ton, 20' long gooseneck PJ dump trailer that is 8,000 lbs.  So in that case you would gross 24,000 and be under the CDL weight, as long as the two axles on your truck don't weigh 15,001 lbs and neither axle is over the rating for it individually, we have all seen a bumper pull RV behind a half ton pickup with the headlights pointing up at a 45° angle for an example.  Your trailer axles, along with all tires, and wheels will also have a weight rating and you can't exceed those either.  

At 24,000 lbs you have exactly 2,000 lbs to play with for "stuff" that goes along for the ride - oh and don't forget to secure your cargo at each corner and any blades or other accessories with the properly rated and stamped binders and chains.  

I would not say you are playing with fire, but it might be getting dry and warm around ya with this set up.   
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 06, 2019, 12:58:01 AM
If you have a 10k and up rated trailer then you need to keep your truck plated below 26k.  That was part of what NY got me on.  

Tennessee is an ag state, we dont even need plates on most personal trailers and lots of stuff is farm so all gvw is put on the power unit and that does not make it CDL.  I had a 38k plate on my 23k truck.  I could be pulling hay in tennessee at 35k with no CDL for instance.  NY said nope. 38k plate makes it a 38k truck, so truck itself required CDL B and over 10k trailer bumped it to CDL A.  Once impounded i had to get a CDL B licensed stranger to drive the truck out for me, they wouldnt release my trailer.  NY looks at the gvwr weight, the registered weight and the actual scaled weight. They use the highest of those 3 numbers to decide what license u need.  I hear PA does too but never had issues there.

If i had a 26k plate and a 7500# car trailer it woulda been a class D rig in NY that day.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Kindlinmaker on January 06, 2019, 02:57:12 AM
I am going thru this in NY now. I am a resident and have an F550. I have a 6T dump trailer I use to move logs and equipment for personal use only.   The standard F550 max GCVW specifies by Ford is 26,000. I was confused by the regs
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Kindlinmaker on January 06, 2019, 03:15:07 AM
(Pushed the wrong button - to continue). NY DMV has a help line so I asked them to clarify the rule. Their answer was simple. Truck GVW + trailer GVW = GCVW license requirement. It doesn't matter what the manufacturer sets as a GCVW. I am in the middle of getting a CDL. 

I will defend the NY troopers a bit.  Before I understood the regs, I blew a trailer tire right before the Thruway toll booth off I84 on a Sunday morning. Trooper helped me change the tire including busting the lugs loose, unloading my tractor to get to the spare, using the loader to lift the dump bed because of a fryed battery. Temp was high 80s and the whole process took over an hour.  Took my license and registration info for his log and never said a word about a CDL. Never lectured me about dry rotted tires that I should have replaced. Wished me a safe trip and I was on my way. That's the day I decided to stay and retire in the Hudson Valley. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: YellowHammer on January 06, 2019, 09:29:00 AM
I've been in the middle of this myself, and although I was legal in Alabama, and legal in Tn, as soon as I crossed state lines I went from state regs to Federal regs, towing an empty gooseneck with an empty pickup truck, and I was pulled over like I was the one of America's Most Wanted, lights on, while the State Trooper escorted to the nearest weigh station, and I was told although I had committed zero moving violations I was going to be there for awhile while the Trooper pulled out the "Multiple Ticket Form."  The tickets were bad, and cascaded to the extreme of not having road flares and reflective triangles, which of course I didn't because those are commercial requirements, and I was completely legal until I crossed the six inches of state line.

Did I mention I got the tickets while completely unloaded?  It all came down to the stickers on the trailer and the truck.

When I went to pay my tickets, I had gotten some of them removed or taken care of, I asked the county clerk how much the damage was because I figured  I needed to go to the bank and get some serious cash.  The clerk pointed to a sign on the wall that said although they don't take personal checks, they did accept business checks.  I replied, "I'm sure you do..."

I am now completely legal now, but it doesn't come cheap.  Within 18 months, I had a state trooper/DOT audit, no problems.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 06, 2019, 09:37:45 AM
You mention the fire extinguisher and triangles, another one that is a favorite is not having spare fuses - yup that can be a ticket.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 06, 2019, 10:02:18 AM
Ive had lots of very nice trooper encounters and dont mean to paint them all bad, im on their side and am always polite/respectful with them. Its the crook in a badge who is getting a kickback from your $900 tow and $2100 month long storage bill while they "investigate" that you need to be aware of.  Basically pirates preying on trucks.  I landed in the worst case scenario and have withheld most of the ugly details here.  But theyre out there and looking for a nice guy like you to extort.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: YellowHammer on January 06, 2019, 01:35:48 PM
Quote from: Southside logger on January 06, 2019, 09:37:45 AM
You mention the fire extinguisher and triangles, another one that is a favorite is not having spare fuses - yup that can be a ticket.  
Yup, it was, and I got that one too.  
I also had THREE bark chips on my flatbed, it was an Unsecured Load violation, I solved that by putting them into my pocket.
I didn't have the emergency trailer brake cable hooked to the truck frame, but had it hooked to the hook that hooks to the bed frame.  That was an "Out of Service" ticket, I remedied on the spot.

I didn't have an annual DOT inspection certificate for both truck and trailer, that was a $250 ticket.

I didn't have a DOT sign on the door, that was a ticket.

I didn't have a DOT number, that was a ticket.

I din't have a logbook, it was almost a ticket a ticket except I was within 150 air miles of my house.

I did have a medical card, as required by my insurance for my truck, but didn't have it with me, it was in a file folder at home, that was a $250 ticket I was able to clear when I went to the courthouse.

As said, I got a violation for no triangles and another violation for no flares.

I got lots more verbal warnings and finally said, "Hey, I was legal in Alabama, legal in TN, so I didn't know I needed all this as soon as I crossed state lines (Interstate vs Intrastate), so I don't have any of it."

On the ticket it said I had to remedy the violations within two weeks or I would get additional fines of $1,000 per day, if I remember correctly.

I drove home, stopped my life, and got as much taken care of as possible to reduce the mega tickets.  I finally got it all under a thousand bucks.

I also hired a CDL/DOT company who walked me through the whole FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) process, and paid them some more money to get my files in order.

I also now have to pay federal road taxes because I cross state lines.

Going commercial is not a trivial consideration.  There is a lot to do and the penalties are significant.  

I got my world in order, and passed my audit.

The one phrase I kept hearing through this whole process was "Ignorance is No Excuse."
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on January 06, 2019, 02:39:44 PM
Quote from: YellowHammer on January 06, 2019, 01:35:48 PMGoing commercial is not a trivial consideration.  There is a lot to do and the penalties are significant.
Can also say..."crossing a state line is not a trivial consideration. " 

Over 10000 pounds combined GVWR + in business + crossing state line = become subject to federal (USDOT, FMCSA) code.

Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 07, 2019, 02:09:16 AM
Ugh, I typed this all out yesterday but apparently the interwebs ate my post...

The requirement is below in flowchart format (from the Texas handbook).  I think I have my situation figured out pretty well - I can do what I need to do without a CDL, though one load will be marginal.  I'll be moving up to Idaho over the next few years, by the way - 35-40k of equipment.  Not having a CDL means 4-5 hauling trips instead of 3 with a big trailer but that's not really a problem for me.  Here's my numbers that comply with CDL requirements:
Truck:  15,000 lbs GVWR - 8,500 lbs weight = 6,500 lbs payload capacity
Trailer:  11,000 lbs GVWR trailer - 2490 lbs weight = 8,510 lbs payload capacity   (bumper pull)

The heaviest piece is about 8,800 lbs (pic below), but if I have to I can remove the snowplow which weighs about 1,000 lbs and put it on the truck bed.  That's if the guy I bought it from has equipment to hoist it, which I think he does.   Using a bumper pull allows me to use more of the truck bed and some of the truck's GVWR.  While the truck manufacturer accounts for increased towing capacity with an empty truck, the law does not.

This depends on finding an 11k trailer.  The only one I've found so far is made in Michigan but still looking.  There are quite a few 10.4k trailers around but the 11k gives about 500 lbs more payload which would be handy.  I need a new one anyway as mine is only 6k.  Note that an overweight trailer gets a fine of around $50-$150 and you can keep going (from what I've read, at least up to 1,000 lbs or so), but an overweight truck or over-GVWR combo and you're not going anywhere.

To summarize what I've learned, and has been posted by others - there are two separate things you need to keep in mind:  
1) Combined GVWR (empty or not) - the combined GVWR rating of truck and trailer must be below 26,001 lbs for non-CDL and per flow chart.  Note that if you have a vehicle that can handle it, you can tow more than 10k if you have a truck with a low GVWR.  I don't think you'll find that with a typical truck, it would be a specialty towing vehicle.
2)  Weighing - if you get weighed you must be within the individual GVWR of truck and trailer, and also within the GAWR (axle rating) of both (e.g. 4 axles for a truck with tandem trailer).  Trailers have identical axles so weight distribution could bite you here if you're pushing the maximum.

It sounds like some get hit with #1, others with #2 (literally... lol).  

Also, the lowest GVWR gooseneck I've seen is 14k, so it would be tough if not impossible to find a gooseneck combination that would be non-CDL for any truck these days.  I'm sure that's a huge red flag for the Hwy Patrol.



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(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/46158/CDL.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1546761075)
 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: square1 on January 07, 2019, 06:24:21 AM
"Trailer:  11,000 lbs GVWR trailer - 2490 lbs weight = 8,510 lbs payload capacity   (bumper pull)

The heaviest piece is about 8,800 lbs (pic below), but if I have to I can remove the snowplow which weighs about 1,000 lbs and put it on the truck bed."


An old trucker told me (as I was fussing with a calculator trying to maximize trailer capacity) don't forget to factor ~10% of the trailer & load is transferred to the truck if you get the hitch weighted properly.

I don't think you have to pull the blade.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 07, 2019, 07:55:40 AM
A lot of trailer manufacturers put cheap, junk tires on their trailers. I have found a world of difference running 14 ply trailer tires and keeping them at 100 PSI, especially if you are going to be right at your max load it might prevent roadside issues. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Resonator on January 07, 2019, 08:10:16 AM
Quotedon't forget to factor ~10% of the trailer & load is transferred to the truck if you get the hitch weighted properly.
You will want to get your empty weight of truck and trailer with a full fuel tank. Then when you are loaded, reweigh to get your gross, and get your individual axle weights (steer, drive, and trailer). WHERE you place the load on the trailer (front to back) will determine how much weight is on the drive axle or trailer axles. (Nice Unimog, a guy could move some snow with that!) (https://forestryforum.com/board/Smileys/default/thumb.gif)
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: YellowHammer on January 07, 2019, 08:48:46 AM
You can derate a trailer to get it where you want it.  Although I have not actually done it, I have contacted all involved parties about the process, including the Al State Troopers.

Its easy if buying a new trailer, the authorized dealer, who doesn't actually get a title with the trailer (they get a dealer exemption) can request a new derated title from the manufacturer.  As long as the trailer has not been modified, and is still new, i.e. still on the dealer's lot, without the title paperwork filled out, they call up the manufacturer, tell them what you want as a rating, and the manaufacturer will issue a new rating sticker which is sent to the dealer, is given to you, and which you stick on the trailer, and take to the county license department where they will register it and issue you a tag.  This only works with a new trailer since the manufacturer can set their weight limits to anything under the axle capacities, for which most trailers are sized.

If a trailer is already titled, then it become harder.  In Alabama, I must got to the license department and request and be issued a modified registration and license with the derated trailer weight.  They will then issue the tag.  However, just getting a lower rated tag won't satisfy the State Troopers, as I've asked them about it, they will still go by the trailer rating sticker on the trailer no matter what the tag says.  So the next step is to call up the trailer manufacturer, and send then a copy of the derated license registration and tag.  They will issue a new trailer sticker that will replace the one on the trailer.  Then depending on the state, all that goes into requesting an adjustment to the title (if your trailer title lists the rating). 

Derating a gooseneck is the same as derating a bumber pull.  If the sticker is simply removed (don't do that) the trooper will crawl under the trailer, check the axle ratings, and set the trailer ratings on that.

By far the easiest way to derate a trailer is at the dealer when buying a new one.  It will take about a week to get the derate paperwork back from the manufacturer.

I personally have PJ Trailers, and these are they steps they confirmed they will follow.  Also, I have talked to a local trailer manufacturer, and they also said they would issue a derated trailer sticker if a customer asked for it with a new trailer.  

A derated trailer can be a problem when it comes time to sell it, but from a $$ to $$ standpoint, the cost of a CDL will probably overcome any loss of value to the trailer.

Here's another personal example the happened to me.  Before I knew anything about this, I had bought a standard double axle, double tired gooseneck, rated at 25,000 lbs.  I didn't even bother really looking at the rating, just liked the look of the trailer.  After a "conversation" with a state trooper, and eventual further conversation all the way up the line to the top trooper in Alabama, he said "If my boys stop you and you are pulling that trailer with your truck and no CDL, your will be getting enough tickets to where you will have to sell the trailer to pay for them."  So I took that to heart, and downtraded that trailer to a lower rated model to get me within regs.  End of story, or so I thought.  Several years later, last July, I get a call out of the blue from a guy in Chattanooga, long way from me, who had bought the trailer from the dealer who I traded with, was using it to haul his landscaping equipment, and had been pulled over and given a knee buster ticket.  He was looking to see if I had a copy of my old title, as he had lost his, big Oops, and told me that his trailer had been taken out of service and all he had now was an $8,000 lawn ornament until he got things fixed.


Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 07, 2019, 09:20:25 AM
Check the hitch rating and the stinger on your truck if you go with a bumper pull that heavy, most are maxed at 10K. 

I have a friend who just bought a Dodge 4500 and was planning to pull his mini excavator with it on a bumper pull that is heavy enough, but the fancy built in hitch is only 10K rated, so now he has a problem. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: scsmith42 on January 07, 2019, 10:18:53 AM
Quote from: Greyman on January 07, 2019, 02:09:16 AM
Ugh, I typed this all out yesterday but apparently the interwebs ate my post...

The requirement is below in flowchart format (from the Texas handbook).  I think I have my situation figured out pretty well - I can do what I need to do without a CDL, though one load will be marginal.  I'll be moving up to Idaho over the next few years, by the way - 35-40k of equipment.  Not having a CDL means 4-5 hauling trips instead of 3 with a big trailer but that's not really a problem for me.  Here's my numbers that comply with CDL requirements:
Truck:  15,000 lbs GVWR - 8,500 lbs weight = 6,500 lbs payload capacity
Trailer:  11,000 lbs GVWR trailer - 2490 lbs weight = 8,510 lbs payload capacity   (bumper pull)

The heaviest piece is about 8,800 lbs (pic below), but if I have to I can remove the snowplow which weighs about 1,000 lbs and put it on the truck bed.  That's if the guy I bought it from has equipment to hoist it, which I think he does.   Using a bumper pull allows me to use more of the truck bed and some of the truck's GVWR.  While the truck manufacturer accounts for increased towing capacity with an empty truck, the law does not.

This depends on finding an 11k trailer.  The only one I've found so far is made in Michigan but still looking.  There are quite a few 10.4k trailers around but the 11k gives about 500 lbs more payload which would be handy.  I need a new one anyway as mine is only 6k.  Note that an overweight trailer gets a fine of around $50-$150 and you can keep going (from what I've read, at least up to 1,000 lbs or so), but an overweight truck or over-GVWR combo and you're not going anywhere.

To summarize what I've learned, and has been posted by others - there are two separate things you need to keep in mind:  
1) Combined GVWR (empty or not) - the combined GVWR rating of truck and trailer must be below 26,001 lbs for non-CDL and per flow chart.  Note that if you have a vehicle that can handle it, you can tow more than 10k if you have a truck with a low GVWR.  I don't think you'll find that with a typical truck, it would be a specialty towing vehicle.
2)  Weighing - if you get weighed you must be within the individual GVWR of truck and trailer, and also within the GAWR (axle rating) of both (e.g. 4 axles for a truck with tandem trailer).  Trailers have identical axles so weight distribution could bite you here if you're pushing the maximum.

It sounds like some get hit with #1, others with #2 (literally... lol).  

Also, the lowest GVWR gooseneck I've seen is 14k, so it would be tough if not impossible to find a gooseneck combination that would be non-CDL for any truck these days.  I'm sure that's a huge red flag for the Hwy Patrol.



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Greyman, according to the chart that you posted above (and per NC regulations), if your trailer is rated at 10K lbs or more, you have to have a Class A license.
Keep in mind that a CDL is an overlay on top of Class A, B, etc state licenses.  For a farmer (such as myself), I am exempt from having a CDL if I am on farm related business and within 150 miles of my farm, but I still have to have a Class A license if I'm plated for 26,001 lbs or greater, AND/OR am pulling a trailer that is rated for 10,001 lbs or more.
If I were you, I'd get a Class A license.  You can argue that you don't need CDL since you're not towing commercially, but under the weights that you posted you are still required to have a Class A license.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 07, 2019, 04:41:18 PM
scsmith42 - the NC manual is the same as Texas, it says you must have a CDL for "A combination vehicle with a GCWR of 26,0001 lbs or more, provided the GVWR of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs."   It took me a while to understand that distinction - it's non-CDL to pull a 15k GVWR trailer if your vehicle is rated at 11k or less, for example.  If you have a 40k GVWR truck you could get a Class B instead of Class A to pull a trailer less than 10,000 lbs.

Southside - yes, trying to track down the flatbed bumper pull rating but all the numbers are worn off.

YellowHammer - I had thought about derating also, thanks for the info on dealers working with that and the tip on getting it derated before buying it!
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: mike_belben on January 07, 2019, 08:55:24 PM
An 11k truck and a 15k trailer might be legal empty.  But youre just towing a bunch of useless trailer because the payload thats left between your curbweight and 26k doesnt need but a car trailer.  I did what youre doing, still am.  

Either steer clear of CDL or dive all the way in.  The middle ground is no mans land.  The tags and math interpretations wont matter when you hit 26001 on the portable scale.  Medium duty under CDL stuff is just too heavy before you even load it.

Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 07, 2019, 09:06:33 PM
Quote from: Greyman on January 07, 2019, 02:09:16 AMNote that an overweight trailer gets a fine of around $50-$150 and you can keep going


Umm - not sure about that one.  If your trailer is overwight and you are not over gross, then your trailer has at least one over axle violation, and those tickets are expensive, they are based on % over, and if I remember correctly 10% or more becomes a "gross" violation so the fines go up significantly, and are always an out of service, fix the problem before you continue on matter.  Since they are % based a lighter axle capacity gets you in more trouble faster.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: thecfarm on January 07, 2019, 09:44:21 PM
What a DanG hassle to haul something!!!! :o  ::)
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: sawguy21 on January 07, 2019, 10:28:39 PM
It is a nightmare.:( I can have a GCWR up to 12,500 kg and be legal with my standard class 5 licence as long as the trailer is under 4600 kg (10,000 lb), anything over that requires a cdl. I can get a special endorsement 7 which allows a non air brake equipped trailer of any weight but limits me to a two axle tow vehicle. A special endorsement 20 allows a travel trailer or recreational 5th wheel over 4600, still a 2 axle tow vehicle, which seems silly but I would not be subject to commercial vehicle regulations. If I get the fiver I want I will need it, the other option is a class 1 but I can't pass the medical and it's overkill for my needs.
As some of you have discovered, enforcement is swift and severe. A retired truck cop I am acquainted with takes great delight telling tales of being a pita.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: YellowHammer on January 08, 2019, 12:34:34 AM
Also, but it hasn't been mentioned, if your truck, or truck and trailer, exceeds only 10,000 lbs rated weight, (any one ton pickup exceeds this) and you cross state lines for business, you absolutely must have a DOT number, although you won't need a CDL until 26,000 lbs.  

To make it worse, some states have adopted the federal regs and require you to have a DOT number intrastate, if you are rated at more than 10,000 lbs.  

So the magic numbers are when crossing state lines, 10,000 lbs need DOT number and 26,000 lbs, need a CDL.  If over 10,000 lbs in some states need a DOT number, some don't require it until 26,000 lbs.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on January 08, 2019, 10:54:29 AM
Quote from: terrifictimbersllc on January 06, 2019, 02:39:44 PMOver 10000 pounds combined GVWR + in business + crossing state line = become subject to federal (USDOT, FMCSA) code.
Was getting at that above.  

Note that there are 3 criteria to enter this Bermuda Triangle.  

Imagine.....four pickup trucks approaching a state line.  

1) One is a 3/4 ton pulling a big boat, heading toward the boat launch.
2) Second is a 1 ton dually pulling an RV 5th wheel who knows how many GVWR.
3) Third is a 1 ton pulling an LT40 Super going to a sawing job.
4) Fourth is a half ton pulling a landscaping trailer with weedwhackers & lawn mowers going to a mowing job.

None have USDOT numbers.  Which of the above can sail across the border without breaking the law?   What activity is being discriminated against?
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 08, 2019, 12:27:02 PM
Well, my assumption is the first guy is going to get pulled at the state line when they check for muscles on the hull of the boat, at which time he will be shut down and they will discover his U-Ship paperwork, promptly hauling him off to jail. 

The $80K RV 5th wheel, being towed by a $75K dually is probably packed full of dogs headed to a dog show so the state Agriculture folks will shut them down and tow them off when they discover the 15 year old, retired, Golden Retriever riding shotgun has a rabies certificate that is expired by three days.

Nobody has a clue what the LT40 is, so that guy will ride on by as it looks light weight and the DOT guy see the weed wackers hanging on the side of the trailer behind him and they know the odds are he is NOT using DOT approved gas cans and there is no way those mowers are secured to the trailer, so they get the guy with the spike strip and chase vehicles ready in case this "Outlaw" tries to make a run for it.  

Some of you will think I am joking here.... 

Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on January 08, 2019, 01:06:43 PM
Guess I should have asked - are they crossing into California?  If so they all need to go through the road side bug inspection station, if any of them have veggies grown in their own garden then the DOT violations will be dismissed in the plea bargain of 10 - 15 years in the state pen for importation of un-inspected produce.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: rjwoelk on January 08, 2019, 01:14:40 PM
I drive for a company that looks after all the dos and donts. But if they are lookin for something they can find it.

Good morning Sawguy.  I am in kelowna getting a new starter for the kenworth. Was a mexed bag of weatheŕ yesterday coming fown the 97A.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 08, 2019, 04:58:08 PM
Quote from: Southside logger on January 08, 2019, 12:27:02 PM
Some of you will think I am joking here....
Not me.  I used to know a Hwy Patrol guy, he would try and get his buddies to go on ride-arounds with him.  I never did but my friends did.  He would jump in and say "ok, lets get 10 tickets real quick then we can mess around for a while".  He would then respond to anything "interesting" (his words) that came up, especially high speed chases.  He loved to flip on the lights and floor it then push the local cops around.  He eventually got kicked out, which was good to hear, but there are definitely some out there in it for the fun, excitement, and power-tripping.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: SawyerTed on January 08, 2019, 05:13:13 PM
Greyman, I suggest you talk directly with your state's division of motor vehicles, your state's motor carrier enforcement agency (here it is State Highway Patrol) or talk to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.    There's been a lot of good information shared here but we don't write citations.  There are some variations in regulations state to state.  What may apply here may not be uniformly enforced there.  One example is NC requires a USDOT number for intrastate operation.

One issue that hasn't been raised is the regulations vary based on what you are hauling.  I need a medical card to haul lumber but not for logs.

I applied for my USDOT number on Sunday morning.  It took an hour or so.  I received authority to operate on Monday and I received a call from FMCSA to review my application.  During the application review I was able to ask all my questions as they relate to my specific situation. It was tremendously helpful.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on January 08, 2019, 05:43:43 PM
Very easy to get a USDOT #.   Also easy to get the rule book from JJKeller.    It's 3" thick.  Not so easy to sleep at night once you start reading it.  Best to have a retired trooper friend or other such coach to keep it all in perspective.  Finding someone at an FMCSA office who you can talk to on the phone is also helpful. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on January 08, 2019, 10:25:58 PM
A DOT tag is only required if you are engaged in commerce, the way I read it.   Do I need a DOT tag? (https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number-1)   I'm not, but I'm sure others here are and can use the info.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: SawyerTed on January 09, 2019, 10:46:10 PM
Check the FMCSA website. My understanding is if you are over 10,001 pounds a DOT number is required.  Exceptions are RVs, horse trailers and certain agricultural activities.  You would be a private (not for hire) carrier.  But I've been wrong before.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: terrifictimbersllc on January 10, 2019, 07:14:44 AM
Quote from: terrifictimbersllc on January 08, 2019, 10:54:29 AMImagine.....four pickup trucks approaching a state line.   1) One is a 3/4 ton pulling a big boat, heading toward the boat launch. 2) Second is a 1 ton dually pulling an RV 5th wheel who knows how many GVWR. 3) Third is a 1 ton pulling an LT40 Super going to a sawing job. 4) Fourth is a half ton pulling a landscaping trailer with weedwhackers & lawn mowers going to a mowing job. None have USDOT numbers.  Which of the above can sail across the border without breaking the law?   What activity is being discriminated against?
Answer key:  1 and 2.  Activity is commerce. The first two in the example are not in commerce (if they were, then they would also be in violation, for example a dealer delivering a boat or RV across a state line).  US constitution gives authority to federal govt. to regulate commerce.  

Once I needed to take a U-Haul car carrier trailer across two state lines to get my daughters car.  I called and asked a trooper in the destination state if I would get in trouble. He said if I get stopped, to use the statement "I am not in commerce".

Also I talked to an FMCSA official on the phone about the regs a number of times.  One of the things he told me was that the FMCSA/USDOT rules are applied on a per trip basis with respect to whether you are in commerce or not-on that trip.  So towing an RV on vacation is not regulated by FMCSA whereas  towing  to a job (over 10000# GCWR, across state line) is regulated by FMCSA.

Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Skip on January 10, 2019, 08:41:49 AM
A lot of pipeline welders with their own rigs found out all of a sudden (the hard way >:( ??? :P ) that they needed DOT numbers around here . The states around here figured out they were leaving a lot of money on the table.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: gspren on January 10, 2019, 09:10:47 AM
Since the Uni-Mog looks big, heavy, and commercial I would at least get a price on one flat-bed load hauled commercially by someone else. If the price is reasonable load as much on that load as possible.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on May 15, 2019, 10:13:52 PM
Follow up on this...  I ended up getting a 14k GVWR bumper pull trailer derated to 11k to be under the 26k GVWC limit for a CDL.  I just got back from a Houston-Minneapolis-Boise-Houston trip of 4,750 miles.  I bypassed all weigh stations as they said "over 26k" or "commercial" and I didn't get stopped once.  I went thru 11 states:  TX, OK, KS, MO, IA, MN, ND, MT, ID, WY, CO, NM.  I took a combination of interstates and "shortcuts" in about 5 days of driving (950 miles/day avg) and crossed state lines at all hours of the day and night (i.e. open and closed weigh stations).  So, anecdotal evidence for sure, but I didn't get checked and I would have passed if I would have (except for the gung-ho cops who would have found the smallest thing).  I also carried bill-of-sales and titles of equipment to prove it was my own equipment.  I have 3 similar trips coming up this summer - I hope they are all as uneventful!  Except for running the diesel dry in the middle of Montana at 5am, after discovering that the low fuel light gives me about 10 miles before it conks out...  Yeah, learned that lesson real *DanG quick. 
The 60 miles of heavily wash-boarded single lane dirt road at the end would have had a commercial driver dropping the load right there, I'm sure of that.  I drove it at night since that way you can see lights coming and hold up to let them pass (didn't see a soul though).  Otherwise you're swinging wide to make the turn and at 10 mph can't get out of the way.
 

(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/46158/2019-04-27_09_05_36.jpg?easyrotate_cache=1557972156)
 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Southside on May 15, 2019, 10:55:22 PM
Glad to hear it was a success.  Just an observation - you need to secure your buggy using a 4pt or 4 corner method of tying it down, that right there would be enough to get pulled over going down the road.  I would also use two chains on the plow, should something happen you have twice the security of it staying on your truck. 
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: moodnacreek on May 16, 2019, 07:55:22 AM
That's what everyone says, 4 chains but I read that's for 10,000 lbs. and over .
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: muggs on May 16, 2019, 10:31:21 AM
950 miles a day!!!  Wow!   Did you check your fuel mi.?
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: sawguy21 on May 16, 2019, 11:41:51 AM
Yeah! How do you keep your log book legal with those kind of miles?
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on May 17, 2019, 05:27:58 PM
Yes, this was right after loading.  I did throw some more chains and straps on it once I got down the road.  The guy I bought it from wanted to load it his way and was in a hurry - one of those "its how I did it once and I didn't have a problem" people so I let him do it his way.  It was in low gear with parking brake on, but still it only had one chain from keeping it rolling back which would have created a very unstable fishtailing load.  That's what worried me the most.  Would have liked more chains on the plow but saved the two others I had for the Unimog.  It had 3 heavy straps on it in addition to the chain.
Yeah, a lot of driving for sure.  I was traveling alone so I stopped and slept in the cab whenever I was tired, and drove when I wasn't.  Packed food and water with me.  That makes it very efficient.  I had a 2-day break in the middle and I definitely caught up on sleep then.  Not something you want to do for more than a couple days in a row, for sure.
No CDL = no driving log.  With a CDL you can drive 11 hours in a 14 hour work day (i.e 3 hours for fueling, checking load, doing log book, etc.) each 24 hours.  I definitely did more hours than that.
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on May 17, 2019, 05:36:59 PM
On fuel mileage - empty (but with 2,500lb counterweight on truck bed that you can't see) I was getting about 13 mpg.  For a heavy truck with trailer I was surprised, I only get 14 mpg (gas) with my '01 Tundra empty.  Loaded, going thru Montana with hills and a very strong headwind, I bet I was only getting 5 mpg.  I lost track.  The aerodynamics went to hell with the Unimog on there.  lol   With diesel at 2.69-3.19/gal it definitely added up...  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: caveman on May 17, 2019, 09:12:50 PM
The Unimog is an impressive machine.  They are on my list of cool vehicles along with model A trucks, Willys jeeps/ pick ups, old power wagons, 79 and earlier broncos, and several cars from the late 60's.

I often wonder how the small businessman makes a go of it with all of the rules, certifications, licenses, taxes and insurance needed just to be eligible to operate.  
Title: Re: Do I need a CDL to haul my own stuff?
Post by: Greyman on May 18, 2019, 07:58:23 PM
I don't use mine on public roads.  The top speed of these older ones is about 45 mph empty - put the dozer blade and crane on and it's about 30 mph.  I treat it like a tractor, which is what many do - not registered, put an orange triangle on it, etc.  It can be a hassle to register them depending on the state for several reasons, starting with the VIN not having enough digits.  From what I understand, though there are varied reports/opinions, you can't import new ones into the US since they don't meet DOT and EPA.  They have to be more than 25 years old to be exempt.  A brand new one starts at around $250k in Germany so doubt I'll ever have to worry about it... lol  They sure are nice though.  You can buy a '79 like this one in the US for $10-20k (varies a lot due to condition and limited numbers of them), and you have to be prepared to do all your own work on it because there are only a few shops in the US who specialize in them.  They are very reliable and durable, but parts can be very expensive and hard to find.