Hey guys. I have a friend that needs freight (< 10,000lbs) hauled around the southeast. From what I read here: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/other/faq/faqs.asp#name22 I don't need a USDOT number since my tow rig is <10,000lbs. Another page on the site says that with GVWR of < 10,000lbs I don't need a USDOT number, but is that including the GVWR of the trailer too? Also, found a cool little wizard for determining which forms you need to fill out. http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/
The DOT will look at the GCVWR. To haul 10,000lbs you will need a dual tandem or triple singles. That will put you over the 26,001 mark which means you'll have to do the whole nine yards. USDOT number, insurance, DOT physical, CDL Class A, etc.......
Yep, just found that out too. It poured through the FMCSA website and found that even if I am under 10,000 CGVWR, I still have to adhere to their health and safety regs. I wouldn't need a USDOT number, but I would have to adhere to all the other stuff. It sucks though because most of my loads would be under 5,000, and I am only going about 200 miles. Oh well, I will have to find another way to make a little extra $$.