Do I need a CDL????

[Shiner]

It wasn't too much of a hassle, I just told them I use it for my small farm in NH and was going to move furniture from my parents old home before my mother had to go into a nursing home.
I did get a medical card when I got the truck just in case any of them asked. Then the medical exam changes and they said since I had a 17" neck I needed to do some type of sleep test at a hospital which would have cost thousands for me to get a new medical card. At that point I said forget it, I'm not driving commercially. What a scam that is.

I just redid my med card, and no neck measure.

 

[FATCAT]

I just redid my med card, and no neck measure.

That's interesting. The last time I went, the Dr. said rules changed. He gets out a tape measure and puts it around my neck. Measured 17" and said the new rules apply to Sleep Apnea and anyone with a 17" or greater neck had to prove they had a Sleep Test certified by a Dr. at a hospital and/or prove that they were using a sleeping device (CPAP mask).

Also, according to their weight chart, I was "Grossly Overweight". I'm 5'11'' and 230lbs. He said I should be at 140lbs for my height and that prompted him to require the Sleep Apnea test.
140!!! Maybe back in the Depression era where you were lucky to find 1 meal a day.

 

[jgillott]

That's interesting. The last time I went, the Dr. said rules changed. He gets out a tape measure and puts it around my neck. Measured 17" and said the new rules apply to Sleep Apnea and anyone with a 17" or greater neck had to prove they had a Sleep Test certified by a Dr. at a hospital and/or prove that they were using a sleeping device (CPAP mask).

Also, according to their weight chart, I was "Grossly Overweight". I'm 5'11'' and 230lbs. He said I should be at 140lbs for my height and that prompted him to require the Sleep Apnea test.
140!!! Maybe back in the Depression era where you were lucky to find 1 meal a day.

My neck is 19" and I weigh just over 240# at 5'7". I think my max ideal weight according to the chart is 156#. I was 156 in 7th grade probably.

 

[Shiner]

That's interesting. The last time I went, the Dr. said rules changed. He gets out a tape measure and puts it around my neck. Measured 17" and said the new rules apply to Sleep Apnea and anyone with a 17" or greater neck had to prove they had a Sleep Test certified by a Dr. at a hospital and/or prove that they were using a sleeping device (CPAP mask).

Also, according to their weight chart, I was "Grossly Overweight". I'm 5'11'' and 230lbs. He said I should be at 140lbs for my height and that prompted him to require the Sleep Apnea test.
140!!! Maybe back in the Depression era where you were lucky to find 1 meal a day.

Where did you have it done? I know the FMCSA was looking to change the rules to what you stated, but not sure they got it done. I just did my med card in December. Passed with flying colors. 6'3 and 250. Absolutely no neck measure. I know guys with no neck, then what? . I know this has been discussed for years, but no law on it yet. Medical examiner determines your risk. Some of these examiners can be total AH too. Maybe get a different DR? Incidently, I just measured my neck at 18.5".

 

[FATCAT]

Where did you have it done? I know the FMCSA was looking to change the rules to what you stated, but not sure they got it done. I just did my med card in December. Passed with flying colors. 6'3 and 250. Absolutely no neck measure. I know guys with no neck, then what? . I know this has been discussed for years, but no law on it yet. Medical examiner determines your risk. Some of these examiners can be total AH too. Maybe get a different DR? Incidently, I just measured my neck at 18.5".

I had the DOT exam in Portsmouth NH and it was about 2 years ago at a OSHA site (can't use your regular DR. any more).

 

[Shiner]

I had the DOT exam in Portsmouth NH and it was about 2 years ago at a OSHA site (can't use your regular DR. any more).

Not exactly correct. Dr.. must me a certified DOT examiner, is all. My Dr. is certified. Do a search for certified Drs. in your state.

 

[SpaceBuckaroo]

I've been trying to find an answer to this question;
If I purchase a one ton SRW pickup for my business, and only use it to haul small loads of less than 200 pounds for my business, such as buying 2x4's, etc., and then twice a year for a week, I load a 3,500 pound truck camper on it to travel across the states for personal use, do I need to get DOT and CDL? I live in Iowa.

 

[Wayne M.]

NO. CDL’s for straight trucks (class B) don’t come into play until air brakes are needed, 30,000 pounds. The debate focuses around towing trailers and the trailer itself getting above 10,000, and needing a CDL class A.

 

[GAmes]

do I need to get DOT and CDL? I live in Iowa.

You certainly don't need a CDL, but you possibly could require an Iowa DOT number if there is such a thing, since some states have them, some don't. I cruised the Iowa website a little and couldn't find anything. I suggest you contact them. If your business crosses state lines you do need a USDOT number. (over 10,000 GVWR)

BTW, a class B CDL is for straight trucks over 26,000 GVWR regardless of which type brakes it has.

Edit; according to the FMCSA website Iowa does indeed have a DOT number requirement.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration/do-i-need-usdot-number

 

[Shiner]

I've been trying to find an answer to this question;
If I purchase a one ton SRW pickup for my business, and only use it to haul small loads of less than 200 pounds for my business, such as buying 2x4's, etc., and then twice a year for a week, I load a 3,500 pound truck camper on it to travel across the states for personal use, do I need to get DOT and CDL? I live in Iowa.

No CDl required. Personal use out of state not a problem either, as long as you are not hauling for business. I had a friend get popped for hauling show horses across state lines. Since it was a "business" he had to get full DOT cert/licensing, CDL/DOT #, etc. I assume you bought for the business for tax purposes? you can have it registered in your name and use it for business, at which point, it is POV as far as DOT concerned. If you register Business trade, you get a break on licensing but when sold, you basically get hit with the tax bill then. I had my 3500 registered under business until I realized that DOT/commercial rules would apply then promptly changed the next year. I probably didn't help you much, but that is what we do.

 

[SpaceBuckaroo]

Thank you. I finally found a website with the information that you just told me. The Payload capacity of the vehicle I was wanting to buy is 11,400 lbs. A Ford F-350 SRW. When I drive it for business, I might occasionally have 200 maybe 300 pounds in the back. But on the 2 occasions that I load a 3,500 pound truck slide in camper, the weight will get close to 10,500 to 11,000 pounds. I guess getting a DOT is not that big of a deal. And yes I want to take advantage of being able to write it off on my taxes since 95% of the time I'll be using it for business.

 

[SpaceBuckaroo]

Oh, a straight truck is a big box truck like Ryder or Penski. I've rented those before.

 

[GAmes]

Actual weight doesn't matter. CDL requirements and DOT number requirements are based on GVWR. If it is a company truck, with a company logo it is very likely that you will be required to get an Iowa DOT number and display it. If you do interstate business you will definitely need a USDOT number, have it readable at 50 ft and might have log book (hours of service) requirements. I suggest you get a set of magnetic signs that you can remove when using it to haul the camper or other non-business use.

 

[SpaceBuckaroo]

Make a magnetic sign with the assigned DOT number?

 

[RVTRKN]

FATCAT, you shouldn't need a CDL (check with your State) if your not commercial. But your insurance might end up higher, being the VIN is what they go by. Also in Commifornia, my 3500 C&C had to have the GCW declaration on the side of the cab, even though it was not commercialy driven, CA DMV could care less. I was supposed to go through scales regardless of private use. I never put that sticker on my truck or go through scales and I registered it for 15K GCW, so it was in the grey area with the law. I had to get a waiver from AAA insurance to insure as a regular 3500. So beware, check those issues before you go with a 3500/4500/5500 C&C, it may be an issue in your State. I just registered my 3500 C&C in Nevada, and my new insurance company (State Farm) insured it as a regular pickup, (thats another story) and Nevada DMV goes by the insurance company declaration.

 

[Shiner]

Actual weight doesn't matter. CDL requirements and DOT number requirements are based on GVWR. If it is a company truck, with a company logo it is very likely that you will be required to get an Iowa DOT number and display it. If you do interstate business you will definitely need a USDOT number, have it readable at 50 ft and might have log book (hours of service) requirements. I suggest you get a set of magnetic signs that you can remove when using it to haul the camper or other non-business use.

I second that. Having a company logo on the truck does not determine whether or not tax deductible though. Magnetic sign is a good idea. Personally, I believe having a DOT # on trucks opens you up to much more scrutiny. I always hated the stops, "just because you have a rental with hazmat" or "we just wanted to check your company". That being said, be careful hauling anything as cargo rules and containment apply to all vehicles, but I guarantee that the DOT really takes notice on company trucks. Just my $.015 worth.

 

[GAmes]

Make a magnetic sign with the assigned DOT number?

Yes, one that conforms to the requirements of the state or the FMCSA, whichever applies. Put it on while you are in business mode, remove it for personal use. It is legal for the USDOT number, possibly not for the state.

 

[Shiner]

Yes, one that conforms to the requirements of the state or the FMCSA, whichever applies. Put it on while you are in business mode, remove it for personal use. It is legal for the USDOT number, possibly not for the state.

It can be magnetic for state also, just needs to be displayed if # is required.

 

[FATCAT]

FATCAT, you shouldn't need a CDL (check with your State) if your not commercial. But your insurance might end up higher, being the VIN is what they go by. Also in Commifornia, my 3500 C&C had to have the GCW declaration on the side of the cab, even though it was not commercialy driven, CA DMV could care less. I was supposed to go through scales regardless of private use. I never put that sticker on my truck or go through scales and I registered it for 15K GCW, so it was in the grey area with the law. I had to get a waiver from AAA insurance to insure as a regular 3500. So beware, check those issues before you go with a 3500/4500/5500 C&C, it may be an issue in your State. I just registered my 3500 C&C in Nevada, and my new insurance company (State Farm) insured it as a regular pickup, (thats another story) and Nevada DMV goes by the insurance company declaration.

I'm not commercial and don't use it for any business of any kind (my neighbor might give me a few bucks for diesel when I get him a few yards of bark mulch).

I have the truck insured by Progressive Commercial and it is about $580/year.
As i stated once before, the NH Trooper I spoke with before I bought the truck said that it would be best to pull in the weigh stations to be safe ... they'll just wave you through he said.

I just need one "Jed Clampett Trip" with the truck from NH to FL. Then I'll leave it there and fly back to do one final move/drive with the cars to FL.

 

[SpaceBuckaroo]

I think I've finally figured out a solution that will work. I'm going to buy a F350 6.7 4x4 10,000 version. From what I can find, my yellow sticker should read approx. 2510 lbs. I've finally decided on a camper that is only 1,800 lbs. dry and 2,155 wet. From what I've read, the 10k and 11.4k are the same truck, so in reality I'll have over a 1,000 pound buffer, and I'll meet the 10K requirements by a couple hundred pounds. Insurance will be cheaper and no DOT requirements.