Quote:
Originally Posted by GMAN
As far as I know the operating radius is based upon air miles, not state lines. If you get federal motor carrier authority it is for interstate travel. There are a few states that have intrastate authority, but unless you pick up and deliver within the same state, it is not necessary.
Most shippers and brokers require $1 million in liability and $100,000 cargo. That is more than the federal requirement. By the way, the hazmat will not do you any good unless you have the endorsement on your license and have hazmat authority. That is separate from motor carrier authority. The license or authority must be renewed periodically and the fee is based upon the size of your operation. I think the minimum charge is $500. And that is for about 2 years. At least that is the way it used to be. I am not sure you could get hazmat authority just starting out. I am almost certain you can't get the additional insurance required for hauling hazmat. Not all insurance companies write hazmat insurance and those who do charge a much higher premium. Hazmat could require as much as $5 million in insurance coverage, if memory serves me correctly. You may want to check the federal website if you plan on hauling hazmat. What I am mentioning is based upon my recollection. Frankly, I don't think the additional expense or hassle is worth it. You are scrutinized much more closely and rates are about the same as for general freight in most cases.
Thanks GMan.
NOT interested in pulling Hazmat - at least initially. DO have PTX endorsements, so I can pretty much pull/carry whatever I want - within permit(s) and insurance limits.
500 mile radius would definitely put me out of state, thus would likely allow me to file my MCS-150 & OP-1. It's $300 for operating authority (carrier only - not broker or forwarder), DOT # only is FREE (wow, something FREE from the government - YIPPEEE!).
If I can be a little less "stuck up" in what I'm looking for in a truck - I can probably get a truck AND trailer for the same $$ I'm looking to put into a truck. I'd "prefer" a 2006/07 with under 500K miles (Volvo 780, Cummins ISX 500 or better, 13 Speed), but if I'm willing to go a little older, I can get one for 1/2 the $$ ($25K versus $50K). Usually, I'm scamming for NEW - so even considering used is "growth" for me. The primary consideration for newer is the age-requirements for companies like LandStar when leasing on. Don't want to buy something that's too old to lease-on when I finally CAN get out 48-state.
Time to start calling the insurance agents and putting #'s into my business plan to see what's practical and what isn't.
Thanks again - will keep y'all posted on my progress...
Rick