From: MV (MV@dc9.tzo.com)
Date: Sun Dec 18 2005 - 12:06:00 PST
Hi Tim,
I have a couple of questions...
Why do you differentiate between 10K+ trucks for interstate and
As a DOT inspector, do you pursue IFTA and IRP issues also, or are you
Also, you seem to make a distinction between commercial vehicles and
Other than the insurance requirements and the need for an
intrastate? I knew there was a distinction at 26K lbs for trucks
regarding IFTA and IRP stuff, but what's up with the trucks between 10K
and 26K lbs?? I thought that if you stayed below 26K, then for the most
part you can roam the US without hassles, (except for perhaps NY).
strictly looking for DOT violations? IE, defective rigs, overweights,
etc? I see the IFTA and IRP stuff a pretty much a tax issue.
vehicles used in commerce. Are you talking about private carriers
versus commercial carriers (carriers for hire with operating authority
verus commercial guys that haul their own stuff - like me)
authorization.. do you make any other distinctions when you do your job???
Thanks,
Dave
timothy.smith1@att.net wrote:
> I sent this to another list member. Might be of interest to you fellas.. Remeber, this is coming from Texas..
>
> Weigh stations are a must when you're that big. Since you're "in disguise", they'll probably think you're the real military, wave & send you on through but weight laws apply to non
> commercial vehicles as well as commercial. Better to get the "Hey stupid! Why are you in my scale lineup?" look from the scale operator than the "How DARE you pass my scales?!" look from the trooper.
>
> Folks have a tendency to think of weigh stations as a kind of forward base of operations for DOT guys. True, they hang out there a lot (if you want an apple, go to the tree, right?) but the real function of the weigh station is to check for overloads. Besides, weigh stations have bathrooms, phones, coffee, and a safe place to crawl under a truck without getting yer toes mashed.
>
> I'd like to clear something up for you that I fear you might have developed a misconception on..
>
> Think of CDL as a section of law unto itself. Your state my have adopted FMCSR's part 383, or they may have kept their own state drivers license law, but in any event, CDL law has threshhold weights and descriptions similar to, but different from, those weights and descriptions we use as guidance when determining who we can inspect for compliance with the FMCSR's.
>
> Our two topics stated simply:
>
> Who can a DOT inspector inspect? Vehicles in intERstate COMMERCE with a GVWR 10,001# or more and vehicles in intRAstate COMMERCE with a GVWR 26,001# or more. Key to this is "in commerce", rather than "commercial."
>
> Who needs a CDL? Drivers hauling certain amounts of hazmat, regardless of their vehicle's GVWR, but generally speaking, drivers operating vehicles with a GVWR or GCVWR OF 26,001# or more. This includes (by Texas law) ANY vehicle, whether in commerce or not.
>
> Texas has certain exemptions from CDL- for example, true RV's, emergency stuff like firetrucks, certain farm industry vehicles- but these exempted drivers still must have the correct type; A, B or C. For them, there is only a written test involved to get the correct type and its a no-brainer.
>
> Guys who need that CDL have to also take a driving test and demonstrate a certain level of proficiency (pre-trip inspection, etc). For many of us with large MV's, we find that the testing stations don't want to allow us to test in former MV's, which really sucks. And it seems the MVers can't seem to find a civvy truck to take the driving test in. I think THAT is the crux of the problem for most guys, who would otherwise just get their CDL and be done with it.
>
> ***************************
> ANYWAY, take note, the two topics have similar threshold weights. Most important thing to help you on your way to understanding this stuff is remembering, we are talking about two entirely different topics that should be discussed independantly and not lumped together. So, before asking a question you'll need to decide exactly what topic you are asking about.
>
> So, if you're really sharp, after what I've told you, you might be able to imagine circumstance where I might be doing a DOT inspection on a truck that doesn't even require a CDL to drive! (Vehicle driven in interstate commerce, over 10k, but 26k or less.)
>
>
>
> TJ
>
>
>
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