CDL Truck or not?

[Tifosi]

Looking for some help from the fellow sign installers.

Right now I am running a Versalift 27' van and we are looking into a second bucket truck now that we have to regular installers. Lately we have been doing several jobs that have required us to rent a 50' towable to get some signs hung. I am torn between a 40+ bucket on a class 6 or less or step up to a CDL and get into the 60' double bucket with a jib.

What, besides a CDL license am I really looking at as far as the shop is concerned? Am I just looking at a different insurance rate on that truck or will the shop/company need extra certifications too?

I understand the limits on where the larger truck can go. We sub out several banner install jobs a year because it is usually out of our reach.

Thanks for any input you all might be able to provide.

Mark

 

[signage]

you need to read this and check with your state on requirements! In PA if you cross state lines and truck and trailer is more than 10,001lbs you need DOT numbers and other things required by CDL required trucks.

 

[rjssigns]

What about one of the huge Genie lifts? I've used them at my old job and you can stuff them places a class 8 with crane will never get to. The other thing is you won't have a class 8 with crane sitting if it gets slow.(and Genie lifts will sell in a heartbeat) Class 8 trucks are also expensive to maintain. Think gallons of oil when it gets changed. Hi-floats on the front are $900+ a pop. Then you got the drive tires. Cheap is in the range of $450 each.

Truck chassis has to be inspected once a year and are done at the dealer. IIRC crane inspections are the same cycle, but by a certified specialist, second stop and more money. Although the crane inspector is usually a rigging inspector too. Oh yeah more money since its another specialty.

Here is the biggie. You NEVER under any circumstances do any of your own maintenance on anything EVER! If there is ever a crash involving your rig and you touched anything on it...well, nice knowin' ya. Every maintenance record must be kept with the truck and be traceable back to the facility. At times motor carrier enforcement will ask to have certain records faxed to a weigh station. Truck will sit until they show up. Guaranteed.

Class 7 and 8's are a different beast. If there is a light it better work. If there is a switch it better be hooked to something.

I have to go through inspection with my F350 because of my racing. They will fail you for a nick in a wiper blade. They check the fan blade too. If they feel there is an excessive leak or oil on the motor it sits until repairs can be made.

I am well versed in this because of my own experiences and because my nephew used to pull wrenches on big rigs. He is now a fleet manager. I also know the Trooper in charge of motor carrier enforcement.

 

[StarSign]

It's all about the $$$

Did you sub out enough work to justify covering the cost of the truck? If not, do you have a plan to bring in more work to cover all of the costs associated with the purchase of a new truck (if all of the "big truck" work dried up could you still afford the payment)

 

[Gino]

At that weight class, you'll probably need a 'Medical Card'. In PA, that's something kinda new and it really is a bummer.

On another note, Brian, you told me about that 10,000lb weight deal and I checked it out. Do you realize that is set up for a business which transports cargo or passengers for a living...... not going to a job with supplies and a helper..... whether you go across state lines on not ??

Unless you are setup business-wise for this kinda work, this statement pretty much sums it all up.

The FMCSA establishes standards for commercial motor vehicles, their drivers, and truck and bus companies involved in the interstate transportation of passengers and cargo, including Hazardous Materials. The Agency's responsibilities include monitoring and enforcing compliance with regulations governing both safety and commerce. Its focus on both concerns—safety and financial responsibility—is reflected in the dual path of its current registration process. Companies may find they are subject to both registration requirements—USDOT Number and Interstate Operating Authority—or either one separately.

 

[rjssigns]

Gino is correct. You have to get a Fed Med card physical every two years to legally operate a commercial vehicle. They are administered by a DOT licensed MD.
Just because I drag race, and my rig is over 10,001lbs I have to comply with a morass of things that cost money every time I blink. They even spec what type of emergency triangles and first aid kit.
These things and more are the reason I advocate a Genie lift.

 

[signage]

Gino all I can ask is did you check with PENDOT and the State police DOT inspectors? I did an that is what I was told. It is also in Article 67! So your information is not correct!

 

[Gino]

Gino all I can ask is did you check with PEDOT and the State police DOT inspectors? I did an that is what I was told. It is also in Article 67! So your information is not correct!

Brian...... my information is right out of the article you linked in your post #2. It is spread all over that article about who/what does and does not have to adhere.

I also asked the local weigh station right down the road from where I live a few months ago. I stopped in and talked to the people. Those are the very people who do this stuff for a living. They said the joke was on me that I don't have anything to worry about until I hit 19,000lbs I think was the magic number.

Now, according to your rules/laws to which you are referring to..... if you are a bus, coach, transporter of cargo, freight and/or hazmat.... the magic number is 10,000lbs. My paint doesn't even have lead in it. The worst thing I carry on these trucks is/are my gun which do not cross state lines. If we are going out of state, I don't carry. I don't even have a bottle of whiskey on board. So, other than tools for work or someone's signs..... I am not a transporter of freight or cargo nor people. Neither are you or anyone else in the same weight class until almost double what you are insinuating.

Oh, what/who is PEDOT ??
​

 

[skyhigh]

Gino, the magic number is 10,001 lbs. that throw you into that magic DOT category. No ifs, ands, or buts. Crossing state lines....hauling passengers....or doing what you do. Its 10,001 pounds period, if the vehicle is used for business.

EDIT: The only thing that would change, if the vehicle is used for personal use.......you would not have to comply with DOT, but you would STILL need to hold a medical card.
(huh.....MAGNETS can be a good thing, in these circumstances)

ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!!!!!!!! :ROFLMAO:

When the DOT pulled me over, I recited some of what you just did. The PSP told me to look for the UPDATED info on their website. True story!!! It didn't matter that some of their info was incorrect, and currently on their website. That was no excuse to be ignorant of the law, he said.

I did have all the updated info, but no time to search it out right now. I will email you what I have when I find it......if you want it.

Brian is 100% correct.

 

[Gino]

Gino, the magic number is 10,001 lbs. that throw you into that magic DOT category. No ifs, ands, or buts. Crossing state lines....hauling passengers....or doing what you do. Its 10,001 pounds period.
ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!!!!!!!! :ROFLMAO:
When the DOT pulled me over, I recited some of what you just did. The PSP told me to look for the UPDATED info on their website. True story!!! It didn't matter that some of their info was incorrect, and currently on their website. That was no excuse to be ignorant of the law, he said.

Brian is 100% correct.

Then Brian's link is wrong, because it says it plain and simple who is and isn't required on this stuff. Based on that link and another one I had looked at months ago, I was totally legal.

I just talked to them sometime I think in February IN person. Has it changed since then ??

 

[skyhigh]

Then Brian's link is wrong, because it says it plain and simple who is and isn't required on this stuff. Based on that link and another one I had looked at months ago, I was totally legal.

I just talked to them sometime I think in February IN person. Has it changed since then ??

Gino, I did edit my post, so you may want to go back and read the additions.

As for Brians link, I didn't read it. I just know what I know.
Like the officer told me......Ignorance of the law is no excuse.....even if its their faulty info, that hasn't been updated.

The officer you spoke with should have known the law......evidently not. This was changed at LEAST a year ago I'm guessing.

UL now DOT...... you get a lot of bum advice. You want to talk to a DOT PSP.....not just a regular officer. They are NOT "up" on DOT regulations as much. Don't ask your "log truck" buddy at the watering hole across the street.:ROFLMAO:



Now, to the original poster......
If your looking for a great truck (44ft WH on a F-550....and garage kept), have I got a deal for you!!!!!

pm. with contact info.....or anyone else that may be interested.
Bonus.... you're not that far away.

 

[skyhigh]

Gino is correct. You have to get a Fed Med card physical every two years to legally operate a commercial vehicle. They are administered by a DOT licensed MD.
Just because I drag race, and my rig is over 10,001lbs I have to comply with a morass of things that cost money every time I blink. They even spec what type of emergency triangles and first aid kit.
These things and more are the reason I advocate a Genie lift.

That would still put you over for "combination" weight, would it not? just askin, I'm not sure how that works.

They will fail you for a nick in a wiper blade. They check the fan blade too. If they feel there is an excessive leak or oil on the motor it sits until repairs can be made.

LOL..... The DOT laid under my truck for a half hour, waiting for a drop of oil to hit the ground (which it never did). He actually told me that is what he was waiting for!!!!

I told him that I just had the oil changed, and that drop was probably hanging on there since the day before. Personally I think he was screwing off and taking a nap.:ROFLMAO:

 

[signage]

Gino what did your attorney tell you?

All I can tell you is you need to check into it, like John said "ignorance to the law is no excuse".

Hint:
Article 67
and
Title 75

 

[letterman7]

PennDot has bullsh*t rules and it seems to change depending on who wants to enforce them. Local townships clean up on the F350 and 450 work trucks hauling mowing equipment if they don't have a DOT number on the side of the truck. I've always been told it's 10,000 pounds single or combined from both law enforcement and local inspectors for commercial vehicles, and there is a motion in Harrisburg to push through a requirement for "special licensing" for non-commercial owners as well - that includes trucks and trailers like mine (trailer is non-commercial) and motorhomes.

 

[signage]

One other thing I did say you need to check with your state along with that link! I copied it below so you can re-read it and comprehend it!

"signage

you need to read this and check with your state on requirements! In PA if you cross state lines and truck and trailer is more than 10,001lbs you need DOT numbers and other things required by CDL required trucks."​

Gino you have been around for sometime, do you remember the PAPUC#'s?

Do you know what they were for?

 

[signage]

PennDot has bullsh*t rules and it seems to change depending on who wants to enforce them. Local townships clean up on the F350 and 450 work trucks hauling mowing equipment if they don't have a DOT number on the side of the truck. I've always been told it's 10,000 pounds single or combined from both law enforcement and local inspectors for commercial vehicles, and there is a motion in Harrisburg to push through a requirement for "special licensing" for non-commercial owners as well - that includes trucks and trailers like mine (trailer is non-commercial) and motorhomes.

It is not BS it is the law! Just because you can not find it easily doesn't mean it exists! Believe me it took my attorney a while to find it! HE was also told to tell me not to push the issue with any officers but take info to Court, by a judge!

RV's and Motorhomes are exempt per the Fed rules.

 

[letterman7]

Oh, I never said it wasn't the law, I simply stated they were bullsh*t rules randomly enforced. I never said I couldn't find it, either. RV's are exempt at the moment... their time is coming in PA, along with all other privately held vehicles that are 10K pounds plus. Count on it. Harrisburg is broke, how else are they going to raise money to pay for all the government perks?

 

[SignManiac]

New York and the other Northeastern states are driving people away with their excessive taxes and regulations. I know I will never go back. Florida is laid back

 

[signage]

Gino is correct. You have to get a Fed Med card physical every two years to legally operate a commercial vehicle. They are administered by a DOT licensed MD.
Just because I drag race, and my rig is over 10,001lbs I have to comply with a morass of things that cost money every time I blink. They even spec what type of emergency triangles and first aid kit.
These things and more are the reason I advocate a Genie lift.

rjssigns so you are versed in PA Vehicle codes and law?

Like Skyhigh said you need to know the law and if not sure check with the ones that do the road inspections (DOT officers) not just any officer! Evan some of the DOT officers are not correct, that is why I was given the info to take to a hearing. I also know several business that have been through this, one I helped get out of a wrongful fine!

ON a CDL I have one and It is required any single vehicle over 25,000 lbs or towing in combination of 10,001 lbs.

Also a lot of these laws have come into effect because of 911! The Feds are trying to make it the same across all states.


One other thing do not let any of these DOT officers tell you that just because their is a trailer hitch you fall under it that has nothing to do with it. You must have the trailer attached!

Also skyhigh for clairification it is 10,001lbs for interstate and 15,001lbs for intrastate! Not 10,001lbs period!

 

[FS-Keith]

rjssigns so you are versed in PA Vehicle codes and law?

Like Skyhigh said you need to know the law and if not sure check with the ones that do the road inspections (DOT officers) not just any officer! Evan some of the DOT officers are not correct, that is why I was given the info to take to a hearing. I also know several business that have been through this, one I helped get out of a wrongful fine!

ON a CDL I have one and It is required any single vehicle over 25,000 lbs or towing in combination of 10,001 lbs.

Also a lot of these laws have come into effect because of 911! The Feds are trying to make it the same across all states.


One other thing do not let any of these DOT officers tell you that just because their is a trailer hitch you fall under it that has nothing to do with it. You must have the trailer attached!

Also skyhigh for clairification it is 10,001lbs for interstate and 15,001lbs for intrastate! Not 10,001lbs period!

Class B CDL is required for any single vehicle weighing over 26,000 and any combination weighing over 26000. Class A is required for any combination in which the truck is over 26000lbs and the trailer is over 10000