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anyone know how to do this?
it this a lot of work to do?
i'm thing i need to register somewhere.
it this a lot of work to do?
i'm thing i need to register somewhere.
how do i dot certify in mn?
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Get a US DOT number for free. Do a google search for that. I think it's USDOT.org or something like that.
Then go to MNDOT's website. Do a search for "landscapers rules for the road" handout which goes over most of it.
Basically get a DOT number, a DOT physical, get truck/trailers inspected (hint a single axle 3500lb axle needs brakes, inspection is done by private companys no the state), go to a local truck stop and buy vehicle inspection report forms, have someone give you a drivers test to sign off on, each vehicle needs its own folder for all maintenance done.
I'm sure I missed somethings but that is the majority. The MN Green Expo every year has a DOT booth that is really informative and I try to get a refresher course there every year.
Then go to MNDOT's website. Do a search for "landscapers rules for the road" handout which goes over most of it.
Basically get a DOT number, a DOT physical, get truck/trailers inspected (hint a single axle 3500lb axle needs brakes, inspection is done by private companys no the state), go to a local truck stop and buy vehicle inspection report forms, have someone give you a drivers test to sign off on, each vehicle needs its own folder for all maintenance done.
I'm sure I missed somethings but that is the majority. The MN Green Expo every year has a DOT booth that is really informative and I try to get a refresher course there every year.
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i have the extinguisher and the triangles already.
but it seems like a big pain. do i need to get the inspections done? and the log and everything?
but it seems like a big pain. do i need to get the inspections done? and the log and everything?
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I agree its a big pain.
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do i need the dot # on the side
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Yes...in your state. You need a DOT number and all the bells and whistles. No big deal... and you'll feel better driving round. That is, if your truck OR truck/trailer combo over 10,000 lbs GVWR.... what are you driving around?
Go here- http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
and click on the "Registration and Assistance" box- it's in light gray.... That will take you step by step through the process. It's not hard. Sometimes a pain, but not hard.
As said, you will need to make sure your truck in in great shape (and trailer), medical card (easy to get- visit your doc), extinguisher, triangles. NO log needed if you stay within a 100 mile driving radius- BUT you need to track work/driving hours for the previous 7 days (I know, sounds confusing- but look into it). It's a good idea to record work hour anyway! If you operate strictly within your state, things are pretty easy. I'm interstate with a CDL and it's not terrible trouble.
Anyway- just go to that site and you're on your way!
Go here- http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
and click on the "Registration and Assistance" box- it's in light gray.... That will take you step by step through the process. It's not hard. Sometimes a pain, but not hard.
As said, you will need to make sure your truck in in great shape (and trailer), medical card (easy to get- visit your doc), extinguisher, triangles. NO log needed if you stay within a 100 mile driving radius- BUT you need to track work/driving hours for the previous 7 days (I know, sounds confusing- but look into it). It's a good idea to record work hour anyway! If you operate strictly within your state, things are pretty easy. I'm interstate with a CDL and it's not terrible trouble.
Anyway- just go to that site and you're on your way!
In MN you need to do a pre inspection report daily that is what I was talking about.
For the most part depending on how many trucks/trailers it runs it could cost some money. Maybe $200 for a single truck/trailer and med card.
If you put a half day towards the paperwork side that will be done. Then a couple hours for the inspection and another hr at the doc. So a whole days worth of time.
Yes you do need a DOT number, but you do not have to have it on your truck unless you leave the state, also have your buisness name on your truck. Call MN DOT and ask to speak with a vehicle inspector, ask him everything you needso you get the right answers, some of the above answers are a little excessive, and wont apply to you, logs, inspection sheet and so on usually depend on miles traveled, and distance from your shop.
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If you're talking vehicles, check here...
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/patrol/comveh/index.htm
and here....
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/patrol/comveh/pdf/FreAskedQuest.pdf .
If you're talking medical card, you can get a DOT physical at any doctor and / or chiropractor.
I know chiropractor sounds odd, but Channel 9 just had a investigation on how they were giving out bogus cards.
Also, my wife is now the local nurse that does JobCare, and DOT physicals is one of the deals.
She couldn't believe that a chiropractor could give out a DOT card.
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/patrol/comveh/index.htm
and here....
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/patrol/comveh/pdf/FreAskedQuest.pdf .
If you're talking medical card, you can get a DOT physical at any doctor and / or chiropractor.
I know chiropractor sounds odd, but Channel 9 just had a investigation on how they were giving out bogus cards.
Also, my wife is now the local nurse that does JobCare, and DOT physicals is one of the deals.
She couldn't believe that a chiropractor could give out a DOT card.
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4,646 Posts
Also, to get a vehicle inspection, either head down to a local truck or auto shop.
Most of them will do inspections and get you a sticker.
Make sure you shop around though.
Locally the prices range from $50 / unit (Unit = truck or trailer) to $110, for the same thing.
The guy that's doing it for $50 comes out to your house with a mobile shop and will fix anything that's wrong too.
Most of them will do inspections and get you a sticker.
Make sure you shop around though.
Locally the prices range from $50 / unit (Unit = truck or trailer) to $110, for the same thing.
The guy that's doing it for $50 comes out to your house with a mobile shop and will fix anything that's wrong too.
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