The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Working/ Hiring out a big bolt

As the title suggest i am toying with the idea of wokring or hiring out my big bolt.it is a 68 gmc 2 ton flatbed dump with wooden sides for the bed. I know this truck can not compete with dumptrucks of modern times but i also know there may be jobs where someone doesnt want a 80ooo lb gvw dumptruck for their hauling needs. I need about $800 worth of work to get here road worthy and im not sure what all i need to do legal wise yet to be able to haul without getting in trouble. If anyone works their big bolt and has input or if anyone has suggestions or an opinion on working them for hire i would appreciate any advice. Thank you 😎

Insurance, insurance, insurance. Can't have too much insurance.🚛

More than likely you'll need a modern registration/tag (non-historic).

Does your State require a Safety Inspection, if so have that done.

You might want to get a buisness license and setup an LLC (to protect yourself).

And as Martin said, call your insurance company for your buisness insurance as well as the commercial rates for your dump bed truck. Make sure they know it's a dump bed as rates are different for non-dump.

Then go out and make some money! Don't forget to pay your taxes as well...

Mike B

It appears that NC does not regulate for hire carriers under 26,001 Gross Weight.

http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_20/Article_17.pdf

However, I would check with your DPS to make sure. Take a look at the data plate on your door jamb. It will have a maximum gross vehicle weight. It may have a gross combination weight. If the GCW is 26,001 or more, you will fall into the regulations of a commercial vehicle even if you have no intentions of ever pulling a trailer. If you fall into commercial vehicle category, it will probably not be worth it. You will need a CDL and everything that goes along with that.

Have a long talk with your insurance agent, and tell him exactly what you intend on doing.

Thank you for the replies gentlemen. I am still getting the truck ready for the road but i will be sure to look into the for hire aspect with my dps.

Sorry for the late response, just seeing this now.

All of the above is germane. Just wanted to add a little perspective from someone who has been where you are thinking of going... Granted, NC may be less restrictive than other states, but in my experience, it may be not worth it to go to a lot of trouble just to hobby haul: get the CDL (and the DOT physical, which isn't a problem for me but I'm in good shape, not overweight and I manage my blood pressure -- if you have issues with any of those, DOT physical is going to be ... interesting), get the proper commercial insurance, get the proper commercial/combination registration (and in my state, commercial vehicle registration and insurance is $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$), get the truck able to pass (and maintain the ability to pass) the DOT inspection, set up the DOT number (and all the drug testing and maintenance reporting thereunto pertaining -- Ken can tell you more), make sure the truck marking is DOT compliant, set up the LLC (And holy crap, if you think any of the previous was a PITA, wait till you do the LLC ... )... And this is all in addition to taking care of the Jay Oh Bee that actually pays the bills ... Speaking of bills, can you do all your own maintenance? If not, say good bye to any profit you've made so far. Oh, did anyone mention tires??

Bottom line: If you are wanting to have fun with your old truck by trying to make a little money with it ... Stop now. It is a huge, ginormous PITA.

My hat is off to the Crenwelges and others who run their own companies doing OTR/LTL hauling. But it's one of those things where if you don't go all in, you just need to consider staying home.

Also something to consider --- Take a look around and check out just how many vintage trucks (say, older than 1990) are still on the job (legally). There's a/several very good reasons for that.


Whatever you decide, good luck! Have fun with the truck.

Grizzly's
Comments are Spot On!
Consider his comments Carefully.
Tom

maintenanace, no problem- been a diesel mechanic in the big truck field for the last two years, tires just got 4 good used tires for 120$ steers going on next week. already have class a cdl and dot physical card which is good until 2019. the truck is 20000 gvw so not sure why i need cdls? as far as how many older trucks run around my neck of the woods you would be surprised. i see a lot of old chevy 2 ton pos trucks running up and down the road regularly. for hire tag and nothing else on them. perhaps i will stop one of these guys one day and ask them what they do and how it works for them. i do not know if there arent many restrictions for the for hire tag in my state which is stated above or they just do not care. or there is always the option of putting a farm truck tag on it and running it like alot of guys do down around here lol just kidding. on a serious note i appreciate the input from all aspects. Either way whichever i do will result in the truck working. ive spent too much money on it not to work it like it was meant to do.