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Farm truck unloading grain through a chute into a trailer on a field, under a clear sky. White text reads, "What Farm Truck & Trailer Regulations Should Mean For Your Company."

April 29, 2022

Farm Truck Compliance: Key Regulations for Business

If you are not aware of the typical farm truck and trailer regulations, you should continue reading this blog. If you are a farmer and you use a pickup truck to haul your own products, if the gross vehicle weight of the loaded truck is 10,000 lbs or below, and if you are plated at 10,000 lbs or a little lower than that, you do not have to comply with any state regulations.

However, if you decide to pull a trailer or a combination of vehicles such as a truck and trailer combination, and even if the combined weight of both the vehicles is less than 10000 LBS, you do not have to comply with any state rules and regulations whatsoever.

In case you have a trailer that has a gross weight of more than 10,000 LBS which means that if the truck and trailer combination or the truck by itself weighs more than 10,000 LBS, or if the license plates that you have on both your trailer and truck add up to more than 10,000 lbs in weight, you will be subject to certain rules and regulations laid down by your state. Also, if you decide to haul a trailer or a truck that has a GVWR of more than 10,000 lbs, you will be subject to those rules and regulations. If you intend to stay within the state and do not cross the state lines for your business, you may be required to apply for a US DOT number as per the rules laid down by your state. Other states may not require you to fulfill such a requirement. If you are working as not for hire and hauling your own products as a farmer, you must be using a farm plate on your truck and trailer. You will have to check with the state agency that is responsible for any DOT regulations in your state to understand your compliance requirements better.

Every state across the country has a set of individual DOT rules and regulations that they have laid down for farm plated vehicles. You should be aware of them before you start hauling goods within or across state lines. 

Remember that as a farmer, if you choose to cross state lines with your truck or truck and trailer combination or truck and tractor combination that has a weight of more than 26,000 lbs, you must apply for a USDOT number right away. You must also register for your IFTA fuel tax with your home state.

FAQ

Who Needs a USDOT Number?

Businesses that run commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds—whether carrying passengers or moving freight—are required to register with the FMCSA and obtain a USDOT number. This number serves as a unique identifier that allows federal regulators to track and review a company’s safety records.

How Much Does a USDOT Number Cost?

Acquiring a USDOT number is free when processing with the FMCSA. For a hassle-free process with one-on-one assistance, visit: https://dotcompliancegroup.com/usdot-number-application-form/ or call 972-232-2218.

What Documents and Information Are Required?

To obtain a USDOT number, you will need to provide your business and operational details and identification. This includes legal business name, physical and mailing address, contact information, EIN number and/or SSN, type of business, cargo/cargo type, and operating authority.

How Long Does It Take to Get a USDOT Number?

Applying for a DOT Number can be done as fast as a few minutes. To obtain your DOT number today, visit: https://dotcompliancegroup.com/usdot-number-application-form/ or call 972-232-2218.

What if I renewed my UCR with DOT Compliance Group last year?

If you renewed with us last year, please check your Customer portal. If auto-renewal is still active, your UCR will automatically renew. If you have turned off auto-renewal, you’ll need to submit your renewal here on this page.

If I Pre-Register for 2026 UCR, when will I be charged the total amount?

The total amount will be charged on October 1, 2026 for the 2026 year.

I am an Ag Exempt Farmer. Am I exempt from registering for UCR?

No, if you cross over state lines you are required to register for UCR. Your Ag exemption does not apply to UCR.

If I am an Amazon or Postal Service Contractor do I have to register for UCR?

Yes. Even though you do not cross state lines, your parcels do. That makes you an Interstate carrier and you would be required to register at the 0-2 fleet size.

Who is Exempt from UCR?

Private Motor Carriers of Passengers and All Motor Carriers operating solely within Hawaii, except those involved in moving household goods for individual shippers.

What states do not currently participate in UCR?

Currently Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Wyoming, & the District of Columbia are non-participating states. (This information is current as of 6-16-2023. For the most up-to-date information check the FMCSA website.)

If my base state is a non-participating state that means UCR does not apply to me, correct?

No, if you operate as an interstate carrier and cross into a state that does participate, then you are required to register with UCR.

Who must comply with DOT regulations?

Any business operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) with a USDOT number is required to comply with DOT regulations. This requirement applies to motor carriers, freight forwarders, brokers, and companies operating under a hazardous materials permit.

What documents are required for a DOT audit?

Documents required during an inspection include but may not be limited to:

  • State driver’s license or commercial driver’s license
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Record of duty status
  • Vehicle registrations
  • Periodic inspections document for all vehicles being operated
  • Shipping papers or bills of lading
  • Information for hazardous materials being transported
  • Proof of insurance

How can companies avoid common DOT violations?

Companies can avoid common DOT violations by maintaining accurate records, including driver logs, vehicle inspections, and required documents. Regular vehicle maintenance and pre-trip inspections help prevent safety-related violations. Proper training ensures drivers follow Hours-Of-Service rules, secure cargo correctly, and meet CDL and medical requirements. Using technology like ELDs and fleet management software can streamline compliance and reduce the risk of penalties.

What happens during a DOT compliance review?

During a DOT compliance review, or audit, officers review both the vehicle and the driver to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. They check registration, insurance, inspection reports, and inspect safety equipment and vehicle systems for proper operation. Drivers’ licenses, medical cards, hours-of-service records, and logbooks or ELDs are also examined. The inspection helps identify violations and ensure safety on the road.

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