I own a small business that deals in scrap metal. In PA in order to "properly" dispose of an automobile, you must have the title. Although many scrap yards dont need one.

Now for the loop. I am wanting to start hauling into OH, in which they dont need a title. I am planning to apply for my DOT# in the next few weeks-or sooner, to cross lines, and wondering....

1. Since im not disposing of an automobile in PA, but rather OH will I still be held to PA's laws in the eyes of DOT? or will they even care? What I mean is, will it be reqd for me to have a title for each vehicle im hauling, since OH-the buyer's state doesnt req them, and thats where they will be sold.

I take possession of the vehicle when hauling from a residence, so Im hauling my own freight-but do I still have to show proof that its mine, if so how? Cause I swear no one keeps the title for a car/truck anymore. Do I need any other documentation for DOT shall I get stopped to prove my load?

 

Keep in mind when you apply for the USDOT you are opening yourself up to a can of worms. Biggest thing is you will need 750K of insurance

Check out http://xj.cdevco.net/auto/trucking/forhire.html Most of this will apply to you.

The title requirement thing sounds like a PA statute. You should not need the titles by the DOT. You might need something like a shipping manifest that you can make up yourself.

 

Just print up a uniformed Bill of sale.. You as the buyer.. and add the sellers name, address, and phone number.. list the VIN numbers and the purchased price on the Bill of sale.. Have the seller sign it.. Give the seller a copy.. And you keep a copy... At least you will have something to show ownership..
Your out of my league on the DOT info...
Good Luck..

 

Patrick, I thought the 750k was only "for-hire"

Either way, I spoke with a commercial only agent today that deals 100% with trucks, he has me a quote, but is gonna send it out to a broker and see if we can get a better rate. I do believe he said something about 750k though.

I do remember DOT asking to see my manifest when I was hauling office products for a place here in PA, would I just need similar info, such as VIN #'s, number of items, weight, and destination?

 

Patrick,

Thanks for the link. Lots of good information there all in one place.

 

Bill of Lading for DOT. When for hire, it is not a problem. I just list the cars, where they came from, and where they are going. That is adequite. No serial number, just make and model. But... you are hauling private so to qualify for private you have to show ownership. If not private you need MC authority. If you have that no problem.

Thing is that even though you own the cars you are hauling them for prifit... buying and selling. Better look into what you need for authority. IF you are good in your state, you are good to go, generally. I am surprised that you can junk a car with no title. Sure can't here in redneck country.

Actually not a good idea anyway. If there is a lein on one and you junk it you are in big violation. On a conversation with DOT after a very bad day and some violations, I had not made up a bill of lading. He suggested writing up one, I got smart with him. "you mean I can steal what cars I want, make up a bill of lading and haul them where I want" He was not impressed, to be sure, but that is the law.