Originally Posted by GMAN

You don't need a truck to get your motor carrier authority, but most insurance companies require you to have a truck to write the insurance. You cannot get the authority without insurance. The insurance company usually writes the liability and cargo on a specific truck and/or trailer. By the way, if you plan on running your own authority, you should also plan on buying a trailer. You will probably need to purchase collision insurance on your equipment. Most charge 2-4% of the stated value of the equipment. You don't need collision insurance to obtain motor carrier authority, only liability and cargo.

Originally Posted by GMAN

You can drive it home without having authority. But you cannot haul any loads until you either have authority or lease to a carrier. You will probably be required to have collision insurance on the truck before leaving the dealership, if you finance your purchase.

Originally Posted by BA

So if your an O/O, is either an authority or company lease your only options to haul comercial freight?

Originally Posted by BanditsCousin

Heck no. I haul HHG (HouseHold Goods). Some guys pull enclosed car haulers. Some do grain and soybeans. Although there may be different authorities for different kinds of freight, you probably want genral/commercial frieght.

Originally Posted by BanditsCousin

I think HHG is its own authority. I know general freight companies can't haul hhg.

I need the Rev and Gman on this one :wink:

Originally Posted by LOAD IT

HHG does require special authority, that is why in the common authority letter it mentions "....transportation of freight (except household goods) by motor vehicle.