Does my commercial pressure washer rig need a USDOT number?
When I first came to the pressure washing industry, I was leaving for over twenty years as a commercial driver. I was thinking how nice it would be to be free of all those motor carrier regulations that had been such a grueling part of my career.
I could not have been more wrong. Not long after starting, he was doing residential cleaning for a law enforcement officer. As he was reeling in the hose after finishing, he asked me how much my truck and trailer weighed.
“I don’t know, I got the license for extra tonnage so I wouldn’t be overweight,” was my easy reply. I was absurdly proud that I had taken the time and made the effort not to cheat on my license and expected weight limits.
“Where is your DOT number?” was the next easy question from him.
I, like so many other pressure washer service providers in my area, had not even thought about this basic requirement for operating commercial vehicles. After a $100 fine, I made sure to rectify the situation. I have my DOT number.
Trying to decide whether or not you need a DOT number can be a difficult question, and there are some state-specific requirements to consider, but my client said it’s pretty basic: “If you have a truck or trailer with company placards , and/or a trailer with more than one axle, I will issue you a ticket if you do not have a USDOT number.”
The actual requirements can be found on the US Department of Transportation website. There is a wealth of information and resources there to help you figure it all out. There’s even an online quiz to help you determine whether or not you should have a DOT number in the first place.
The requirements are quite basic and are as follows. You need a USDOT number if:
o Operate vehicles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds,
o Transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation,
o Carry 16 or more passengers, or
o Transporting hazardous materials in interstate commerce.
You should be aware that once you have a USDOT number, there are some record keeping requirements that come with it. For example, if you are transporting hazardous materials, such as sodium hypochlorite in large quantities, or flammable liquids such as the fuel for your machine and a spare tank or two of fuel, you will need to consider this. You will also need to register as a HAZMAT hauler and maintain records of materials and quantities transported. You will need to implement a safety program and driver qualification record, as well as records of your driver’s hours of service.
This sounds like a lot of red tape, but it is what it takes to be a legitimate pressure washing business that operates machinery that falls under regulated Department of Transportation guidelines. It’s a cost of doing business and should be part of your business plan. It’s helpful to remember that these logs are relatively simple and can be based on the logs you already have.
In my experience, motor carrier safety regulations are open to various interpretations, so it’s probably a good idea to check with your state’s DOT, as well as the local Carrier Compliance department in your state. It is assumed that they have the current information necessary to help you comply. The USDOT site has links to all DOT sites in the state.
Again, information can be conflicting so find the most informed people you can, fines rise steeply from my measly hundred bucks. Do not bet the company on the word of some official, ask the questions you need, to obtain the clearest possible answers.