Hopefully this will help clear up some questions – this is straight from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website (
www.fmcsa.dot.gov)
In general, a USDOT Number is required if you are operating in interstate commerce and:
• You have vehicles that are over 10,000 lbs.
• You transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
• You transport 16 or more passengers.
• You haul hazardous materials.
For more specific requirements, go to
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/registration-licensing/online- registration/onlineregdescription.htm. Go to the “Help me register” section and click on “Step-by-Step Registration Guide.”
We would qualify as Private Motor Carriers --- A private motor carrier transports its own cargo, usually as a part of a business that produces, uses, sells and/or buys the cargo that is being hauled. A private motor carrier transports its own goods and is required to have a USDOT number but does not need operating authority (MC number).
As for whether or not racing is considered a business or a hobby – this is the DOT’s interpretation
Question 21: Does the exemption in §390.3(f)(3) for the “occasional transportation of personal property by individuals not for compensation nor in the furtherance of a commercial enterprise” apply to persons who occasionally use CMVs to transport cars, boats, horses, etc., to races, tournaments, shows or similar events, even if prize money is offered at these events?
Guidance: The exemption would apply to this kind of transportation, provided: (1) The underlying activities are not undertaken for profit, i.e., (a) prize money is declared as ordinary income for tax purposes, and (b) the cost of the underlying activities is not deducted as a business expense for tax purposes; and, where relevant; (2) corporate sponsorship is not involved. Drivers must confer with their State of licensure to determine the licensing provisions to which they are subject.
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regul...0.3&guidence=Y