Do you need your own authority when your Van is under 10,001lbs GVCW?
Simple answer is no you don’t need your own authority when operating a van with the Gross Vehicle Combined Weight under 10,001 lbs. Here’s where it gets tricky and you may want to get your own Authority or MC Number.
First off, every state is different in regards to them having their own state authority like California. The first thing you’re going to want to do is check with the commercial division of your State DMV to find out the regulations on weight requirements to have your own authority. For example, Georgia doesn’t require you to have a DOT number for operating authority as long as the GVCW is under 10,001lbs.
The reason you might want your own authority or MC number is most brokers and freight forwarders aren’t going to be aware of all the rules. With that, they may not allow you to book loads with them unless you have your own authority. Granted, you’re not required to have your own authority but you’d have to go through the hassle of explaining why you don’t need your own authority to every single broker you may attempt to business with.
Now if you add a trailer to the Van when the GVCW is under 10,001lbs the rules change and then you would definitely need to have your own authority.