D.O.T. trailer laws

If you want to deduct the value of the pickup it will either have to be expensed under 179 rules subject to recapture or depreciated. Once again, you can not create a loss against ordinary income. So the happiest outcome will be to break even with your trucking enterprise unless you get really serious about it.

Happy Trucking

Insurance: One of the local guys that only hauls his own stuff commmercially coast to coast told me it costs him $2500/year before he pulls out of the driveway. You may get by with your regular policy, but the first time there is a problem the insurance company will leave you hanging in the wind because you didn't tell them you were hauling for hire.

If anybody that is paying their way finds that you are an outlaw trucker they will hang you in a New York minute by making a couple of well placed phone calls.

Forget the commercial part, keep your trailer in excellent condition and go down the road on your merry way. If you want to do some favors for friends, just remember that you own everything on that trailer or someone else will own your truck and trailer.

Get a copy of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations at your local truck stop or from JJ Keller. Get a copy of your state's CDL manual and study that. Consult your state's licensing regulations. And finally, don't ask us about insurance, call your own agent and be honest about what you are thinking about doing.

• JJ Keller

When I go out of state I do keep a log book. Nothing worse than an 8 hour nap on the side of the road.

If you are in a more rural area you will have alot less hassle than in a metro area. My shop is on a dead end street. The DOT lady many times will park on the street and nail whoever comes or goes. We will sometimes sit in the driveway waiting for her to get a victim so we can leave. We try to keep our stuff in very good shape but they will always find or make up some violation.