I am just gathering some general info on semi ownership. I am already aware of most of the red tape, and they certainly don't want to make it easy to own one. I just want to use it for ag use and running some of my tractors around, not to haul commercially. I know several points are state dependent and I know our state has an ag tag which is 50 state legal. It comes down to all the other stuff, UCR, fuel permit, DOT, MC, etc...... I am a little lost how we will work the inspections, log book, etc since 95% of the use will be local and not subject to that scrutiny. I assume we just have to start a log when we start a trip that would exceed our area limit? Insurance is the biggest problem right now. I don't currently have an ag policy. I am trying to avoid the word "ag" when calling for insurance because once you say that, they want to sell you ONLY a full farm package..... To be blunt, I don't even want tractor coverage, I want the minimum liability coverage to get on the road. We will use it 2-3X/yr in good weather only, and willing to accept some risk.
I have my policy with selective insurance, but its only for a 1 ton isuzu, don't know how big they go. If you think insurance is bad, wait till you start into DOT crap...
you should not have to do a log book within 50 or 100 miles of your home base. with farm plates alot of that stuff is not necessary. im oregon may not be the same california
Insurance companies are like self-appointed governments. Control freaks at best. Shop around and good luck.
For a local haul 2 to 3 times a year a hired hauler would be much cheaper. Trucks are always needing something if they are working or setting.
I agree about the hired haul, but I know in PA I cannot get farm tags without filing a schedule F with the IRS. Atleast thats what I recall from the last time I looked into getting a bigger truck and the registration costs were not that appealing for something I'd be using a dozen or so times a year.
Here in IL to plate and insure a semi and trailer, with milage plates (less than 7,000 miles a year) you're about $2,000. Not to mention if the truck you buy needs tires or brake cans or any of the other long list of junk that can go wrong. For 2 or 3 times a year I'd hire it done.