Trucking: Hauling Trailer, race trailers, bob stephens

Question
Bob - My husband and I just bought a Chevy 1 ton Dually and we are hauling our own personal trailer that weighs 9500 pounds loaded to different race tracks across the country.  When I went to register the truck today, she indicated that I had to register it as a "commercial" vehicle.  I saw that you had mentioned race trailers previously as having "not for hire" on the door?  Would this apply to us?

Answer
Hi C.

I'm assuming that your hauling a race car(s).  Can I come?  Seriously, the weight shouldn't be an issue and I would contact your state's Department of Transportation.  You are not a "For Hire" carrier and should not register it as a commercial vehicle.  That's why race teams have a "Private Coach/Not for Hire" on the side of them.  If your hauling other people's race cars for profit, then it's a different story.  I've known racers that register everything as an RV (when they can).  Your state may automatically put you in the "commercial" category because of the weight, but I doubt it.  Call the DOT in your state.  You should be able to put "Not for Hire" on your truck and not register it commercially.

Good luck!

Bob Stephens