Truckers and Travelers

Hello, Fellow Truckers, If you are planning to venture out as an owner/operator or get trucking authority there is one thing to consider when purchasing a truck for your trucking business.  I was reading in OOIDA’s Land Line Magazine and found some interesting information that you need to know.  Besides fuel, your truck payment will be your biggest expense.  When I started my trucking business I decided my best move was to purchase a used truck instead of a new one.  I sure wanted one of those fancy new ones, but my budget wouldn’t let me.  I settled on a 2000 Volvo 770 with a 600 Cummins and 18 speed transmission.  After the truck purchase there was single state registration, IFTA and other state permits.  Because I applied for INTERstate trucking authority, I had to have state permits for New York (NY HUT), Kentucky (KYU), New Mexico (NM Permit) and Oregon (OR Weight Receipt).

What do state permits have to do with purchasing a used vehicle?  Well, a lot.  When you go to apply for your New York  HUT, your application could be rejected because of a lien put on your truck that follows the truck’s VIN Number when it is transferred or sold.  What has happened is the previous owner owed monies to New York, didn’t pay them and a lien was put on the VIN of that truck.  Make sure before agreeing to purchase any used truck that you call New York State’s Taxation and Finance Department FIRST.  If there is a lien on the truck’s VIN, you as the new owner will be responsible to either track down the previous owner to get them to pay (yeah right!).  Or, you will be liable for the unpaid balance on the truck.

So, when purchasing a used vehicle, first call the New York State Taxation and Finance Department at (518) 457-5735.  Have the VIN handy on the truck you are ABOUT to purchase.  Here’s the kicker!  New York cannot give you the previous owner’s name or phone number, by privacy laws.  They cannot even give you an exact amount owed, only a negotiated price.  You can do one of two things.  Pay the negotiated amount, which can take a while to settle with New York and all the while you are still denied the HUT permit.  Or, decide not to run in New York.  Either way, you need to either redo your business plan because of this unexpected twist, or purchase another truck, get your NY HUT and avoid all the hassles.

So, when purchasing a used truck for your trucking business, make sure you check with New York State before handing over the dough!  You will be a much smarter trucker if you do!  Be safe out there!!!