I would rather use a strap than chain.

 

If you're doing it for hire, you need a USDOT number, with NO State suffix.
You also need an MC Docket number (AKA: MC Authority), which is obtainable ONLY with a Minimum Insurance of $750,000 liability coverage and a minimum of $5000 cargo coverage.
The cargo is too low for most purposes.

You will need to designate a Process Agent, for any legal actions, they are basically a contact that's outside your own business, one that you appoint to receive legal documents if you can't be contacted

Along with this comes Unified Carrier Registration (UCR), and if doing either IFTA (Fuel tax, over 26,000 pounds) or IRP, which is for mileage reporting, state-by-state and IF you do INTRASTATE for hire in a state not your own.
If you don't intend to do For Hire Intrastate hauling you won't need IRP.
If you are under 26,001 pounds, you don't need IFTA.

You will also need the following IN THE TRUCK/ON YOUR PERSON:
Medical Card.
Valid Driver's Liscence, with proper endorsements.
Driver's Log Book (RODS), PROPERLY Completed Front AND Back of each sheet.
Operating Authority Letter/Papers.
Safety Triangles (3).
Proper and up-to-date class ABC fire extinguisher.
Extra Bulbs, Fuses, lights.
DOT Annual Vehicle Inspection Certificate.
Insurance card(s).
Proper Vehicle Registration(s).
Business Name, Address and DOT numbers, all properly displayed.


In office or "BASE" Records:
Driver Qualification File (DQF) Consists of most recent (yearly) MVR, Physical Fitness review (Usually accompanied with the med card you get from the Doctor).
A completed driver training sheet (Says that you or your driver knows how to operate the vehicle(s) required in the business.
Also refers to any trailers and equipment to be used.

All paper logsheets must be retained, in office, for a set amount of time after filed. IIRC, 60 days

Bills Of Lading (BOLs).
If for hire you ALWAYS keep your copy of these for records and tax purposes.
Keep them straight, they may help in a DOT Record audit later on.
These are extremely powerful documents for a legitimate For Hire Operation, properly filled out and signed, they can literally be a binding contract.

Vehicle Repair/Condition Records.
These are to be retained for several years after a commercial vehicle in your fleet leaves YOUR posession.
A copy of the signed title and B.O.S. is beneficial to have in your file.

There's substantially more on this.

Here's a link to browse through to get more of a feel for this:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Mark.

 

^^^Excellent Post!

You might also familiarize yourself with what constitutes a LEGAL sleeper berth.