These gents will be able to answer your questions.
(131) Cottonwood
Alright so I called cottonwood today and spoke with one of the DOT CHP officers. First off, they said that due to the virus, DMV is not processing anything including MCPs. So they are not enforcing MCPs until things get opened up etc. at which point is unknown at this time.
So also I asked about private not for hire owners operating 10K+ trailers or 26k+ vehicles and he basically said that if it is personal you don't need an MCP. This is the 2nd time I've heard this, the first being from a non-sworn DOT inspector that works the scales and goes around enforcing BIT inspections etc. for terminals.
I mentioned that I see dually pickups all over the place pulling dual tandem gooseneck trailers with no CA#, DOT#, company name, CVRA weight sticker etc. So the question was, what was I missing because the MCP handbook lays it out crystal clear, not much room for grey area. e.g. "Generally, any person or business entity operating a commercial vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more, either for commercial or private use, hauling their own goods or property. Entities operating such vehicles are deemed a 'Private' motor carrier."
So apparently there is a third pillar, that of personal use. A class A CDL or non-commercial class A is still needed of course.
He mentioned if you wanted to haul your tractor on the dual tandem gooseneck (or any trailer above 10K gvw) to a friend's place to mow their field, fine, but when money changes hands for service that is where the MCP comes into place.
