If you are looking to ship a car across one or more states, there are laws associated with interstate car shipping that are of utmost importance. These regulations are meant for order, safety, and legality when it comes to car shipping. For those looking to ship a vehicle across state lines, there are many expectations with regard to the steps that must be taken legally. This is why we tackle the primary transport regulations in this blog so that all facts are covered prior to making a transport decision.
What is Car Transport Between States?
This form of car shipping is defined as moving a car from one location to another within the territory of the United States. Car transport becomes very important in the case of relocations, purchases of cars from other states, or servicing international clients, especially employed ones. However, vehicles shipped across state lines and boundaries are subjected to certain rules, regulations and laws.
Interstate Auto Transport Requires These Essentials
- Policies of FHWA Bordering on Automotive Transporters
The FMCSA oversees the transport of vehicles across state lines. It ensures that vehicle transport companies comply with safety standards, operational procedures, and licensing regulations. According to FMCSA:
– Vehicle transport companies operating between two or more states need to be registered and authorized by FMCSA.
– Transporters must possess an adequate USDOT number, as well as insurance within the agreed bounds.
– Transporters must follow safety practices such as proper securing of the vehicle being moved on the transport carrier.
– In addition to meeting the specified equipment requirements necessary for safe vehicle movement on the road, transporters must comply with weight limits, and those specified regulation.
Interstate auto transport considerations include confirming that the transport company has the appropriate licenses, insurance, and registration with FMCSA. A company, for instance, can be verified using the FMCSA portal by searching through their USDOT number.
- Insurance Considerations for Transporting Cars Across State Lines
A transport company needs to acquire an adequate insurance policy when shipping a vehicle across state lines. All carriers under the Tri-State Carriage Interstate Car Transport Guidelines I s 2.01 are required to maintain a minimum level of liability insurance for the harm they may reasonably incur while transporting the vehicle for hire. Such policy will enable the shipper in the situation and indemnify the shipper if the vehicle is damaged, lost, or stolen.
In the context of car shipping, there are generally two types of insurance:
– Liability insurance: This insurance policy indemnifies the insured against damage to the subject vehicle while in the possession and custody of third parties.
– Cargo insurance: This policy indemnifies insured against losses due to destruction or damage of the vehicle while the vehicle is in the possession of the carrier.
It is a basic requirement that the insurance policy has to be presented for examination prior to shipping. In some cases, shippers have the right to purchase additional protection for themselves, which is usually the case when shipping high value, sensitive items.
- Carriage of Cars by Road Abnormal Loads for State and From State Registration
Both federal and state laws placed restrictions on the weight and dimensions of cars for interstate transport. The DOT is tasked with providing the limits as a means of regulating the size and weight of vehicle as when measuring for Interstate Commerce and safety boarding.
– In regard to quantity: When it comes to volumetric measure, the weight limit on transporting a car using an auto transport truck is usually 70,000 to 80,000 pounds. However, the limit is subject to change based on the transport company used and the number of vehicles loaded on the transport.
– Scope: A standard vehicle transport trailer is designed to accommodate standard-sized cars. However, should you wish to ship oversized vehicles, like RVs, trucks, or SUVs, the transport company might need to obtain oversized load permits or specialized equipment to deal with the vehicles.
- Certain rules govern car transportation in certain states that must be followed alongside FMCSA regulations on a national level. These might include:
Company-specific checks to confirm they can efficiently manage the load and weight of your vessel must be done prior to shipping the vessel.
Additions to existing Permits and Paperwork: Some vehicles require additional permits to be moved during certain seasons.
In contrast to Maryland, states like California impose stricter local legislation pertaining to what emissions are allowed. When servicing these states, they have to comply with local standards to move vehicles in or out.
As an example, there are some California laws that restrict certain vehicles from being brought in if they do not meet specific requirements. It is advisable to confirm what rules are set in the state your vehicle is being shipped to. Violating any of the set rules could result in being fined or delayed for a specified period.
- Vehicle Condition and Preparation for Shipping
The condition of the vehicle, when shipped for motor transport across state borders, determines which custom regulations are termed applicable. Vehicles which are scrapped, damaged beyond repair or otherwise broken may need to be dealt with in a different way. For example:
– Vehicles that do not operate: Inoperable vehicles such as non-running cars may have to be winched up onto the transport vehicle which may also bring about a different payment structure.
– Other Vehicles: Highly valuable or extensively customized cars deserve additional care to be taken during the transporting them process. To shield the vehicle from meteorological and physical damage, covert, suggestion-based transport during relocation might be beneficial.
You should also ensure that all personal items have been removed from the vehicle and kept in a separate safe location.
A transport vehicle must have its current condition photographed and its loaded state immaculate prior to being carted on and off the transport vehicle.
Helping Develop Strategic Car Transport Alternatives for Shipping Vehicles Across State Lines
Understanding policies comes next after establishing the following steps with the selected service provider. Keep these pointers in mind to select a provider that caters to your needs:
-Underline FMCSA Registration and Licensing: Check if the transport service stands registered with FMCSA and holds the pertinent licensure.
-Brokerage and underwriting insurance: Make certain the carrier has adequate coverage for your vehicle including liability and cargo insurance.
-Experience: Go for a company which has experience in interstate car shipping. They know the rules and different logistical aspects.
-Credibility: Look for a firm having an established reputation and positive online reviews. Customer care, safety, timely delivery and high quality service delivery are notable trademarks of this kind of company.
In conclusion,
While ensuring legal compliance and safekeeping when transporting vehicles across states, some interstate car transport regulations must be negotiated. The FMCSA requires specific insurance coverage, operational weight limits, subservient regulation boundaries, and maintenance slave ranges to be OHMS compliant. An insured licensed company takes responsibility throughout the shipping procedure, which increases trust level and lessens anxiety on the vehicle owner enabling relaxed close monitoring of the entire process.
If your compliant, trusted car transport provider is Car Transport 24, they will readily tend to your interstate shipping needs.
