Large trucks are a fixture on roads across California, from freeways to busy city centers. These hulking vehicles are mainly used to transport goods into and across the state. But there are strict shipping regulations for trucking companies to make roads safer.
Massive commercial trucks are heavy and difficult to control. Any collision involving a semi-truck or big rig is likely to result in severe injuries and property damage, and such accidents are made more likely if the trucks are unstable or overloaded.
Shipping laws control everything from freight size and weight to the hours that truck drivers are allowed to spend behind the wheel. These details play a vital role in minimizing truck accidents in California.
Read on for an in-depth look at the laws, covering everything from restrictions to enforcement. And if you have suffered injuries in a crash involving a big rig, contact our California truck accident lawyers today for a free consultation and expert guidance. Whether it involves a shipping law violation or not, we can win your case.
Truck Freight Regulations: Contents
Why are Commercial Trucking Restrictions Important?
Large trucks are difficult to control at the best of times. They are heavy and cumbersome, with slower braking times and less responsive and nimble steering than other motor vehicles. And that is before you bring cargo into the equation.
Statistics show us that:
Nearly 5,000 people died in accidents involving trucks in 2021.
Only 16% of those deaths were truck drivers. The rest were occupants of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
That is because trucks weigh 25-30 times as much as most other vehicles on the roads of California.
Trucks come in all shapes and sizes, from the kind of small U-Haul rental that you might get to move house to massive semis with double trailers. Anyone who has driven any vehicle on this spectrum knows that the cargo being carried in the back of a truck makes a big difference to its speed and handling.
The trucking industry is under strict restrictions regarding weight, size, emissions, cargo type, hours of service, loading regulations, and more.
Observing the rules ensures that these vehicles are as safe as possible. Accidents will still happen, but the laws are in place to minimize the risk to everyone on the road.
Commercial Vehicle Cargo
Commercial vehicles and freight trucks carry all kinds of cargo, from household goods to hazardous materials. They cover any transportation for a business operation.
This form of transportation can fulfill customer orders of consumer goods, B2B orders, stock warehouses, carry livestock, fresh produce, and agricultural products, dispose of waste materials, complete special orders, and much more.
They might be driving cross country, transporting items between warehouses within California, or running international shipments through port trucking companies. Transportation might be completed by owner-operators, independent contractors, third-party companies, or on-staff drivers.
In some cases, containerized import shipments might arrive at California’s ports from out of state, or even from other countries. Drayage trucks are often used to transport bulk freight containers from major ports, such as Long Beach, to other facilities and distribution centers.
These trucks are an essential cog in the supply chain for businesses across the United States. They play a vital role in our economy, but they are also involved in a significant number of accidents. The shipping restrictions laid out on this page promote safe operation and minimize such risks.
Legal Size and Load Limits for California Trucks
Two of the most important aspects controlled by California shipping regulations are the size and weight of the freight being transported.
Weight Restrictions for Trucks in California
Weight restrictions dictate the total weight of the vehicle when fully loaded – also known as the gross vehicle weight rating. This sets a gross weight limit that includes the vehicle plus cargo.
The gross weight for the loaded vehicle is capped at 80,000 pounds.
A single-axle truck cannot exceed 20,000 pounds.
The limit rises to 34,000 pounds for tandem axles. From there, the weight limit rises according to the number of axles and their distance apart.
The gross weight on any wheel should not exceed 10,500 pounds.
General rules and caveats on weight limits depend entirely on the truck’s specifications.
Truck Freight Size Restrictions
Size restrictions refer to the physical measurements of any commercial truck being used for shipping freight.
Larger heavy-duty vehicles typically have tractors and trailers. The tractor provides drive while the trailer is connected and provides the cargo storage element. When calculating size restrictions, we refer to the total length of the tractor and trailer when connected.
Semi-trailers must not exceed 65 feet in length.
The length of a double-trailer truck is capped at 75 feet in length.
Vehicle height must not top 14 feet.
The total outside width of the vehicle cannot exceed 102 inches (8.5 feet).
The trucking company is responsible for ensuring its vehicles are within these limits. The rules apply to all heavy haul transportation means traveling through California.
California Shipping Regulation Exceptions
The legal size and load limits apply to most commercial vehicles. However, in some cases, a truck will have to transport a load so large that it exceeds the legal limits.
Additional heavy haul rules are in place to control the transportation of extra heavy loads, but the trucking companies will have more hoops to jump through.
Oversized freight is classified as being heavier than 80,000 lbs, measuring beyond the standard length, having a height of more than 14 feet, or measuring more than 8 feet and 6 inches wide.
To transport an oversized load that exceeds those measurements, California trucking companies might have to take one or more of the following steps.
They might need a special permit granted on a per-shipment basis.
Additional materials might be required, such as warning banners and safety flags.
Some states require heavy hauls to be equipped with flashing yellow lights.
The driver must hold a sufficient license for the vehicle size and load.
Particularly wide, heavy, or hazardous loads might require an escort from a pilot car.
In extreme cases, a police escort may be required.
The shipping requirements in California will depend on many factors, such as the states the truck will pass through and the size of the freight. For example, a pilot car is needed in California when a shipment is over 100 feet long, over 12 feet wide, or over 17 feet high.
There are different requirements for permits, depending on the freight. Some cargo shipments might classify as ‘super loads,’ which require more time to process and review in the interest of safety.
Time Restrictions for Large Haul Transportation
Any time restrictions on freight transportation in California depend entirely on what is being carried.
For freight that falls within the standard rules, there are no restrictions. It can be transported at any time of the day or night. But with oversized loads, conditions are in place throughout California and can vary by area.
These restrictions mainly apply to busy city areas like Los Angeles and San Diego. In these areas, oversized vehicles in high-traffic areas that are already congested can cause absolute chaos.
In Los Angeles, moving oversized freight is banned at peak times, between 6-9 am and 3-6 pm. This avoids adding to the city’s rush hour issues. In other major cities, such as San Diego, Sacramento, and San Francisco, the restrictions are slightly lesser, with oversized cargo transport banned from 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.
Truck Loading Process and Securing Freight
It is not only the size of a shipment that is important. It is also essential that the cargo is properly loaded and secured for transit. Proper loading means that the cargo is evenly distributed and tied down. This is just as important as observing weight limits.
New regulations were introduced in 2004 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These federal government laws were designed to prevent dangers caused by loose cargo moving or falling in interstate motor carriers.
The FMCSA rules include:
Tiedowns must be used to secure cargo.
Approved tiedowns include steel strapping, chains, synthetic webbing, cords, and wire ropes.
Any tiedowns used must be tested to a certain performance level to remain intact through deceleration.
A minimum number of tiedowns must be used according to cargo size and weight.
In addition to tiedowns, cargo can be held in position by supportive materials, inflatable dunnage bags, and shoring bars.
The rules apply to most cargo. An exception is unstable materials such as liquids, sand, grain, gravel, gases, and concrete, which should be transported in appropriate tanks.
Click here for a full rundown of the FMCSA truck loading laws.
The Dangers of Ignoring Shipping Regulations
Shipping regulations are written into law for a reason. The dangers that come with overloaded and improperly loaded vehicles are extreme.
When the freight is not distributed correctly, is too heavy for the vehicle being used, or has not been tied down, it can cause the following risks:
Braking issues: With increased braking distances come a much greater risk of collision.
Steering disruption: Trucks already have cumbersome steering, but freight issues can create more significant dangers.
A danger of the truck jackknifing: This is when a big rig loses control, with the trailer forming a right angle to the cab of the truck.
Put too much pressure on the tires: When excessive force is put on the tires, or a particular tire due to uneven load distribution, it can create a danger of a tire blowout or wheel failure.
These are just some of the main dangers. Each of these issues can easily cause an accident, making it impossible for a truck driver to avoid a collision with another vehicle or pedestrian.
If you are involved in a truck accident, our highly skilled attorneys are here to help. We have a reputation for maximizing settlements and have an outstanding trial record. Contact the Bisnar Chase team today for a free consultation.
California Emissions Regulation
Most commercial vehicles are diesel trucks. Diesel engines are a prominent cause of air pollution, which can cause severe health issues.
To combat rising pollution issues, California observes the Federal Clean Air Act. The legislation, launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was amended to include new rules requiring diesel trucks to be equipped with a filter to reduce emissions.
The California Air Resources Board oversees this ongoing battle against the negative impact of pollution. The authority enforces stricter rules in California to the nationwide federal laws.
Restrictions on Truck Drivers
The operating hours for truck drivers are restricted. For property-carrying drivers, their maximum hour limits are:
They can drive for up to 11 hours in one shift.
Drivers must take at least ten consecutive hours off the clock before driving again.
They cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight hours of cumulative driving.
Property-carrying drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of driving across seven consecutive days or 70 hours of driving over eight consecutive days.
There are some exceptions to the above rules when drivers encounter adverse conditions, operate close to their home base, or use their off-duty time to sleep.
Click here for a complete rundown of the truck driver hour laws.
These rules are in place to prevent time pressures and lack of sleep from causing fatigued drivers to make mistakes and cause auto accidents.
When Trucks Transport Hazardous Materials
The California Vehicle Code recognizes hazardous goods as any cargo that poses an unreasonable risk to health and safety. It can include pollutants, materials with elevated temperatures, explosives, gases, acids, and anything else that could cause harm.
In many cases, train transportation is considered the safest form of transit for hazardous items or substances. However, there are cases when road transportation is a better option. The shipment will likely require a hazard warning placard and may need additional permits and licenses, depending on the materials involved.
Other Restrictions for Trucking Companies in California
The following are some of the other rules that might come into play when it comes to the shipping freight supply chain in California:
Transporting Animals and Livestock in California
Animal transport is not the same as moving inanimate goods through California. In many cases, the animals must be properly vaccinated and require special permits.
Livestock and poultry will normally need entry permits and certificates proving that a vet has inspected and approved them. This is called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). Rules are also in place surrounding the type of containers used for transport. Read more about animal shipping guidelines here.
Plants and Produce
Indoor and outdoor plants, seeds, fruits, and vegetables have their own strict rules when it comes to commercial transit. Where they were grown and harvested, what materials were used on them, and their health and status must be accounted for. Anything posing a potential ecosystem threat may not be allowed into the state. Rules may be imposed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Read more about plant and produce transport guidelines here.
Foreign Freight
When international goods arrive at Southern California ports, they need the correct paperwork to make it through U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This includes a valid Bill of Lading, customs and commercial invoices, a verified packing list, and a certificate of origin.
Who Enforces Freight Laws in California?
Several different authorities and organizations are responsible for introducing, amending, and enforcing truck shipment laws.
These authorities include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the California Air Resources Board, CalTrans, and California Highway Patrol (CHP).
California Highway Patrol has the power to demand permits, carry out inspections, and take regulatory action. It has also introduced weigh stations to check freight weight limits on highways across the state, including in Orange County and across Southern California.
Licenses for Commercial Truck Drivers
Extra license requirements apply to independent contractors and anyone working for a trucking company that transports property or hazardous matter using large commercial vehicles.
The driver will need a commercial driver’s license and a motor carrier permit (MCP) registered through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Trucking Industry Negligence
When trucks cross state lines and enter California, it is the responsibility of anyone involved in shipping goods on that vehicle to ensure that they are compliant with state laws. That includes:
Securing the correct licenses and permits and knowing if those permits suit a single trip or multiple uses.
Arranging a pilot car for oversized freight.
Confirming size and weight compliance at a weigh station if required.
When trucking companies are negligent in these duties, and their fleet causes accidents, they may be held liable for any injuries and property damage caused.
It is vital that accident victims contact an experienced truck accident law firm that has dealt with commercial truck crashes and has a track record of success. Contact Bisnar Chase now for a free consultation.
New Clean Air Rules in California for Diesel Trucks
New clean air rules in California aim to replace all diesel trucks with zero-emission vehicles by 2035. However, for port truck drivers, the deadline is much closer.
The California Air Resources Board has adopted Advanced Clean Fleets regulations that restrict the operation of trucks with engines older than 13 years in California ports and require newer diesels to stop operating after reaching 800,000 miles.
Truckers are now required to purchase zero-emissions trucks, such as electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which are significantly more expensive than their diesel counterparts.
However, there is a shortage of production capacity for these zero-emission trucks, and the infrastructure to support them, such as charging stations, is lacking. As a result, many port truckers are leaving California and relocating to other states like Texas, where the regulations are more lenient.
Why You Should Choose Bisnar Chase Truck Accident Attorneys
Our team has decades of experience dealing with truck accidents across California. We take pride in helping injured plaintiffs seek justice and holding careless, reckless, or otherwise negligent trucking companies accountable.
We have a 99% success rate.
More than $800 million won for our clients.
A free consultation and a no win, no fee promise.
- More than 45 years of winning cases like yours.
California shipping regulations for trucking companies are in place for a reason. When the trucking industry ignores those rules and puts profits over people, it can cause severe consequences for others.
Don’t suffer in silence. At Bisnar Chase, we will maximize the value of your case. Call (800) 561-4887, send us an email, or use our website live chat and let us fight for you.
