Car Shipping Laws You Must Know

You might need to ship your belongings to move to a different country or city. You might also need to ship your vehicle if you're selling or buying a car. No matter the reason, you need to know about certain transportation laws before you ship your vehicle. To ensure that your vehicle arrives at its destination safely, it is essential to be familiar with all the applicable laws. The following laws and regulations govern auto shipping.

Weight Restrictions

Federal law states that auto transport drivers cannot exceed a certain weight per trip. The number of axles used in transporting the vehicle determines the weight limit. The weight limit for your vehicle will be determined by the make and model of the vehicle. An additional 100 lbs will be added to this weight. It is important that your vehicle isn't loaded with personal items when it is being shipped. It is not a good idea to add weight to your car as transport drivers must weigh their trucks at specific weigh stations in order to ensure compliance with weight regulations. A fine will be assessed for any transport vehicle found in violation of the law.

Height Restrictions

Federal law places restrictions on vehicle height. Standard carriers can transport vehicles up to 7' tall. You will need to arrange for a special type carrier to transport your vehicle if it is higher than this limit.

Driving Limitations

Although shipping companies may promise delivery, this time frame could be delayed in some cases due to federal law that states drivers are limited to driving a set number of hours per day. Your delivery date could be delayed if your driver is stuck in traffic jams. It is not a good idea to expect delivery within a few days. Transporting a vehicle from coast to coast should take at least 7-10 business days.

Importing Motor Vehicle

If you import a vehicle from another nation, there are specific laws and regulations you need to follow. To get clearance from Customs and Border Protection, you must have all the necessary paperwork. This includes the original bill of lading from the carrier, foreign registration, and any other documentation related to your vehicle. To ensure that your vehicle meets US emission standards, you will need to declare all safety and emissions provisions. To ensure your vehicle is ready for shipment to the United States, it is important that you contact the Department of Transportation as well as the Environmental Protection Agency before shipping.