Shipping has been an integral part of human society for a while now. Luckily for us, modern-day shipping methods are much more efficient and convenient. That being the case allowed us to develop the industry we now have all across the world. However, shipping is not as simple as it sounds to an average consumer. There’s so much more that goes into shipping with laws and safety being a huge part of it. That’s why it’s important to stay up to date on Florida’s shipping regulations for the current year if you operate a business there. And even if you don’t, it’s good to stay informed on laws and regulations in your state. However, just like Florida real estate trends change, so too, change the shipping rules and regulations sometimes. So without further ado here are Florida’s shipping regulations for 2021.
Understand the regulation of shipping companies and why it’s important
Every country has its laws. In the USA some laws vary from state to state while others are the same across the board. Just like moving companies in Florida are regulated by law, so are shipping companies. When it comes to Auto Transport Service Industry, there are both state and federal regulations. That is important because it allows transparency and order. On top of that, complying with the rules is also important for ensuring safety. For example, if there weren’t any rules regarding transportation safety, accidents could occur. These accidents could cause damages to both people and cargo. To avoid that it’s best to stick to 2021 shipping regulations in Florida.
Licencing by Florida’s shipping regulations for 2021
For all shipping companies, obtaining a license is a must! The only way to obtain this license is through the United States Department of Transportation. Every company receives the license for the state it’s based in. That means that if the company wants to operate outside of that state it must obtain a license for every other state it wants to ship to. However, it’s also necessary to get a license for every state a company passes through as well. It might be inconvenient, but it’s something that just has to be done. To maintain the license, a company has to comply with all FMCSA safety and insurance regulations.
But what are Florida’s shipping regulations for 2021?
Shipping regulations in Florida have pretty much stayed the same since 2019. That means that there’s not much to learn if you already know a good deal about the shipping regulations. Just like there’s a checklist of things you need for a relocation, there’s also a checklist of things each shipping company has to comply with. That doesn’t only include getting a license, but also sticking with plenty of other rules. Below you’ll find the most common rules that apply to auto transport companies in Florida in 2021.
Trucking permits are an integral part of Florida’s shipping regulations for 2021
Not all trucks are the same. By USDOT, every truck that’s under the size and weight limitation is concerned a regular truck. These trucks don’t require special permits. The size and weight limitations are as follows:
- Length: A truck shouldn’t exceed 75 feet overall with a 48 feet semi-trailer. A 53 feet semi-trailer must have a kingpin. There also should be 41 feet from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle.
Width: The width shouldn’t exceed 8 feet 6 inches. For some un-designated highways, the height shouldn’t exceed 8 feet.
Height: The heights shouldn’t exceed 13 feet 6 inches. However, same as for the width, on some un-designated highways the allowed heights is only 13 feet.
Weight: The weight limit is 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. The limit for a single axle is 22,000 pounds, while the weight limits for tandem and tridem axels are 44,000 pounds and 66,000 pounds.
Overhang: The overhang shouldn’t be larger than 3 feet from the front or 3 feet from the rear of the trailer maximum.
When do heavy haul truck permits apply?
Once the truck exceeds the limits mentioned above it needs a heavy haul trucking permit. However, there are some limitations even to heavy haul trucks. Size-wise these trucks shouldn’t exceed 150x16x16 feet. Unlike regular trucks, heavy haul trucks have a much higher weight limit. Still, the allowed weight depends on the number of axels. It’s also important to note that heavy haul loads that are over a GVW of 160,000 must have a minimum of 10 feet between groupings. On heavy haul trucks, there also aren’t any limitations to the size of the overhang. However, each case has to be looked at individually.
Travel times are also regulated by 2021 Florida shipping regulations
There are also some 2021 Florida shipping regulations that apply to travel times. Shipping trucks are allowed to travel anywhere from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. On weekends, traveling is allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise only until 12 noon if a truck is under 14 feet wide and under 14 feet 6 inches tall. However, even these trucks require a “weekend travel” permit. Weekend travel is not possible on New Years Day, Christmas, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, or Thanksgiving. Heavy haul shipments that don’t require escorts or pilot cars may travel without restrictions. Keep in mind that it’s very important to follow the instructions on the permit.
Pilot and escort car regulations
Many trucks require a pilot or an escort vehicle. However, that too falls under Florida shipping regulations for 2021. Any shipment that is over 95 feet long, 12 feet wide, and 14 feet and 6 inches tall, requires 1 rear pilot car or an escort vehicle. However, some routes may require 2 pilot cars or escort vehicles. If a shipment is more than 14 feet wide, it requires 2 pilot or escort vehicles, while any shipment of 15 feet or more might require police escort in addition to a minimum of 2 pilot cars or escort vehicles. When it comes to height, any shipment over 16 feet needs two pilot cars or escort vehicles. On top of that, any shipment taller than 15 feet requires a written route survey. Any overhang up to 20 feet past the center of the rear axle may require 1 pilot car or escort vehicle.
Shipping regulations in Florida for 2021 haven’t changed much
Shipping is akin to moving in many ways. It requires good organization and planning just as moving does. Just like there are many moving day tasks for an interstate relocation, there are also plenty of shipping day regulations companies must obey. Rules are there for a reason. Because of that, companies should make sure to learn about them and obey them. Florida’s shipping regulations for 2021 might have not changed much, but are equally as important as they ever were.
