What Are the DOT Regulations for Pickup Trucks and Trailers?

The Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration oversee much of how our country's commercial towing vehicles operate. These agencies set rules in place that trucking companies must abide by for the utmost safety. What are the current DOT regulations for pickup trucks and trailers? 

This guide explains the requirements commercial truckers must follow, such as obtaining a DOT number. Get a closer look at the steps you need to take to comply with these federal regulations. For help meeting the requirements and navigating USDOT number registration, turn to the specialists at FMCA Filings. 

A Commercial Driver's License May Be Necessary

Does your business use a fleet of pickup trucks that haul trailers behind them? You need to comply with all DOT regulations for pickup trucks and trailers to avoid hefty fines. The first thing you need to pinpoint is whether your vehicle requires operators to carry a commercial driver's license. 

Drivers must undergo training courses and pass both practical and written exams to earn either a Class A, B, or C commercial driver's license. If you drive a commercial pickup truck with a trailer, you typically don't need a CDL. This becomes a requirement if you exceed a combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of over 26,000 pounds or use the vehicle to transport hazardous materials. 

Once you rule out the need for a CDL, you can move on to other DOT compliance standards. 

Apply for a DOT Number

Many commercial vehicles will need a DOT number, which is a unique identifier the DOT and FMCSA use to monitor and enforce safety regulations for commercial trucking companies. How do you know if you need a DOT number? According to current DOT regulations for pickup trucks and trailers, vehicles that meet the following criteria will need this identifier:

• Trucks and trailers with a combined GVWR of at least 10,000 pounds.
• Vehicles that transport hazardous material.
• Vehicles that transport between nine and 15 passengers for a fee. 
• Vehicles that regularly travel interstate routes. 

Even if your vehicle doesn't meet the above criteria, your state or local government could still require you to obtain a DOT number. You will need to supply the appropriate documentation to the FMCSA during the application process before they can issue your truck a number. Once you receive the DOT number, you must display it on your truck. 

If you intend on crossing state lines in your regulated vehicle, make sure that you abide by the standards of your home state and the state to which you're traveling. 

Follow Regulations Across States

If you take your business across several state lines, you'll need to comply with even more DOT regulations for pickup trucks and trailers. Below is a list of some key rules to remember before your travels:

• If operating a vehicle that requires a commercial driver's license, drivers must carry a license that's valid in their home state and the states they're traveling through. 
• Drivers must abide by the DOT's set hours of service, also known as the time they can spend driving without a break.
• Vehicles need to have the carrier's name and DOT number visible. 
• Drivers need insurance coverage for the states they're driving through. 
• Trucking companies must comply with state-specific rules regarding permits, weight limits, and more. 

Vehicles Must Undergo and Pass Regular Inspections

One of the most important DOT regulations for pickup trucks and trailers surrounds vehicle safety inspections. The main goal of the FMCSA is to keep the roads safe by putting experienced drivers behind the wheel of commercial, heavy-duty trucks. Ensuring a fleet's safety isn't possible without regular inspections. 

When it comes to pickup trucks and trailers, DOT regulations primarily focus on the brake system and weight limits of the load. Every vehicle must comply with local weight limits and have either electric or surge brakes on the trailer. Other essential parts of the vehicle that must undergo inspection include the brake lights, headlights, and safety cables that connect the trailer to the truck. 

If any part of the truck is malfunctioning, carriers need to repair the part and pass inspection before a driver can get behind the wheel again. Keep up with all of these regulations if you want to avoid facing fines or penalties. 

Comply With Federal Trucking Regulations With the Help of FMCA Filings

Of all the current DOT regulations for pickup trucks and trailers, holding a valid DOT number is among the most important. FMCA Filings takes the guesswork out of the application process and will supply you with all of the guidance and resources you need when obtaining trucking authority and permits. Our industry specialists can answer all of your questions regarding compliance violations, having a DOT number for intrastate travel, and more. 

Submit our online contact form or send an email to orders@FMCAFilings.com to get started.