Weigh Station (movers, U-Haul, Ryder, rental)

[jrgreen4]

While traveling from Florida to Brooklyn, NY do I need to stop at the weigh stations with a 22' Penske truck? Thanks for the help.

[DreamWeavin]

no, we didn't and no one I've ever asked has. Safe driving!!

Originally Posted by jrgreen4

While traveling from Florida to Brooklyn, NY do I need to stop at the weigh stations with a 22' Penske truck? Thanks for the help.

[tortoisegirl]

Penske says that it is required on their website and on the confirmation information you get after making a reservation, although I bet it varies state to state. You may want to ask when you pick up the truck to get local information.

[Tressa]

It's my understanding that only commerical trucks hauling for hire are required to stop at the weigh stations. Man if the general public had to stop at the weigh stations with their loads we would have major moneies in the transportation fund for all the over weight fines collected.

[SmokyMtnGal]

I thought that only commercial vehicles had to stop.

[ElkHunter]

A pensky truck is commercial. Has a DOT number on the side. However, if you are hauling "YOUR OWN" stuff, you need not stop. If you were hauling "MY STUFF" and I was paying you to do it, then yes, you would need to stop.

[Crew Chief]

Most states require only trucks that are greater than 26,000 pounds gross weight to pull into weigh stations. (Household possesions won't put you anywhere near that). And, as the others have pointed out, vehicles that are serving commercial purposes. You could just pull through for fun if they're not busy. They'll most likely just wave you on or give you the "BYPASS" or a green light. Happy travels! (Also, watch for big truck drivers to blink/flash their lights to clear you back into the lane in front of them. Many truckers will for U Haul type vehicles because we assume that many of you haven't driven a large truck. You can say "thanks" by blinking your flashers a couple of times or turn on your left turn signal for a couple of times.)

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by Tressa

It's my understanding that only commerical trucks hauling for hire are required to stop at the weigh stations. Man if the general public had to stop at the weigh stations with their loads we would have major moneies in the transportation fund for all the over weight fines collected.

And they'd have a "field day" with load securement issues! (Things like unsecured junk in a pickup truck or holding a mattress sitting on your roof...)

[Steve Hazzard]

Originally Posted by jrgreen4

While traveling from Florida to Brooklyn, NY do I need to stop at the weigh stations with a 22' Penske truck? Thanks for the help.

Speaking as an ex owner-operator for United Van Lines, technically only commercial vehicles "For Hire" are required to go through DOT weigh stations. But, numerous states are requiring rental type trucks (U-Haul, Penskie, Ryder, etc.) to run through weigh stations. The rule of thumb is that if your rental truck is 16 feet or longer, go through the weigh station. If the stationmaster waves you through, you're OK. It's a good idea to error on the side of the DOT, I can say that with 12 years of over the road experience! You don't want to get pulled over by a State Police car for blowing off a weigh station! Rental trucks are now being used by some commercial movers to skirt the requirements for a DOT qualified driver and vehicle. Also, contraband is also frequently run on rental trucks. The DOT has the power of the IRS when comes to trucking, do not take their enforcement powers lightly! The DOT can require you to totally unload your truck down to every past piece of furniture and box! Then they stand and watch as you reload your truck yourself! I've seen many a truck driver run afoul of the DOT and it's not pretty! Do yourself a favor, when you see those flashing yellow lights indicating that the weigh station is open, pull to the right and follow the parade, it makes for a much more pleasant day, unless you're hauling questionable cargo!

[Steve Hazzard]

Originally Posted by Crew Chief

Most states require only trucks that are greater than 26,000 pounds gross weight to pull into weigh stations. (Household possesions won't put you anywhere near that). And, as the others have pointed out, vehicles that are serving commercial purposes. You could just pull through for fun if they're not busy. They'll most likely just wave you on or give you the "BYPASS" or a green light. Happy travels! (Also, watch for big truck drivers to blink/flash their lights to clear you back into the lane in front of them. Many truckers will for U Haul type vehicles because we assume that many of you haven't driven a large truck. You can say "thanks" by blinking your flashers a couple of times or turn on your left turn signal for a couple of times.)

Any vehicle being used for commercial purposed weighing more than 10,000 pounds (GRVW) "Gross Registered Vehicle Weight" is required to run through weigh stations. The 26,000 pound weight limit mentioned is for the purpose of truck and driver classification. Trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds using air brakes and/or hauling hazardous or flammable material require a CDL (Commercial Drivers License) rated driver and vehicle. Vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds GRVW, but not equipped with air brakes and/or not hauling hazardous and/or flammable material and in commercial service, require a DOT rated non-CDL driver and equipment. All commercial vehicles rated at more than 10,000 pounds GRVW must run through weigh stations.