Frequently Asked Questions

The general rule of thumb in the trucking industry is to allow two hours to load a truck, and two hours to unload a truck. Anything over that, trucking companies typically will charge a detention charge of anywhere from $50-$75 per hour.

Each tractor/trailer combination is unique. In order to be within DOT regulations, weights cannot exceed the following: 12,000 lbs on the steering axle, 34,000 lbs on the tractor tandem axles, 34,000 lbs. on the trailer tandem axles, and 80,000 lbs. total gross weight. It is entirely possible for a truck to have much less than 80,000 total gross weight but be overweight on an axle. DOT can put a truck out of service and fine the driver a significant amount of money if he exceeds any of these weights. It is best for the shipper to communicate with the driver about the type of cargo and weights so that they can agree on how to legally load the trailer.

If the following conditions occur, the truck driver must have a tanker endorsement on his Commercial Driver License:

1. Your cargo includes liquid or gaseous individual containers larger than 119 gallon capacity.
2. The containers are loaded, and not empty.
3. The total combined volume in those containers exceeds 1,000 gallons.