Though time is paramount in rush or expedited car transport, weight considerations are a factor. Many people who order these services are surprised to learn that any car can be transported as long as there is a hauler available. However, weight limits do apply and may also limit the shipping options available to customers, the price of those options, and how quickly a vehicle can be picked up.
In this article, you’ll learn how weight limits come into play with fast auto transport services, what restrictions carriers may have for your shipment and what you can do to ensure your vehicle complies. Fast-Car-Transport.com can help you find an expedited hauler.
Why Weight Limits Matter in Rush Transport
Weight limits apply to all auto transport services; however, they are especially important for expedited car shipping services because a fast hauler must properly plan a route, follow federal shipping regulations, and load cars properly to avoid delays.
DOT regulations mandate trucks follow strict weight limits.
- Load balancing: Carriers must distribute weight evenly across the trailer surface.
- Heavy vehicles can increase drag, negatively affecting fuel economy.
- Route changes: rush delivery is sometimes of longer distance; weight compliance may require an alternate route.
- Speed limits: Carriers over the weight limit may be fined, delayed, or reduced.
That means the weight of your vehicle may affect which carrier is able to take your shipment and when they may do so.
What Are the Typical Weight Limits for Rush Vehicles?
With some variations by carrier and truck type, most expedited haulers use federal weight limits:
Basic federal limits include:
- 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight (truck + trailer + cargo)
- 12,000 lbs on the steer axle
- 34,000 lbs on each tandem axle
These limits apply to open carriers, hotshot trailers, and some enclosed expedited carriers that specialize in expedited deliveries.
Your car by itself might never weigh that much, but when you have that many other cars loaded on with it, every few hundred pounds matters.
- Sedans: 2,800–4,000 lbs
- SUVs: 4,000–6,000 lbs
- Pickup trucks: 5,000–7,500 lbs
- Large diesel trucks: 7,000–10,000 lbs
- Commercial vans: 6,000–9,000 lbs
If a vehicle exceeds the weight limits of its class, carriers may either shift the loading position or use a specialized hauler.
How Weight Impacts Your Ability to Book Rush Transport
Because carriers have a limited time to do this, they must quickly determine if the vehicle fits.
Availability of Carriers
Heavier vehicles may require a large truck or specialized hauler.
This results in an immediate reduction in the number of fast carriers.
Placement on the Trailer
Your vehicle’s weight determines:
- Whether it is on the top or bottom deck
- Whether near the front or the back of a
- Whether rearrangement of other vehicles is required
Flexibility is important, since rush transport minimizes loading time.
Cost of Transport
Heavy vehicles may incur extra costs for expedited heavy-loads if they consume more fuel or decrease the capacity of the hauler.
Speed of Pickup
If your vehicle restricts the number of available carriers, your pickup may be delayed while the dispatcher finds a suitable truck in your area.
Companies such as Fast-Car-Transport.com will use your vehicle weight to match you with the closest expedited car haulers.
How to Make Sure Your Vehicle Meets Weight Requirements
While this may seem like a small thing, preparing your vehicle in advance so that it is not overweight or carrying anything else with it can make shipping much easier and faster.
Step 1: Remove All Personal Items
Personal items add weight too. Most carriers will not accept them on rush shipments under DOT regulations.
Step 2: Lower Fuel to One-Quarter Tank
A full gas tank adds 60 to 100 pounds or more.
The 1/4 tank is favored because of liability and regulation concerns.
Step 3: Remove Roof Racks or Add-On Equipment
Cargo boxes and heavy racks add hundreds of pounds of weight.
Step 4: Inform the Dispatcher About Modifications
Other weight factors, such as lift kits, wheels, tires, bumpers and winches, should also be considered with a vehicle carrier.
Step 5: Know Your Vehicle’s Curb Weight
If you’re unsure, you can find it:
- In your owner’s manual
- On the driver-side door label
- On the manufacturer’s website
Providing accurate weight helps ensure your vehicle is assigned to the right truck the first time.
How Fast-Car-Transport.com Helps With Weight-Limited Rush Shipments
- Smart carrier matching based on your vehicle’s weight
- They have access to a network of hotshot and full-size expedited haulers.
- Real-time availability checks to avoid delays
- Weight compliance of an aircraft depends on
- Fast communication with dispatchers
It also makes sure that your vehicle is handed over to a carrier who can legally and safely transport it without delaying your schedule.
Final Thoughts: Weight Limits Matter—Plan Ahead for Fast Transport
Carrier availability, cost, and pickup time experience large effect. Most ordinary cars will lie within the limits for safety, but heavy trucks, vans, or modified vehicles may require special arrangements.
Communication with speed are important tools in expedited shipping. Providing the correct information ahead of time and properly preparing the vehicle, means you can expect the fastest shipping time possible.
If you need to transport a car or other vehicle and are looking for a fast and weight compliant vehicle shipping company, visit Fast-Car-Transport.com today and receive your carrier match.
