Rules and Regulations for Intrastate Trucking in Columbia, MO
Missouri State Rules and Regulations for Intrastate Trucking. The state of Missouri has established its own rules and regulations for intrastate trucking – common carriers that do not cross the state line. These rules are set forth to allow for the general safety of the driver, the trucking industry, and for citizens. Sadly, it is the lack of knowledge or concern regarding these state laws which often cause trucking accidents, often with lethal consequences as an experienced Columbia, MO truck accident lawyer can explain.
Common Regulations
The Missouri Department of Revenue (MDOR) is tasked with establishing the rules and regulations of all intrastate vehicle movement including intrastate trucking. Based in part on the US Department of Transportation division, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, MDOR strives to foster a working environment that places worker and citizen safety as paramount while also keeping in mind the needs of the business owner as well.
The following list is a highlight set of rules and regulations set forth in Missouri for intrastate trucking:
- Common carrier vs. Contract/Private carrier – Section 390.020(6),RSMo, defines a common carrier as “any person which holds itself out the the general public to engage in the transportation by motor vehicle of passengers or property for hire or compensation upon the public highways and airlines engaged in intrastate commerce.” Under Section 390.020(7), RSMo, defines a contract or private carrier as “any person under individual contracts or agreements which engage in transportation by motor vehicles of passenger or property for hire or compensation upon the public highway.”
- Class A license definition – Class A is any combination of vehicles with a Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds prvided the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle(s) being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds. Class A holders may also, with appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Class B and C.
- Class B license definition – Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. Holders of Class B may also, with appropriate endorsements, operate all vehicles within Class C.
- Class C license definition – Any single vehicle less than 26,001 pounds of GVWR or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 pounds GVWR. This group applies only to vehicles which are placarded for hazardous materials or are designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the operator.
- Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) – you must pass knowledge and skills tests. Formal training is recommended as the most reliable way to learn the many special skills required for safely driving a large commercial vehicle and becoming a professional driver in the trucking industry. The CDL Knowledge tests consist of 7 written tests designed to measure your familiarity with the operation, maintenance, and safety of a commercial vehicle including driving techniques and skills.
As stated, this list is just the basic information regarding acquiring a CDL in the state of Missouri. The Missouri Department of Revenue Commercial Driver’s License Manual consists of 146 pages of rules, regulations, and guidelines that should be considered the “Holy Grail” of intrastate trucking information. Careful care and consideration should be exercised by any individual wishing to move forward as a commercial truck driver.
http://dor.mo.gov/forms/Commerical_Driver_License.pdf
http://dor.mo.gov/pdf/commoncarriers.pdf
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/rules-regulations.htm
