California Shipping Regulations for Trucking Companies
California Shipping Regulations for Trucking Companies
The trucking industry provides an invaluable service to the citizens of our state, but their sheer size and weight presents a danger to others on the road. To minimize risk to other travelers, the California Department of Transportation, or Caltrans, sets strict regulations for shippers who travel throughout state lines. Regulations exist at the federal level in addition to state and even local-level ordinances. Together, these rules work to help protect drivers, passengers, and the condition of area roads.
Weight Limits for California Trucks
One of the most important regulations governing the trucking industry is weight limits. The California vehicle code stipulates that no vehicle may exceed 80,000 pounds, with no more than 20,000 allowable for any single axle. The reason for these rules is severalfold and focus on safety. Firstly, the interstates in which we travel have limitations for the amount they can carry. If a truck is heavier than the set limit, then it can cause damage to the road over time, particularly in weak spots such as overpasses and bridges.
Structural safety of roads is important, but so is the safety of the vehicles on the road. Semi-trucks must adhere to the weight limit that the manufacturer sets for safe operation. A heavy truck such as a semi requires more time to stop, is more difficult to control while going downhill, and does not maneuver as quickly as a car. Weight limits are important for the safety of both the truck driver and others on the road.
Who Enforces Weight Limits on California Highways?
Compliance with weight restrictions is essential. To help enforce limits, the California Highway Patrol established and operates weigh stations all over the state, including in Orange County. Road signs will indicate when stopping at a weigh station is required. Shippers who do not comply with the weight regulations could face fines.
Exceptions to California Weight Limits
What if a carrier needs to transport something that is in excess of California’s weight limits? You have likely seen escort cars that advertise an “oversize load” when a truck is carrying something like a wind turbine blade or even a pre-manufactured home. Shippers have the option of obtaining permits for heavy haul, oversize, and super loads. These limited-use permits allow trucking companies to haul larger loads. An oversize truck load may or may not require an escort and can only drive at certain times of day. In the Los Angeles area, for example, an oversize load may not drive between 6am-9am and 3pm-6pm to avoid the traffic of rush hour. Additionally, heavy haul, oversized, and super loads cannot drive at night.
What Other Rules Apply to California Shippers?
Weight limits are not the only way California laws seek to protect truck operators and other vehicles on the road. The companies who employ truck drivers are ultimately responsible for ensuring that they comply with other important, federally-mandated regulations, such as:
- Hours of Service. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the majority of trucking regulations. California-specific rules come from Caltrans. Hours of Service rules from the FMCSA state that many property carrying drivers must take mandated breaks throughout the day (both for rest and for meals), cannot be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours, and must have a rest period of 10 consecutive hours before beginning another work day. California rules are generally more stringent. Hours of service regulations are essential, especially given the role that driver fatigue plays in truck accidents.
- Loading regulations. Aside from weight, shippers must ensure their cargo is secure. Improper loading of a commercial truck can cause issues with maneuvering and make it more likely for a semi to jackknife. As such, shippers must take appropriate precautions in securing their loads by evenly distributing the weight and using securing devices as necessary.
The regulations that govern the trucking industry in California are meant to protect everyone on the road, including the truck’s operators. Weight limitations are essential for protecting our state’s infrastructure and assure continued safety on bridges and overpasses. To assure vehicular safety, shippers must load their cargo properly, obtain necessary permits for excess weight, and ensure all employees adhere to hours of service regulations. Together, these rules help make sure we can get the goods we need, without compromising safety.
If you were injured in an accident involving a truck, it could be the result of a violation of California trucking regulations. You need an experienced Orange County truck accident lawyer to evaluate your case. Contact Easton & Easton to speak with a truck accident attorney about your case.
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Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025
Our $4.5M settlement in Dump Truck Operator v. Equipment Rental Co. has been recognized as #1 in California for 2025 in two categories: • #1 Paraplegia Settlement in California — 2025 • #1 Rollover Accident Settlement in California — 2025
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as the #1 Bicycle Accident Settlement in California in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton was named a Tier 1 firm in Southern California by U.S. News & World Report — the highest ranking a law firm can achieve. Selection is based on client feedback, peer reputation, and professional excellence. When independent evaluators rank the best, we're at the top.
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Easton & Easton was voted "Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" by readers of the Los Angeles Times in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Three years in a row — chosen by the people we serve
Doug, Brian, Matt, Travis, and Saul were selected to Super Lawyers — a distinction earned by only 5% of California attorneys. Selection is based on peer nominations, independent research, and professional achievement. Doug Easton has been selected for 19 consecutive years. Matt Easton was also named to the Top 50 Orange County Super Lawyers for 2027. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring attorneys in the top 5%.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a Top 10 Personal Injury Settlement in California in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Easton & Easton received the "People Love Us On Yelp" award in 2016 due to exceptional client satisfaction reviews.Our clients don't just hire us — they recommend us.
Easton & Easton was recently honored for securing a $32,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 20 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2024 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian, Matt, and Travis Easton are lifetime members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum — a distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. attorneys. Membership requires securing a verdict or settlement of $2 million or more. When you hire Easton & Easton, you're hiring proven results - because Results Matter.
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We were recently honored for securing a $26,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as a the #1 Personal Injury Settlement in Los Angeles County in 2023 by TopVerdict.com.
Brian Easton was selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) in 2015. ABOTA is one of the most premier associations of trial attorneys and judges, requiring a proven track record of jury trials as lead counsel and approval by a majority vote of the ABOTA board. Membership isn't given — it's earned in the courtroom.
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Easton & Easton was honored for securing a $20,000,000 settlement for our client, which was selected as one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Settlements in the entire United States in 2019 by TopVerdict.com.
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Easton & Easton was honored to have been chosen by the LA Times Reader's Choice Poll as "The Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County" for 2018-2020 (each year the voting took place).
We were recently honored for our efforts in securing a $1,850,000 verdict for a client, which was selected as one of the Top 50 Personal Injury Verdicts in California in 2016 by TopVerdict.com.
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