You might wonder if truck rentals will stop at weigh-stations on your way if you’re moving long distances. Renting moving trucks is required to stop at weigh stations in some states. However, trucks that move personal items do not have to stop.
What Exactly Is a Moving Truck Rental NYC?
Most people rent a vehicle to move from one home to another. A rental truck can move across town or down the street.
A moving truck rental is also used to transport furniture to a recycling center or garbage dump, to pick up recently purchased furniture, or to donate it. Renting cargo vans or pickup trucks is possible for local moves.
What Is the Purpose of a Weigh Station?
Weigh stations are highway inspection points where trucks and other large vehicles are inspected to ensure their safety and weight. They are designed to stop heavy trucks or those that are unsafe from driving on interstates. This makes it safer for everyone.
Fun fact: Weigh stations near state borders are often called “ports of entry.” They are often called “scales” by truckers.
Should Rental Trucks Stop at Weigh Stations?
The state in which you drive will determine whether or not you have to stop. States use two main factors to determine whether you must stop at the scales.
Do You Move Commercial or Personal Goods?
In many states, only commercial vehicles are required to stop at weigh stations. You don’t have to stop in many states if your rental truck is filled with personal items, like household goods. Whether you’re moving locally or long distance, moving companies like Allied Van Lines and Bekins have various moving services to cater to your needs.
What Size of Moving Truck Do You Drive?
Many states require that all vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds stop. Were we not talking about the size of the truck but its weight? You’re paying attention!
This moving guide is a rental truck-specific guide, so I wanted it to be easier to understand for our readers. While I wouldn’t expect a person who rents from a moving truck rental NYC service every two to three years to remember (or know) the weight of their truck, I think that most people will know what size they rented.
It’s easy to calculate the weight of a moving truck rental NYC by determining its size. Below, we’ve provided a rough estimate of the gross vehicle mass for the most popular rental truck sizes.
- 10′ truck = 8,600 lbs
- 15′-20′ truck = 12,500 to 14,500 lbs
- 26′ truck = 26,000 lbs
Should You Stop at Each Weigh Station?
You must stop at each weigh station you see if you’re in a state where you have to. It’s not as bad as it seems, and you probably won’t have to stop more than once in most states.
Here’s why:
- There are fewer weigh stations than you think in most states. There are fewer than 15 weigh stations in many states.
- Only about 1/3 of weigh stations are open during the summer.
- The hours of operation are usually not open 24/7. Operating hours are usually based on when trucks are driving.
- Some weight stations may not require moving truck rental NYC to stop. Stations may be specialized, and only certain vehicles will need to stop.
Which States Require That Moving Truck Rental NYC Stop at Weigh Stations?
Did you opt for a moving truck rental NYC to haul personal property? Weigh stations are required.
- Moving truck rental NYC is required in 8 states to stop at some or even all weigh stations.
- Twenty-three states don’t require that rental trucks stop. Alabama, Idaho, and Montana require rental trucks to stop if their weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. These states do not require rental trucks to stop because their maximum weight is always 26,000 pounds.
- South Dakota and Virginia require a stop if the GVW exceeds 8,000 lbs. Renting a 10′ truck is more than 8,000 lbs., so rental trucks must stop.
- In 14 states, truck rentals weighing 10,000 lbs and over must stop.
- Three states, Illinois, Missouri, and Oregon, require that only the largest trucks stop at their respective weight thresholds.
| State | Stop? | Summary |
| Alabama | No * | Vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 lbs must stop. A rental truck will not exceed 26,000 lbs. |
| Alaska | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Arizona | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Arkansas | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| California | Yes | All truck rentals must stop. |
| Colorado | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Connecticut | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Delaware | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Florida | Yes | All rental trucks stop at Agricultural Inspection Stations, usually at the state border. You must stop at these scales if you move personal property. |
| Georgia | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Hawaii | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Idaho | No * | Vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 lbs must stop. A rental truck will not exceed 26,000 lbs. |
| Illinois | Over 16,000 lbs | You must stop when your rental truck weighs more than 16,000 lbs. |
| Indiana | Yes | All truck rentals must stop. |
| Iowa | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Kansas | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Kentucky | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Louisiana | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Maine | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Maryland | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Massachusetts | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Michigan | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Minnesota | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Mississippi | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Missouri | Over 18,001 lbs | Vehicles that weigh 18,001 lbs or more must stop. |
| Montana | No * | Vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 lbs must stop. A rental truck will not exceed 26,000 lbs. |
| Nebraska | Yes | All truck rentals must stop. |
| Nevada | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| New Hampshire | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| New Jersey | Over 10,001 lbs | Vehicles that weigh 10,001 lbs or more must stop. |
| New Mexico | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| New York | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. This includes vehicles pulling a trailer if the combined weight exceeds 10,000 lbs. |
| North Carolina | Over 10,001 lbs | Vehicles that weigh 10,001 lbs or more must stop. |
| North Dakota | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Ohio | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Oklahoma | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Oregon | Over 20,000 lbs | You must stop when your rental truck weighs more than 20,000 lbs. |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Pennsylvania requires any vehicle registered as a truck, including personal vehicles and rental trucks, to stop |
| Rhode Island | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| South Carolina | Yes | Truck rentals hauling personal property must stop but will likely be waived. |
| South Dakota | Over 8,000 lbs | Vehicles that weigh 8,000 lbs or more must stop. |
| Tennessee | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Texas | No | Stopping is not required at weigh stations, but all vehicles (including truck rentals) must stop at border patrol checkpoints. |
| Utah | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Vermont | Yes | All truck rentals must stop. |
| Virginia | Over 7,500 lbs | Vehicles that weigh 7,500 lbs or more must stop. |
| Washington | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| West Virginia | No | Stopping is not required for a rental truck that is hauling personal property. |
| Wisconsin | Over 10,000 lbs | A truck rental hauling more than 10,000 pounds in personal property must stop. |
| Wyoming | Yes | All trucks must stop anytime you see a regulatory indicator (black letters on a white background) instructing you to stop or an officer has directed you to stop. It is most likely that these signs will specify “commercial vehicles,” in which case a rental truck hauling personal property would not be required to stop. |
Final Thoughts
When it comes to weighing station policies, the requirement for moving truck rental NYC to stop varies by state and the nature of the cargo being transported. While moving truck rental NYC carrying personal property typically does not need to stop at weigh stations in many states, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the regulations of the states you will be traveling through.
If you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with weigh stations and navigating the specific requirements of each state, hiring professional movers can be a great alternative. Moving companies are experienced in handling all moving aspects, including transportation, and are well-versed in state regulations and requirements.
By hiring professional movers, you can focus on other essential aspects of your move while leaving the logistics and compliance matters to the professionals. They can ensure that your belongings are safely transported to your new home without the need for you to worry about weigh station policies or other potential roadblocks along the way.
FAQs
How can you distribute the weight of a moving truck?
Weight evenly-Double-check the distribution of weight by placing heavier items against the walls and towards the cab. Heavy items should be placed on top of medium-heavy ones, while lighter items should be at the front and top of the moving truck rental NYC.
What is the best place to put weight on your truck?
For optimal traction, weight should be placed over the rear wheel or as near as possible.
How can you distribute the weight correctly?
Place heavier items on the side of the shelves and lighter ones in the center. You should place the heaviest objects directly above the brackets. You should not overload any one part of the shelf with heavier items than others.
How can you distribute the weight of a trailer?
Where should the weight be placed when loading a trailer? It is easy to follow the 60/40 rule. Place 60% of your weight in front and 40% behind the axle. The 60/40 rule applies to loading a trailer with a single axle, double axle, or triple wheel.
