I'm going to be towing a 45' 5er (encloased car hauler) from Indiana to
NY, then from NY to MO. My trip with the trailer is going to take me
through New York (Long island), throuth a relativley small part of New
Jersey, Through Pennsylvania, a little bit of West Virginia, Ohio,
Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Does anyone know anything about these
states and their requirements regarding pickups pulling trailers
(private) and going through the weigh stations? I've heard that they
usually don't bother pickups, and someone said they would give one a
ticket faster for going through the scale than not. The thing is <span style="font-style: italic;">Technically</span>
the trailer could probably be considered a recreational trailer, as it
is meant for hauling race cars, and I will have my car in it, which is
slightly modified, for the second half of the trip. Should I put on the
side either "Recreational Vehicle" or "Private Carrier, Not for Hire"
and would either of them make a difference?

I have been told that if the trailer and truck do not have and company names or sponsor advertising and both are owned by you that you don 't have to stop but that doesn't make legal.

You might try a search on the web for the respective states Department of Motor Vehicles(DMV) or Interstate Commerce. Then again you could just drive past them and see if they come to get ya! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/hihi.gif


I tow a 40' 5ver myself and don't stop at any of them. I did have to get a Class D license in Florida though due to the length and GCW. Drive safe! JJ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley4.gif

As an old retired commercial officer, I would highly recommend the "Recreational Vehicle" sign on the side.Might save you a lot of grief.

Here's a link to state towing laws. Don't worry about weigh
stations unless you are commercial. Private citizens, no need to
stop.



Towing Laws (http://www.rvsafety.com/state.htm)



Dennis

That's a big trailer. How does the truck handle it?

That's a big trailer. How does the truck handle it?



You asking me? If so, don't know. Haven't picked it up yet.



<span style="font-weight: normal;" ="bold">baimpala, I looked at
the link you posted, but it doesn't say much about the weigh
stations... the part that didn't make sense was the max weight of 3,000
lbs. I don't think there are ANY TT's that weigh less than that.



I've searched the internet for info, but as full of info as the
internet is, I wasn't able to find anything on weigh stations. It is
always hard to find information on any government web page. I think
they don't want us to know what the laws actually are...



chipper, I should probably put on the side in 3" letters "Recreational
Vehicle" instead of "Private Carrier, Not For Hire" and my
justification, if questioned, is that the trailer's primary use is for
taking my cars to shows/races?</span>


Edited by: Cougar281

Thats what I would do. If a DOT inspector notices you , he will see the sign.

Weight might be the issue. Up here if a trailer weighs over
10,000 lbs, you apparently need an "A" license. Also the tow
vehicle has to be licensed as a commercial vehicle. Subject to
safety inspection every year. Same as trailer.



If you are making a new purchase, make sure the trailer is registered for private use.

If you're talking RV, is weight an issue? I think joe blow can go buy a
prevost motorhome, but if it is a bus, you need a CDL. Don't you not
need a CDL to drive a frightliner if it's for privat RV use?

You will be fine pulling that trailer. I pull one from time to time and never had any issues. At highway speed you never really know it is back there. Now stopping, that is another thing, especially when people pull out in front of you. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley17.gif


Just FYI make sure you put on the side somewhere, NOT FOR HIRE... You will be ok.. Should not have to stop for weigh stations.


http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/GMC2500HD/2004-11-14_182632_Mvc-599fss.JPGEdited by: GMC2500HD

GMC2500HD, How long is that? Looks like it's close to 45' or longer...
I assume you pull that with a 2500HD, based on your name. So I would
guess just "NOT FOR HIRE" is sufficient? Just want to know what will be
best to not get bothered, and then go get the lettering so I can stick
the letters on before I leave Haulmarks lot in IN.

It is 45 ft... I pull it with my truck or another one we have as well... And yes NOT FOR HIRE on the side will be fine and you should not run into any issues. Good luck...

There is a great big sign on the entrance of most scales that reads plainly (NO PICKUP TRUCKS).You dont need a class a license if the total combined trailer and truck wiegh under 26,000 lbs.It sounds like to me you gonna wiegh about 19 or 20.Get loaded and go to the nearest public scale and wiegh it.don't go by the GVWR on the door.That is what your truck is rated at when its at its fullest.Your truck probobly wieghs about 7,300lbs and your trailer about 8,500 to 9,000 plus a car is gonna wiegh about 3,500 thats gonna put you at 19,800 way under the limit.you dont need to worry at all....

You don't have to stop. The D.O.T won't even notice you go by. I drive a truck for a living and have never seen a pick-up with any trailer in a weigh station. Have a safe trip.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

There is a great big sign on the entrance of
most scales that reads plainly (NO PICKUP TRUCKS).You dont need a class
a license if the total combined trailer and truck wiegh under 26,000
lbs.It sounds like to me you gonna wiegh about 19 or 20.Get loaded and
go to the nearest public scale and wiegh it.don't go by the GVWR on the
door.That is what your truck is rated at when its at its fullest.Your
truck probobly wieghs about 7,300lbs and your trailer about 8,500 to
9,000 plus a car is gonna wiegh about 3,500 thats gonna put you at
19,800 way under the limit.you dont need to worry at all....



I'm guessing closer to 21k GCVW. Trailer is about 6780, car is 3400,
and the rest of the stuff I'm going to load into it will probably be
around 3000. Maybe less. Either way I'll be under 26k.

I would run a not for hire sign on the side and go with it. I pull a 30' flatbed and I have not ran into problems..yet. I have hauled cars and other trailers from the Kansas area to Ohio several times and have never stopped and never been stopped....yet, as I have not got my NOT FOR HIRE sign on the trailer. I don't think DOT is going to bother a P/U too much. However, if the combine GVWR of the trailer + the truck is 26001# or more, you technically need a class A CDL. It's not what you actually weigh it's what you are rated to weigh...unless your over what your ratedhttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif.

Cougar281,


We pull a slightly smaller set up all summer long through PA, NJ, NY, OH and VA. Basically we have never stopped at a weight station with the trailer. We have a sprint car inside along with all the tools and stuff to race it each weekend. We have absolutely NO lettering on the trailer indicating a race car inside (no sponsors, car numbers, nothing). We have thought about the "not for hire" lettering but have not done it yet. Generally, they will not bother you at all. I have been doing this for 10-15 years +. We did get checked earlier this year one night when we stopped for fuel at a Flying J. Cops were checking the parking lots, etc. and asked what we had in the trailer and if we were racing something? Told him we had sprint car in there, blah, blah, blah. He knew quite a bit about them and asked to see it. Figured ok, no problem, he's a fan, that's cool. Opened the door and he was like neat. . .; got to talking about a mutual racer he knew, etc., etc. Next thing ya know, he's warning us about our fuel jugs sitting along the wall. We have them in "baskets" but not strapped down. He warned us about the new regs regarding how much fuel we had in that trailer (we run methanol so we carry our nights fuel with us). All he wanted us to do was secure the jugs better that if we got the trailer upside down the jugs would not be "flying" around. So we did that; amazing what a ratchet strap through the handles will do to make a cop happy. Have heard since, that PA has been running random checks on the race haulers basically looking at the way we all carry our fuel jugs around. My word of caution is keep the fuel jugs strapped in and you will have no problems. I do not have a CDL and it's not been a problem although we are researching it a little more because of the fuel situation that maybe I will need to get one.

I've been told that in NY you only need to pull into a weigh station if you are towing with a dually. Your 3/4 ton truck, no need to stop. We pull a race trailer every weekend, with a dually, and stop at the weigh stations if they are open. We have never been bothered, they have only looked at inspection sticker and tires. The longest time ever spent in the station was 15 seconds.

There is a great big sign on the entrance of most scales that reads plainly (NO PICKUP TRUCKS).You dont need a class a license if the total combined trailer and truck wiegh under 26,000 lbs.It sounds like to me you gonna wiegh about 19 or 20.Get loaded and go to the nearest public scale and wiegh it.don't go by the GVWR on the door.That is what your truck is rated at when its at its fullest.Your truck probobly wieghs about 7,300lbs and your trailer about 8,500 to 9,000 plus a car is gonna wiegh about 3,500 thats gonna put you at 19,800 way under the limit.you dont need to worry at all....





They do not like pick-ups unless you are 28K lbs or more in Texas (I THINK).... I have had a few runs to the track when we were well over 30K lbs.... Just nice to stop and give them that courtesy..

Jesse,


How did you find out that you needed to stop?? I have pulled through NY using my truck and also driving a friends dually and have just driven right on by. I don't want to create trouble, but if I need to stop, I will. I know that when pulling my camper and with other racers pulling their trailers, we have all just blown on by them when they are open.

Some time driving by, stop and ask.



However......take the wife's vehicle. I did stop and ask some
questions, one time. Told me a bunch of info. They DID look
at my truck and run my plate. Not sure what they were looking for
or did, but......



Thats here in Southern Ontario, though.



After thought.....

Told me, my truck was licensed to tow 3300 KGs. About 6600
LBs. My trailer weighs about 7500 as I tow it. Technically
I should re-license my truck to tow heavier. All it means to me
is it costs more for my plate sticker, every year. Extra cost is
to go to highway repairs. So they said.


Edited by: Max Owner

Weigh Stations are more for TAX checkups than anything IMO. If you are a private "not for hire" < 26,001 GVW. They are typically not interested. However, > 11,000 and out of state and you look comercial, by law, you should stop. They will almost always just pass you through. >26,001 they are making sure you paid your fuel taxes......

I think that you will be fine as long as you stay under 26,000#.

You don't have to stop. Some states however require that "ALL vehicles weighing over 5 tons must stop" at some stations. You simply need to read the weigh station sign. Most states don't care but some require over certain tonage to stop. If it looks like the sign fits you then stop, if not keep going. I know maryland here on the eastern shore requires "ALL" vehicles over 5 tons to stop.
hope this helps?

Kevin

Just my 2 cents I thought that any trailer over 10,000 lbs. would need to be registrer and need a license to drive. My CDL B license is good with a trailer up to 10,000 lbs. so if the trailer is reg for more than 10,000 it seam to me that you must stop . But like others have saided check with the law .

Just my 2 cents I thought that any trailer over 10,000 lbs. would need to be registrer and need a license to drive. My CDL B license is good with a trailer up to 10,000 lbs. so if the trailer is reg for more than 10,000 it seam to me that you must stop . But like others have saided check with the law .
Only if your gvw is over 26,000

Max Owner,

I try to not stop and ask questions because what usually happens is that they end up checking you from head to toe. I know I have blown right by the stations in Ontario and I always look to see if someone is coming in the mirrors to talk to me about it.

On second thought, they probably just see US$$$ going by and think that is a good thing so they just let us go. No sense in hurting the tourism business!!

Here's a link to state towing laws. Don't worry about weigh
stations unless you are commercial. Private citizens, no need to
stop.



Towing Laws (http://www.rvsafety.com/state.htm)



DennisThis is not true. Differant states have differant laws and the info at that site is not accurate. Some states say " any pickup pulling a trailer must scale" and others say "no pickups". I've seen "any vehicle over 8000 pounds must scale" and "recreational vehicles exempt". In Missouri they do not say, but if you ask they will tell you any vehicle licensed over 18,000 pounds, no matter what type or use. You must do your research. A Rand Mcnally Road Atlas has a lot of usefull information including phone numbers. I recommend the truckers version. It has more info. This stuff changes on a regular basis. If needed call ahead and check. You are sussposed to have a class A CDL for ANY trailer with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds crossing a state line. I got a ticket for that.

This is not true. Differant states have differant laws and the info at that site is not accurate. Some states say " any pickup pulling a trailer must scale" and others say "no pickups". I've seen "any vehicle over 8000 pounds must scale" and "recreational vehicles exempt". In Missouri they do not say, but if you ask they will tell you any vehicle licensed over 18,000 pounds, no matter what type or use. You must do your research. A Rand Mcnally Road Atlas has a lot of usefull information including phone numbers. I recommend the truckers version. It has more info. This stuff changes on a regular basis. If needed call ahead and check. You are sussposed to have a class A CDL for ANY trailer with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds crossing a state line. I got a ticket for that.

I have never heard of anything over 10,000 having to scale. It's usually anything with a comb. weight of 26,000 or more that has to scale. Most states are looking for the Bigger Trucks and don't even look at the recreational vehichles. Also FYI, class A CDL licenses are regulated by the federal government. So if you need it in one state you need it in all. They all follow the same rules set forth by the Government.

You must have misunderstood. Any trailer with a GVWR ( gross vehicle weight rating) of over 10,000 pounds now requires the driver of the tow vehicle to have a class A CDL in all states anytime you cross a state line. This is according to Missouri DOT, but is a federal thing. I have also confirmed this in Arizona's port of entry. I got a ticket for it. As for the scales, it is the drivers resposibility to know the laws. Commercial driver or not. Ozzy FYI I have had a lawyer research this because of the ticket. 26,000 pounds cvw ( combined vehicle weight ) means nothing unless you are commercial, and then IFTA is required. I have the federal documentation for this somewhere if needed.

RickDLance , is right!! I also got a ticket in N.C. for being over 10,000 & not stopping.

I have a sneaky suspicion that 99% of RV'ers pulling their trailers across the great American landscape never stop at the weigh stations! :ro) Yeah, ole JJ is one of them. Almost as likely is that most of the state DOT officials don't want a bunch of small rigs in/around the large commercial rigs they are tasked with weighing, inspecting and plundering for dough! ):h Anyone else noticed they no longer require all trucks to weigh in? Might have had something to do with the rigs backing up onto the interstates. :(

That being said I haven't been through Arizona yet so ole JJ may end up eating this post. But until I see weigh stations overflowing with RV's I'm going to keep the pedal to the metal and RPM's up. Safe travels and happy holidays! JJ :)

JJ, even though I have all the DOT legal bullsh#t, I also "bypass" the scales sometimes. The odds are none of you will ever get caught, but if it will happen it will happen to me.

Only if your gvw is over 26,000
Wrong. According to the CDL manual that I have. Any trailer over 10k requires a CDL license. That being said they don't bother any 1 tons with 14k goosenecks out here in Colorado.


I have a class A with a trailer truck restriction. I can tow anything I want as there is now GCW anywheres on my truck or registration. But because my tow vehicle is under 26k by itself, I had to test with out the trailer truck endorsement.

Howard

I Haul Cars For A Living With A Dually No No No No No No No You Do Not Need To Stop Unless You Make Money With That Truck Comm Veh. No Co. Name No Stop Not For Buiness No Stop ,.....................

I have been stoped in NY, CT and NJ after i flew past the weigh stations!(05 3500 ext utility body with combo! plates) Last couple of years up here they don,t care if your a 1 ton van your could get stoped! Now with that said I also made it past several times !
So prepair to stop, be weighed and inspected!

It seems that every board I looked into with these questions, everyone has an opinion, and the few that respond with verifiable information are dismissed by "old timers" and "lock-up lawyers" that think they know the law.

This seems to generate as much exitement as the politics boards, so to respond to Cougar281's original question will be difficult without causing further agitation.

As a rule, interstate travel regulations refer to the CFRs (Code of Federal Regulations (http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfr-table-search.html#page1)), with which each state reference in their perspective regulations, ammending these baselines to enhance (but not restrict or counter the CFR, or loose federal funding), traffic safety, traffic enforcement, or the definition of priviledges afforded to operators. Many of these restrictions apply to only Commercial entities, while others apply to all operators. Heighth, width, and weight restrictions can be found in many of the name brand "truckers atlasses" (such as Rand-McNally, etc. but not in the cheapo knock-offs).

In my experience, with a trailer this size (45'), you must be carefull of your overall length, especially in the Northeastern states, as these can be as short as 55' overall (nose of truck to tail of trailer), and in NJ in particular, width is only 8' (because their ancient toll booths are no wider than 9' in many sections of the state, or are staggered 9' and 12' wide on the interstate system. What a PITA).

NY has travelling inspection crews that wait at fuel stops and NYSTW exits, and these will grab any oversize vehicle for inspection. Be prepared to perform a pretrip inspection whenever you have a combination vehicle of any class, because in NY (and most any state), you were required to perform your driver's test with a vehicle greater or equal to the largest vehicle you were expected to operate (I know, there is an RV exemption, but arguing with two 7' Kojacs, with attitudes, guns, PR-24s, and hitler youth haircuts, on the side of the road at supper time, is not recommended under any circumstances). If your gross combined weight (GCW) is over 26,000 lbs. then the GVWR of your tow vehicle automatically becomes your GCWR (citing 49CFR), and you may be required to have a Class A operator's license (again, not wise to argue there and then. Save it for the Judge). In such instance, you must go through the scales.

In other states, read and heed the signage. Some will have plackards saying "NO RVs", or "All vehicles over 5-tons", or other such signage. Vague as they may be, if you fall into an inclusive category (over 5-Tons, over 13-Tons, Trailers over 10,000 lbs, etc. etc), then it is possible that you will be chased down by a Trouper if you bypass the scale house. Again, not a good idea to argue with PA law enforcement Officer at this point...he may not like you dashing for the glove-box for your photocopied proof of exemptions and the business end of a 9mm pointed at the back of your head from 10 paces will definitely prompt your co-pilot to let loose of something...think about it (one good reason to buy leather seats))...

Before you drag the new rolling toybox too far, I recommend you stop in at a truck stop with a CAT scale, and pay the $8-$12 to get a weight ticket for your glove box. This will tell you where in the above food chain you will fall into, and provide you with some documents (the date is printed on the ticket) to show in court, should the need arise. Also, borrow or buy a 100' tape measure and take the overall measurement down on paper and keep it handy (the tape measure and paper, that too is from 49CFR). Test and make sure that the electric brakes are working before you get back on the public roadway (every time you stop), for your own safety as well as others, and so that if you have to show Johnny Law that you have them set properly, you can have a peice of mind (again, wrong place to argue with "tha-man").

States with split speed limits (IN and IL) have restrictions for vehicles with trailers that put you in the "slower" speed categories. This also draws attention to you, more than the middle-aged hippy with the yellow vette, and can start a chain of events that you want to avoid. First its speed, then oversize, then driver's license, then ... who knows what?!).

I've drawn a lot of wagons accross these states, and I've learned a thing or two. First, Traffic Safety Officers come in many flavors, and can be moody. You never know what idiotic stunt the RV-toter 10 miles ahead of you pulled right in front of said Officer to cause him to scrutinize your operation (i.e. pull a U-turn on the highway, using the "For Emergency Vehicles Only" track between the N-bound and S-bound lanes, in a 1/2 Ton, with a 2' lift, blaring Hank Williams at 100+ decibles, while toting a 36' low-boy full of hay that stuck out into the hammer-lane while he was waited for a long-gap in the oncomming traffic to merge in).

Should you stop at scales? Depends on the circumstances, go with your gut feeling, and know all of the particulars about your "combination vehicle" before you start off on your journey. Do give it a good pre-trip. Check the air in the tires, that all the lights are working, and that the brake controller is set properly (you should do that everytime you set out anyways), and do tug tests before rolling, to make sure some wise-Censored kid did not pull your hitch release while you were in paying for that last tank of fuel, or was greasing your gullet at the Iron Skillet (-:t ).

If your co-driver also drives, make sure you've shared all that you know about your trip, and the condition of your rig. Joe Cop wants to talk to the driver, not the co-pilot, when he approaches, to ascertain the physical condition of the operator as fit for driving. Its an exiting enough an event in the first place, so that is not the time for hunting for words, and I don't know's to all his questions. (CAUTION: In combination vehicles, tears won't work.....but you are welcome to put it to the test).

Have a safe trip, and stop in to the forum for updates.

R/

RF3, good intel as usual.:ro)

To reiterate checking the brakes each time you are going on the road Mama JJ was heading off to Charleston with the 5ver. This run the GCW is around 24k lbs. I always take the rig for a run to ensure the load is equally distributed and everything is working correctly. When I slid the manual brake controller over to test the trailer brakes nothing happened. I increased power, nothing! Turns out a wire just above axle had separated and the ground could not be completed. I crimped them back together and all is well. :D

Always take the time to do a complete 360* walkaround of your rig, test drive it, air up tires, check lugs before hitting the road. JJ :)

Stopping At Scales Does Not Depend On Circumstances...........
If You Are A Commerical Vehicle (making Money With The Truck & Trailer)
You Need To Stop At The Scales..............if You Do Not Make Money With Your Truck Do Not Stop........no Matter What It Is You Can By An Old Big Truck Peterbuilt,kenworth.freightliner,etc And Pull A 40ft. Box Trailer And Not Have To Go In The Scales As Long As You R Not Commerical............

03DD, hang on for the responses! ):h Seems every state has different laws and most of us have different opinions about this. Personally I don't plan to stop at any weigh stations while pulling my 5ver unless there is a sign that says "RV's included" or something to that effect. :cool:

That being said, I consider myself sort of a Bubba type person, no offense to any other Bubba's out there, we all have our good points. But I know I tain't the smartest one in the bunch if you knows what I mean! ):h To tell me I can pull anything so long as I can get it in the back of a trailer or flatbed as long as it is not for commercial purposes doesn't seem very prudent. I'm a disaster just waiting to happen if you know what I mean? :rolleyes:

Hopefully having to pull through weigh stations isn't only for draining money from the over-the-road haulers. Hopefully they also conduct safety inspections to ensure rigs are properly loaded/braced for everyones safety. I could be way off on that so anyone that frequents weigh stations chime in.

Your statement is just too open ended for me to feel comfortable with. Anything, really? JJ :)

I Dont Know Who Eles To Say It....unless U R Regulated By The U.s Dot
United States Dept. Of Transportation You Do Not Need To Go Through A Scale House Or Any Roadside Scale Of Any Kind .....it Is Used To Regulate Otr Trucks.....you Need Us Dot Numbers And Icc Numbers To Go Through The Scales......1st. Thing They Ask You When You Roll Through The Scale And They Tyurn On The Red Light....is Let Me See Your Log Book And Dot Health Card And Lic And Reg. And Manifest......if You R A Bubba,or Any Other Kind Of Person You Need Not Go Through Them.......i Wish Some Them Old People With The Big Land Whales Would Have To But They Dont....or The Farmer With The Trailer Overloaded With Hay Or Whatever...they Dont Either.....
Only If You R Regulated By The Us Dot....

In New Jersey, vehicle inspection regulations are tied directly to gross registered vehicle weight. Vehicles over 18,000lbsGVW are required to "self-inspect" (& diesels over 10,000lbsGVW may "self-inspect") regardless whether they are registered as commercial or passenger (which establishs the different "rate you pay" when registering). Weight stations in NJ are also used to enforce inspection requirements on "self-inspected" vehicles, so whether you are passenger or commercial registered is meaningless in NJ. If the sign before the Weight station indicates your vehicle is not exempt (for wieght or whatever reason) & should stop, then I would do so (unless specifically indicated exempt-hey, they got the guns, they can do whatever they want), you're certainly not going to make any State Troopers happy by ignoring them-so it's better to err on the side of caution.

Although you are required to stop if you meet the criteria, I have never seen a reasonable person in a non-commercial vehicle willfully stopping & then getting hassled (at least in NJ).
All things considered, Troopers here do an excellent job.

Loki nine nailed it right here;

unless specifically indicated exempt-hey, they got the guns, they can do whatever they want

The problem is that it is so confusing that nobody really knows what to do. We were looking over the weekend at a new toter home and 40' stacker race trailer with a 30,000+gvwr not including tools, parts, cars, etc.. In going through the questions we had for the dealer, including going through NJ, they said DON'T STOP FOR ANYTHING, make them come and get you because 99.9% they won't bother. No CDL required because it would registered as a motor home since it will have a bathroom in the toter. I have pulled big race trailers with 3500's and F350's forever, but this is a little intimidating going down the road and supposedly being legal without a CDL. Yet I have seen it done by others for years with no problem. Would be nice if there was just a nice simple english version of the rules. Going to take a test drive next week and see how it goes.

Yea o3 dually, If there waveing a 05 3500 dually utility truck thats just Gung Ho!

But the times, they are a changing!

The Dept. of Homeland Security! Terrorist cells sending sleepers through pilot and truck driving schools! The war against terrorism! A population in fear puts pressure on Government officials and they make changes to the laws and law enforcement practices that negates most of what "others" tell you they "have done for years with no problems". The number of large vehicles used for recreation is also the higherst its ever been, doubling every year for the past 5 years, as more and more Americans take to the road after retirement. This increase in large "unregulated" vehicles and drivers (many of which are seniors with little or no special training, physical disabilities, and well stocked wet-bars) mixing in with the also increasing number of commercial trucks adds to the statistics.

Let's face it. You can't expect to get away with what "others have done for years with no problems", and, not to sound too paranoid, should not. Terrorists (foreign and domestic) used a minimvan full of explosives in the WTT in 81, and a rental truck full of fertilizer on the Murrow building in OK, to take hundreds of innocent lives. An MDT or HDT toting a 40' car-bomb could take thousands. And you can believe that law enforcement has thought of it too.

Its only a matter of time. Nay sayers should re-evaluate their stands, and new-commers shoud consider all the advise given here. Its the 21st century and "the times, they are a changing".

My .02