Trucking Questions |
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What is a truck speed limiter? |
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A speed limiter is an electronic microchip that has been installed on virtually every new heavy truck engine built since the mid-1990’s and when set, acts as a “speed governor.” The activation of speed limiters has been mandated in the European Union for well over a decade. Several jurisdictions in Canada, including Ontario and Quebec now have laws in place that require trucks to have speed limiters set at a maximum of 105 kilometers per hour (approx. 63 miles per hour). The purpose of this law is to make highways safer and encourage fuel conservation. For more information on the speed limiter regulations that became law for trucks in Ontario on Jan. 1, 2009 visit this website: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/trucklimits.shtml
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Hours of service - How many hours is a driver permitted to drive? |
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A driver may drive up to 11 hours in a consecutive 14 hour work period. Time spent waiting to be loaded, unloaded, stopping for fueling, meal breaks, clearing shipments through customs etc. is counted in a driver's 14 hour work perioud. Breaks during the 14 hour consecutive work period do not extend the time on duty. A driver must take 10 hours off duty as rest following the 14 hour work period. During a 7 day work cycle, a driver may count a maximum of 60 hours on duty driving time. There must be a break of 34 hours before the commencement of a new 7 day work cycle. (Source: U.S. Federal Motor Safety Administration (FMCSA) Jan. 2004) |
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Width of load. How wide a load can I ship on an open deck trailer? |
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A legal load is up to 8 feet, 6 inches wide. A unescorted permit is required for a load up to 12 feet wide. A single escort permit is required for a load up to 13 feet wide. And a double escort permit is required for loads over 13 feet wide. Please note, these dimensions are rules of thumb and requirements may vary in different jurisdictions. Please talk to our dispatch team for specific information. |
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Flatbeds. How big a shipment can I fit on a flatbed? |
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As a rule of thumb, a flatbed trailer's deck is 5 feet off the ground and therefore the maximum height of the shipment is 8 foot, 6 inches. The legal width limit of the shipment is 8 foot, 6 inches. |
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Stepdecks. How big a shipment can I fit on a stepdeck? |
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The lower deck of a stepdeck is 40 inches high as a rule of thumb. Therefore, the maximum height of cargo is 10 foot, 2 inches. Depending on the manufacturer, the lower deck of the step deck is 37 to 42 feet long. The upper deck is approximately 11 feet long and therefore the maximum height of freight on this deck is 8 foot, 6 inches. |
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Doubledrop Decks. How big a shipment can I fit on a doubledrop deck trailer? |
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The lower deck on a doubledrop deck trailer is 24" high and 29 feet, 6 inches long. Therefore the maximum height allowable on this type of trailer is 11 feet, 6 inches. The upper front deck is 5 feet high and 10 feet long. The upper back deck is 40 inches high and 8 feet, 6 inches long. |
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Customs Questions |
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I am a U.S. company shipping to Canada. What documents must I prepare for Canadian customs clearance? |
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A completed Canada Customs Invoice (CCI) and/or a Commerical Invoice must accompany your shipment's bill of lading. Also, if you don't have a "blanket" NAFTA Certificate of Origin on file with authorities -- this document should be included with your shipment. You should consult with a licensed customs broker for assistance in filling out these forms. Visit the Links section of this website for links to an editable Canada Customs Invoice and an editable NAFTA Certificate of Origin. |
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NAFTA. What does this mean? |
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North American Free Trade Agreement. A trilateral trade agreement between Canada, United States and Mexico to allow the free movement of goods within the North American marketplace. |
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General |
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Insurance. What should I consider when declaring a value on my bill of lading? |
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Are you declaring value and paying for additional insurance when your in-house insurance covers your product in the event of loss or damage? Many companies have in house insurance that provide coverage for shipments in route to the consignee, yet many shippers declare value on their shipments. This type of insurance is costly. The first $2.00 per pound per piece is usually included in your transportation rates and there is typically a charge of 1% of the excess value over and above that amount. For example, a shipment weighing 500 lbs. is automatically covered for $1,000 at $2.00 per pound. If a declared value of $2,000 is notated on the bill of lading, then an excess valuation insurance charge of $10.00 will be billed. That's a pretty hefty premium for the coverage. Check the fine print of your insurance policy -- you could already be covered!! |
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SCAC. What is Hot Freight's SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)? |
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Hot Freight SCAC: HFIA
Also see the Glossary section of our website for a definition of the SCAC. If you would like a copy of Hot Freight's Certificate of Standard Carrier Alpha Code Assignment please send a request to info@shiphotfreight.com |
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Insurance - How much is my shipment insured for? |
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Shipments are automatically covered for a maximum of $2.00 per pound. If you would like your shipment covered for more than $2.00 per pound, you must declare the amount on the bill of lading. There may be an excess valuation fee applied to your freight bill to offset the extra carrier liability. Please call Hot Freight at 877.468.0101 to discuss your company's unique insurance coverage needs. |
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Insurance: Is Hot Freight insured to carry my shipment? |
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Yes. Hot Freight International is insured for General Liability & Cargo with Aviva Insurance Company - Policy #81269044 |
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Insurance. Is Hot Freight insured to warehouse my goods? |
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Yes. Hot Freight International's warehouse operation is insured for General Liability & Warehouseman's Legal Liability by Aviva Insurance Company of Canada, Policy #81292540 |
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Insurance. Can I obtain Hot Freight's Certificate of Insurance? |
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Yes. Hot Freight can email or fax you a copy of our insurance for either trucking or warehousing. Please call us at 1.877.468.0101 to request this. If you would like your company to be named as a certificate holder, please contact our insurance broker. Chris Rice & Associates Inc. Phone: 519.745.2530 Fax: 519.745.1377 Contact: Chris Rice or Lisa Turow |
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WSIB. Is Hot Freight insured for workplace injuries and accidents? |
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Yes. Hot Freight is properly registered with the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) in the province of Ontario. Account #2094014/ Firm #767692ZD. In addition, Hot Freight only selects carrier partners who have proven that are also properly insured and registered with workplace safety insurance authorities in the North American jurisdiction in which they operate. |
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