§31139 Minimum Financial Responsibility for Transporting Property

Summary

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to set rules so truck carriers that move property have enough financial protection to pay for injuries, property damage, and environmental cleanup. The rules apply to moves between states, moves through another state, or moves that start or end outside the United States while the truck is in the United States. The basic minimum is $750,000. For certain big or very dangerous shipments, the minimum is $5,000,000 (for things like large cargo tanks over 3,500 water gallons, bulk class A explosives, poison gas, liquefied or compressed gas, or large amounts of radioactive material). The Secretary can cut that $5,000,000 minimum to no less than $1,000,000 in U.S. territories (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands) if the territory asks, safety won’t be harmed, and $5,000,000 insurance isn’t available. Other hazardous moves must have at least $1,000,000, and the Secretary may lower amounts for some intrastate moves or for farm vehicles when not carrying bulk loads. Motor private carriers may have to meet higher state rules when they operate there, and any required amount must cover final judgments for injuries, death, or property loss. Defined terms: farm vehicle — used only for agriculture and only briefly on highways; interstate commerce — includes movements to or from outside the U.S. while in the U.S.; State — includes U.S. states and listed territories. Proof of coverage can be insurance, a guarantee, a surety bond, or self-insurance. Drivers from neighboring countries must carry proof or be denied entry. Carriers can combine sources to meet the total. Knowingly breaking the rules can bring up to $10,000 per violation per day after a hearing, with penalties collected by the government and placed in the Highway Trust Fund. Vehicles under 10,000 pounds are exempt unless carrying class A or B explosives, poison gas, or large amounts of radioactive material.