Richard at the State Department of Transportation's Motor Carriers Division, the following information was given on the issue of trailering horses.

 

There are three types of numbers that are spelled out in the new laws.  Below is a description of what fits under each category.

 

DOT Numbers

• Trailers being pulled will need a DOT number if the vehicle/trailer combination weighs over 10,000 pounds.
• Trailers will also need a DOT number if they are over 10,000 pounds with involvement in commerce/compensation.  Commerce/compensation includes people who receive prizes from competition they participate in where prizes (trophies, ribbons, cash premiums, etc.) are awarded.

 

LC Numbers

• People who trailer horses for others within the state and get compensated need this number if the trailer/vehicle combo weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

 

MC Numbers

• People who trailer horses for others out state and get compensated need this number if the trailer/vehicle combo weighs more than 10,000 pounds.

 

Farm operations usually already have DOT numbers assigned to them for use on their vehicles.  If your farm operation already has a DOT number, you can use that number for your horse trailer, you don't need to apply for another number.

 

Application for a DOT number is free and can be done online at www.fmcsa.dot.gov 

 

If you have any more quiestions, contact the DOT toll free at (888) 368-9556 and ask to speak with someone in the Motor Carriers Division abouth the trailering laws.