Length laws with 5 car trucks?

I have seen some International tractors that looked like extended cab pickups and I have seen them referred to as “napper cab’s “.

 

Hey Brian, just some clarification please? When you say traditional Automotive transport are you talking about head rack on a tractor with a high mount fifth wheel, or are you saying stingers?

The old school configuration is exceedingly rare anyways, and every one that I know of is well beyond the 65 ft limit. The few I personally know of don't get harassed about being over length, which kind of tells us that most Enforcement Officers don't even realize they fall under a different set of rules.

 

Yes, high-mounts. Technically I should have said conventional automobile transporter as that is how FHWA defines a high-mount vs. stinger-steer.

As for the 65' rule, yeah most are way beyond that and get away with it daily. Even myself, Mr. Compliance (LOL) ran my trucks beyond 65' even though there are a few states that are on top of it with Pennsylvania being one. This subject was a topic of discussion at the IATA Meet and Greet I spoke at last Saturday. We even had a PA Motor Carrier Enforcement Trooper come in and address the issue and he confirmed that PA still enforces the 65' rule for high-mounts.

I personally think the 65' bumper to bumper rule for high-mounts ridiculous. It was a gift when granted decades ago since most tractor trailer combos were still 55' but today it is a hinderance. I think that is why most officers look the other way, even they realize it is stupid when a dry van can be 75' or longer yet a high-mount can only be 73' total including legal overhang. I don't think high-mounts should be as long as stingers, the tracking and turning is so different but should they at least be able to put a modern sleeper tractor in front of a 53' trailer, sure. Maybe limit high-mounts to 75' OAL (bumper to bumper) plus the old 3' front 4' rear overhang as a fair compromise.

 

My truck and trailer is 80'6". There is NO overall length regulation in any state.

Missouri is only state that hassles non-stinger car haulers about overhang of a combination vehicle.