Are Freight Marker Plates Necessary For My Vehicle?

When you think about logistics and freight, what comes to your mind? Perhaps a delivery vehicle, pallets of boxes, or maybe even a warehouse? While these are all important elements of the supply chain, there is more to it than that. Take freight markers as an example. You may not even know what they are and why they’re so important. But if you continue reading, you will understand much more about them. Read on to learn everything you need to know about freight markers.

What Are Freight Marker Plates?

Freight marker plates are aluminium or stainless-steel plates that are attached to the sides of your vehicle to display your business name, phone number, and/or other pertinent information. They’re also referred to as commercial plates, commercial identification plates, transportation identification plates, or commercial vehicle identification plates. The main purpose of these plates is to help commercial vehicles stand out from other types of traffic on the road so that other drivers and law enforcement officers know what to expect from these vehicles. They also help you identify the vehicle as belonging to your business and let other drivers know who to contact in the event of an accident.

Marker Plate Installation

If you’re in the process of purchasing freight markers and need to put them on your vehicle, it’s important to follow the proper installation procedures. Why? Simply put, you don’t want to damage your vehicle. If you’ve never installed plates on a vehicle before, you may be wondering where you should put them. Most marker plates are put on the back of the vehicle on the right-hand side near the rear bumper. While this is the typical location, it may not be the best location for your vehicle. This is why it’s important to consult your vehicle owner’s manual and/or an automotive expert.

Types Of Marker Plates

As mentioned above, there are many different types of marker plates. The type you choose will be based on the state you operate your business in and other factors. There are 7 different types of plates that you can choose from. They are as follows: - Commercial vehicle (CV) – This is the most common type of marker plate and is used in all states. - Commercial vehicle tandem axle (CVTA) – This type of plate is used in states that require a “tandem axle” or a back axle that is equal to or longer than the front axle. - Commercial vehicle special heavy (CVSH) – This type of plate is used in states that require a vehicle that is used to haul materials that weigh over 33,000 pounds. - Commercial vehicle special heavy tandem axle (CVSTA) – This plate is used in tandem axle states that require a vehicle that is used to haul materials over 33,000 pounds. - Commercial vehicle combination (CVCL) – This plate is used in states that require a vehicle that is used to haul materials that weigh over 22,000 pounds but less than 33,000 pounds. - Commercial vehicle combination special heavy (CVCH) – This plate is used in “special heavy” states that require a vehicle that is used to haul materials weighing over 22,000 pounds but less than 33,000 pounds. - Commercial vehicle combination special heavy tandem axle (CVCTA) – This plate is used in tandem axle “special heavy” states that require a vehicle that is used to haul materials weighing over 22,000 pounds but less than 33,000 pounds.

When Should You Install A Marker Plate?

As mentioned above, there are specific situations in which you’re required to install freight marker plates on your vehicle. In other situations, however, it's recommended that you put them on your vehicle even if it isn’t required. If you’re hauling large amounts of goods or materials regularly, it’s a good idea to install a plate on your vehicle. This can also apply if you’re transporting materials that would likely cause damage to other vehicles such as sand or gravel. Keep in mind that some states require a permit to put marker plates on your vehicle. In these cases, you won’t be able to install plates unless you obtain a permit from your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT).

Summing up

Marker plates are important for commercial vehicles because they help other drivers and law enforcement officers identify your vehicle based on its size, weight, and where it should be travelling. They can also serve as a source of revenue for the state you’re travelling in. Marker plates come in many different types because each commercial vehicle is different. There are 7 different types of plates that you can choose from depending on your state. Marker plates are important for commercial vehicles because they help other drivers and law enforcement officers identify your vehicle based on its size, weight, and where it should be travelling.