Precious Cargo – Do Your Research Before Hiring a Horse Hauler
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196 – November/December, 2016
by Delores Kuhlwein
We’ve all seen the horror stories on social media: a horse arriving a week late in poor health (or not arriving at all), a driver unreachable for days, or the unthinkable tragedy of the loss of a horse. While we’re outraged and wonder how things like these could possibly happen, we also breathe a sigh of relief that it didn’t happen to our horses. Luckily, the incidents are few and far between. Most of the time, we’re fortunate enough to have a trusted trainer haul a horse for us, or we can do it ourselves. But when the occasion arises to have a horse hauled by an outside party, taking the time to ask the right questions can make all the difference. Read on for some tips on what to ask, what to avoid, and what to expect from a reputable horse hauler.
LETTER OF THE LAW
The number one task a horse owner should do before hiring a hauler is research whether the hauler is actually legal, explains Judge Manning, president of Judge Manning Horse Transportation, Inc. of New York. He says, “Everyone is all about the Internet now, and it’s so easy to research. In about one minute, you can find out in public records if the company or person you’re going to hire has a license to haul,” he says. “The first question you should ask a hauler is: Are you licensed and insured?”
According to the National Horse Carriers’ Association (NHCA),an organization founded in 1964 to promote high standards in the horse transportation history, “Federal Law requires that all persons and/or companies that operate a Commercial motor vehicle, i.e. those that haul horses for a fee or any kind of compensation, must have the following:”
1. Their name, city, and state prominently displayed on both sides of their vehicles.
2. Their D.O.T. # on the vehicle that’s readily legible from a distance of 50 feet.
3. A Motor Carrier (M.C.) # which identifies them as an authorized “For Hire” carrier that has insurance on file with the D.O.T.
Manning, a member and officer of the NHCA, clarifies that a DOT number alone is simply an identifier and should not be used as criteria when hiring a hauler. “A DOT number isn’t a license to do anything – a hauler is required by FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association) to have his name on both sides and that DOT number,” he says.
He says that ads for haulers, who claim to be legal/DOT/insured, posted in social media groups are misleading, especially when they’re accompanied by a photo with no name and DOT number on the truck. His concerns are reflected in the instructions from the NHCA, who publish a list of what to watch for:
Beware of any hauler who:
• Is unmarked or is placarded with a “Private or “Not for Hire” sign.
• Does not use a bill of lading (a contract that is signed by the shipper and receiver of your horse).
• Requires a deposit prior to shipping.
• Claims that his truck is a “recreational vehicle” and therefore exempt from any and all regulations.
196 – November/December, 2016
