When hauling watercraft across state lines, truckers face a complex set of challenges. These hurdles become even more significant when transporting oversized or overweight boats over long distances, especially when those journeys lead into Western states. Navigating safety regulations, obtaining permits, planning travel routes, managing fuel stops, and ensuring compliance with mandatory watercraft inspection stations are just a few of the considerations watercraft haulers must stay on top of.
In 2021, the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) introduced a valuable initiative to make life easier for truckers involved in hauling watercraft: Call Before You Haul, a toll-free 24/7 hotline (844-311-4873) designed to streamline compliance with state laws.
Here’s How the Hotline Helps Truckers
Before hitting the road with a boat, truckers can dial the hotline to provide information about the type, origin, and destination of the watercraft. Once the information is submitted, the destination state or province is notified, and a follow-up inspection—along with decontamination if necessary—is arranged at no cost.
By utilizing this service, truckers avoid fines, delays, and help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species. Though truckers are still required to stop at each inspection station, the watercraft is registered in the hotline system, making it easier to expedite the inspection process, ultimately reducing hold-ups along the way.
What’s at Stake: Aquatic Invasive Species
The purpose behind this careful inspection and decontamination process is to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species that pose serious threats to ecosystems, local economies, and recreational waters. Invasive species like quagga mussels, zebra mussels, and watermilfoil result in millions of dollars in damages every year. They degrade water quality, harm native species, and reduce the quality of outdoor activities like boating.
These invasive species hitch rides on watercraft, often in places that are easy to spot—such as on the hull or trailer—and in hard-to-see areas like the boat’s motor or bilge pump. Some of these species, like the spiny waterflea, are microscopic, while others, such as giant goldfish, can be much larger.
Steps Truckers Can Take to Prevent the Spread
To protect waterways and prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, truckers should take the following precautions before hauling a watercraft:
- Clean the boat and trailer thoroughly, removing all mud, plants, and animals.
- Drain all water from the boat’s ballast, wells, and engine areas, and remove the drain plug.
- Dry the watercraft completely to ensure no hidden water or contaminants remain.
After completing these steps, truckers should contact the Call Before You Haul hotline to arrange an inspection of the watercraft.
Benefits for Truckers Using Call Before You Haul
By participating in the program, truckers:
- Ensure legal compliance: States and provinces have strict regulations regarding aquatic invasive species, and noncompliance can result in fines and penalties.
- Protect the environment: Preventing the spread of these invasive species preserves ecosystems, protects native species, and ensures healthy water quality.
- Support economic stability: Healthy water bodies are crucial for the success of industries like boating, tourism, and recreation.
- Tackle a key route for invasive species: Studies show that one-third of boats carrying invasive mussels in the Pacific Northwest were commercially hauled.
- Contribute to industry growth: Following the “clean, drained, and dry” approach helps protect the interests of truckers, dealers, and buyers in the boating industry.
For further details about Call Before You Haul and how it assists truckers in hauling watercraft safely and legally, visit the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission’s website.
Source: Overdrive
