Because these vehicles have such an enormous potential for damage, both
state and federal regulation keeps them in check. Without a special permit,
no commercial truck is allowed to be more than 80,000 pounds fully loaded
with cargo. Likewise, rules prevent trucking companies from taking advantage
of their drivers forcing them to work more hours than their bodies can
handle, as often happened in the past. Federally, the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration oversees and implements regulations. If a driver
or company violates these laws, they are in charge of implementing civil
penalties.