State-by-State Tire Chain Laws and What Carriers and Shippers Need to Know
Managing freight safely is more than just moving freight from point A to point B. For carriers hauling heavy equipment, oversized loads, flatbed, RGN, or Conestoga freight, and for shippers who rely on on-time delivery across North America, awareness of state chain laws is a critical piece of the puzzle. Even with modern trailer technology and capable drivers, encountering a chain-control zone or posted route where chains are required can mean delays, fines, freight damage, or worse.
Why Chain Laws Matter for Your Freight
When winter weather hits, especially in mountainous regions, chains or approved traction devices become more than optional; they become regulatory obligations. If you're a carrier, it means ensuring the trailer is the right configuration, the driver understands the route’s chain requirements, and the shipper knows that Buchanan Logistics, Inc. has you covered. For a shipper contracting with a 24/7-tracking logistics partner, it means fewer surprises, fewer delays, and fewer claim risks. At Buchanan Logistics, we manage heavy haul, flatbed, Conestoga, and RGN loads across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada with a claim-ratio below 0.5% and 99% on-time pickup and delivery, so that means our chain-law readiness supports our overall performance.
How Chain Laws Vary Across States
State
Requirement Summary
Colorado
Commercial motor vehicles must carry chains from Sept 1 through May 31 on key routes, e.g., I-70 between mile markers 259 and 133.
Connecticut
Chains or studded tires permitted Nov 15–Apr 30; commercial vehicles must follow state rules.
Delaware
Chains allowed Oct 15–Apr 15 when conditions demand; travel may be restricted by DOT.
Georgia
Chains are required for commercial vehicles when posted by DOT signage; chains are on the outermost drive tires.
Idaho
On certain passes like I-90, mandatory one chain on each drive axle & one axle near the rear when signs require.
Montana
Required for certain vehicles from Oct 1–Apr 1 when indicated; urged on drive wheels when conditions are dangerous.
Nevada
For vehicles over 10,000 lbs, chains are required when posted.
Oregon
Chains are required on certain highways or when signage indicates; commercial drivers must stay alert.
Washington
On certain routes, chains or traction devices are required when posted.
Other states
Generally: “chains allowed when required for safety during snow, ice, or slippery conditions.”
Key Carrier and Shipper Implications
Driver Preparedness: A driver dispatched without knowledge of a posted chain-control zone may arrive and be forced to stop, put on chains, or take a detour. At Buchanan Logistics, we have a 24/7 dedicated tracking and dispatch team, ensuring drivers know route-specific requirements and can respond proactively.
Equipment Readiness: Chains (or traction devices) must fit properly, be maintained, and be available when required. Failure to comply may mean outright bans from mountain passes or heavy fines.
Freight Security and Schedule Integrity: When delays occur due to chains, load delivery may slip. Buchanan Logistics has a 99% on-time pickup and delivery record and a claim ratio under 0.5%, meaning our systems and carrier network are designed for reliability even in winter conditions.
Shipper communication: Freight professionals need to know if their load will traverse routes with chain-control designations. As a shipper working with Buchanan Logistics, you receive up-to-date tracking, notifications, and a dedicated point of contact so you’re never in the dark.
Why Choose Buchanan Logistics?
We manage more than 160,000 loads per year, generating over \$350 million in annual revenue and operating 200 power units with 900+ trailers. We hold a 99.5 %+ coverage ratio, provide 24/7 customer service, and have a committed tracking team. Our carrier selection process is stringent, the claims ratio is under 0.5% and we have maintained a “Satisfactory” safety rating since 2011. When you work with us, whether you’re a shipper needing freight moved cross-border into Mexico / Canada or you’re a carrier looking for steady loads, you benefit from our partnership with our sister company, Buchanan Hauling and Rigging, Inc., that is an asset-based carrier (flatbed, dry van, Conestoga, RGN, reefer) and our seasoned professional logistics division that delivers full service. For carriers, we keep your trailers full. For shippers, we provide peace of mind. These qualities make Buchanan Logistics the best choice for carriers to drive for and the best logistics brokerage for companies trusting their freight shipments.
Above are several tire chain configurations.
Practical tips for carriers and shippers
Always check route signage and state DOT alerts before accepting a dispatch or load covering mountainous or northern states.
Keep certified chains or alternative traction devices in good condition and accessible.
Leverage dispatch systems that flag when a load’s route crosses a state with chain law obligations. Buchanan Logistics embeds those alerts in its operations.
Shippers should ask their logistics partners: “If my freight goes through a mountain pass in Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, or Washington during winter, are chains already accounted for?”
Document chain/traction compliance and include in freight-securement checklists; this supports delivery integrity and risk mitigation.
Final word & Call to Action
Winter freight is not just about cold weather; it can mean narrow passes, posted chain zones, and compliance obligations that impact your bottom line and schedule. With Buchanan Logistics, you get an experienced partner who knows how to navigate those challenges, whether you are a carrier or a shipper. Contact us today at 1-888-544-4285 to request a rate, ask about our expanded services (flatbed, heavy haul, dry van, Conestoga, RGN), and see how we bring experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness to every mile. Don’t leave your load to chance. Choose the standard for safety, one mile at a time.
