Best Practices in Permitting of Oversize and Overweight Vehicles: Final Report

Automated Route Selection

• The State system has the authority to issue most or all nonstate jurisdiction permits (e.g., local, toll, turnpike, private port) as well as State permits.
• The State system's map includes comprehensive road system, including State, local, toll, turnpike, private port, etc. road systems.
• The State system's map has embedded links that provide point of contact information for local permit agencies.
• The State OS/OW permitting webpage has a link that connects to local permitting portals.
• The State OS/OW permitting webpage has a link that provides point of contact information for local agencies.
• The State system enables carriers to generate route maps both for purchase and for purpose of preparing for potential moves (e.g., bid proposals).
• The State system includes and displays permanent and temporary route restrictions along the user's preferred/requested route.
• The State system includes a hyperlink that provides information on the restriction.
• The State system will auto-route carriers around restrictions.

• Improved permit accuracy, safety for all motorists.
• Industry more likely to obtain all permits with one-stop-shop, resulting in fewer carriers moving without permit.
• Automated system accurately routes permitted loads around permanent and temporary route restrictions and bridges.
• Permitted loads directed onto appropriate routes and reduces potential for infrastructure damage.
• Permitted loads directed away from potential congestion, which reduces potential for traffic incidents.

• One-stop-shop for industry.
• Local permits issued at same time as State permits.
• Reduces permit turnaround time
• Cost savings to carriers, manufacturers, etc.
• Increased permit fee revenue to States and locals.
• Frees up permit office staff time to focus on more complicated OS/OW load movements.

Thresholds

• Height restrictions
  • The State system contains information on all bridge and other height restrictions.
  • The State system automatically routes carriers around bridge and height restrictions.
  • The State uses the "minimum or the maximum" criteria for issuing permits on bridges with variations in lane clearance heights. Permits include specific language as to which lane(s) may be used to clear height restrictions.
  • Auto-issue permits for a minimum 14 feet 6 inches high.
• Weight restrictions
  • The State system automatically routes carriers on routes that are approved for State weight thresholds.
  • Auto-issue permits for a minimum 150,000 pounds gross (46,000 pounds tandem, 60,000 pounds tridem, 80,000 pounds quad).
• Length restrictions
  • The State system automatically routes carriers on routes that are approved for State length thresholds.
  • The State should auto-issue permits for a minimum 110 feet long.
• Width restrictions
  • The State system automatically routes carriers on routes that are approved for State width thresholds.
  • The State should auto-issue permits for a minimum 14 feet wide.

• Permitted loads are routed around threshold route restrictions.
• Permitted loads directed onto appropriate routes and reduces potential for infrastructure damage.

• Reduced permit turnaround time.
• Frees up permit office staff time to focus on more complicated OS/OW load movements.
• Automates bridge analysis for OS/OW loads that meet established thresholds.
• Reduces number of oversize loads incorrectly hung up in construction zones.
• Cost savings to carriers, manufacturers, etc.

Application Process

• The State system includes edit check functions that link the requested OS/OW load movement route to the correct permit for the particular load.
• The State system includes a library function that enables carriers to store company data, information on power units and trailer configurations, and previously issued permits.
• The State system includes pre-approved routes for the movement of particular OS/OW loads.

• Permitted loads directed onto appropriate routes and reduces potential for infrastructure damage.

• Reduced permit turnaround time.

System Operation

• The State system includes electronic payments options – electronic funds transfer, credit/debit cards, escrow accounts.
• The State system updates route restrictions in a timely manner and tracks all open permits. All open permit holders are notified if a change in a route restriction changes the status of a permit.

• Permitted loads directed onto appropriate routes, which reduces potential for infrastructure damage.
• Permitted loads directed away from potential congestion, which reduces potential for traffic incidents.

• Permitted loads avoid congestion and delays.
• Electronic payments save State and industry time and reduce transaction costs.

Other Best Practices

• The State system has the authority to issue permits for a port.
• A vendor system has the functionality to issue permits for multiple States for a single OS/OW load. The State permits are only issued along a route where the requested permit and proposed route are in compliance with each State's threshold requirements.
• A vendor system has the ability to issue local permits for carriers whose OS/OW load includes local as well as State roads.
• A vendor system has the ability to notify local governments of State permit loads traveling through their local jurisdiction.

• Industry more likely to obtain State permits with one-stop-shop.
• Industry more likely to obtain local permits with one-stop-shop.
• Permitted loads directed onto appropriate routes and reduces potential for infrastructure damage.
• Local agencies know when a permitted load is using their road system.

• One-stop-shop saves public and private sectors time and money.
• Enhances operating efficiencies for public and private sectors.
• Promotes harmonization in movement of OS/OW loads between States.