, ,

NC Declares State of Emergency, Limited Extension

NC Declares State of Emergency, Limited Extension

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper has issued a state of emergency (Executive Order No. 52) and temporary suspension of motor vehicle regulations to ensure restoration of utility services and transporting essentials due to the potential impacts from Hurricane Florence. NC Declares State of Emergency, Limited Extension

The executive order allows for certain size and weight restrictions and penalties to be waived, however does not waive certain oversize load requirements including oversize load banner and oversize load flag requirements. 

The state foresees that the potential impacts from Hurricane Florence will require the transportation of vehicles bearing equipment and supplies for utility restoration and debris removal, carrying essentials such as food and medicine, transporting livestock and poultry and feed for livestock and poultry, and transporting poultry and crops ready to be harvested through North Carolina highways.

Specifically pertaining to oversize load transport, the executive order, says the DPS (Department of Public Safety), in conjunction with the DOT (Department of Transportation), shall waive certain size and weight restrictions and penalties arising under N.C. Gen. State. 20-116, 20-118 and 20-119. And the DPS shall temporarily suspend weighing vehicles used to transport livestock, poultry or crops ready to be harvested and feed to livestock and poultry in the emergency area.

However, size and weight restrictions and penalties, and oversize load restrictions, have not been waived under the following conditions:

  • When the vehicle weight exceeds the maximum gross weight criteria established by the manufacturer (GVWR) or 90,000 pounds gross weight, whichever is less.
  • When the tandem axle weight exceeds 42,000 pounds and the single axle weight exceeds 22,000 pounds.
  • When a vehicle and vehicle combination exceed twelve (12) feet in width and the total, overall vehicle combination’s length exceeds seventy-five (75) feet from bumper to bumper.
  • Vehicles and vehicle combinations subject to exemptions or permits by authority of this Executive Order shall not be exempt from the requirement having (1) a yellow banner on the front and rear that is seven (7) feet long and eighteen (18) inches wide and bears the legend “Oversize Load” in ten (10) inch black letters 1.5 inches wide and two (2) red flags measuring eighteen (18) inches square on all sides at the widest point of the load. In addition, when operating between sunset and sunrise, a certified escort shall be required for loads exceeding eight (8) feet, six (6) inches in width. 

Additionally, oversize load vehicles will be exempt from paying the $50 trip permit fee while the order is in place.

Read the full executive order here.

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

 

/0 Comments/by
,

Electronic Oversize Permits Now Accepted by More States

Electronic Oversize Permits Now Accepted by More States

More states are now allowing drivers to carry and display oversize load permits electronically on screens seven-inches or larger, instead of having to carry hard, paper copies.

Carrying and disElectronic Oversize Permits Now Accepted by More Statesplaying oversize/overweight load permits electronically will provide convenience for those drivers who use a smart phone, tablet or laptop to conduct business. Some smart phones and most tablets meet the seven-inch screen requirement.

Drivers are taking caution as those who rely on smart phones only to show electronic permits in states allowed must be within their data carriers service area. If out of the coverage area, the driver will be considered as having no permit.

Below is the breakdown of where each state sits on electronic versus paper permits:

AL — Must have a paper permit

AK — Must be able to show permit regardless of service area or will be considered to have no permit

AZ — Signed paper copy only, no plans to change

AR — Electronic permits allowed on seven-inch screen or larger

CA — Paper copy only at this time

CO — Electronic permit allowed, no minimum screen size

CT — Electronic verification of permit is acceptable.  The driver must be able to produce the permit on an electronic devise to show enforcement if pulled over. 

DE — Must have paper permit, state does not allow electronic hand held devices at all per state law

FL — Electronic permits are allowed with no minimum screen size, although blanket permits must be a paper copy

GA — Must have paper permit

HI – Must have paper permit

ID – Must have paper permit

IL — Electronic permits are acceptable on smart phone, tablet or computer

IN — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen minimum requirements

IA — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen minimum requirements

KS — State law says paper permits only, however some highway patrol will accept electronic permits with permit number

KY — Law reads must have a copy but if pulled over they will accept an electronic copy.

LA — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen minimum requirements

ME — Must have paper permit

MD — Electroic permits acceptable on smart phone or tablet.

MA — Must have paper permit

MI — Must have paper permit

MN – Electronic permits are acceptable, must be readable, no screen requirement noted

MS — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

MO — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

MT —  Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

NE —  Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

NV — Must have paper permit

NH — Electronic permits are acceptable if permit can be signed electronically only

NJ — Paper copy recommended

NM — Electronic permits are acceptable

NY — Must have paper permit

NY THRU — Must have paper permit

NC — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

ND — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

OH — Must have paper permit

OK — Must have paper permit

OR — Scales accept electronic permits, but the state police still have the right to require paper permit

PA — Must have paper permit

RI — Up to officer’s discretion, it is advised to carry paper even with electronic permit

SC — Must have paper permit

SD — Must have paper permit, but looking to change to electronic in near future

TN — Electronic permits are acceptable

TX — Up to law enforcement’s discretion, paper copy is still recommended

UT – Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

VT — Electronic permits are acceptable, no screen size or device requirement

VA — Electronic permits are acceptable

WA — May have it upload to phone or tablet but it must be signed.

WV — Electroic permits acceptable on smart phone or tablet.

WI — Must have paper permit, farmers can show their no cost permits electronically

WY — Must have paper permit

/0 Comments/by
,

Labor Day Oversize Load Travel Restrictions

Labor Day Oversize Load Travel Restrictions

Oversize load travel restrictions and department of transportation (DOT) oversize permit office closures are available for truck drivers and dispatchers to plan ahead for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Labor Day Oversize Load Travel Restrictions

The 2018 Labor Day holiday falls on Monday, September 3, and every DOT oversize permit office is closed in observance of the holiday. Some states have posted oversize travel restrictions as early as Wednesday, August 29 although most run through the holiday weekend from Friday, August 31 through Tuesday, September 4. 

Some states note a specific height, width and length for the oversize travel restrictions to apply. For example, Arizona and Florida have oversize travel restrictions for loads over 10′ wide and 14’6″ high, while Arizona restricts at over 12o’ long and Florida at over 80′ long. 

There are also some states which only have oversize load travel restrictions in place for Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 3 with some having specific restrictions for dimensions and some restricting any kind of oversize travel. 

WCS contacts each state to obtain the most accurate holiday closure information, although some states post updates while other states don’t publish or give out oversize travel restrictions until closer to the holiday. Updates will be posted as each state makes them available so it’s important to check back in for updates. 

The 2018 Labor Day oversize travel restrictions and DOT office closures can be viewed online here. 

WCS Permits puts together a list of oversize load travel restrictions and oversize permit office closures by state for every major holiday. 

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

/0 Comments/by
,

WCS Helps Move Load From Kennedy Space Center to White House

WCS Permits Moves NASA Aircraft to White House

Last week, transportation consultants from WCS Permits & Pilot Cars’ Columbus, OH office successfully WCS Permits Moves NASA Aircraft to White Househelped a 90-foot NASA exploration flight test capsule arrive safely at the White House for a press conference.

The spacecraft, The Orion, was on display as part of President Trump’s “Made in America Product Showcase.” 

At 84,000 pounds, 15′-1″ high and 17′ wide, the load traveled from the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, FL to the White House in Washington, D.C., safely making its was through the Sunshine state and across several others before finally unloading on the South Lawn of the White House.

Several days later, the load made its return trip to Florida. 

WCS’ Pilot Car department also did the route surveys prior to the oversize load permit submission and approval, and before the load hit the road. 

According to an article published by The New York Post, The Orion, which is being developed by Lockheed Martin, was first tested in 2014.

It also said, Orion project manager Michael Haws and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine were on hand for the event. 

WCS Permits worked with the carrier to route and obtain all necessary state, city and county oversize load permits to allow for its transport. 

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

/by
, ,

George Washington Bridge Oversize Restrictions Start July 27

George Washington Bridge Oversize Restrictions Start July 27

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced an oversize travel restriction for the George George Washington Bridge Oversize Restrictions Start July 27Washington Bridge which starts Friday, July 27 and will continue for an extended period.

No vehicles (trucks) in excess of 13′-6″ high, 10’-0” wide or 69′-0″ long can cross the I-95 George Washington Bridge in either direction and will have to use the I-278 Goethals Bridge or the SR 440 outerbridge crossing. 

Over-dimensional vehicles can avoid these length & width restrictions, specifically by remaining on I-95 and exiting in the Bronx.

The New York and New Jersey authority did not specify when the restriction will be lifted, and said it will continue for an extended period. 

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

/by
, ,

MO Permit System to Undergo Maintenance July 27

MO Permit System to Undergo Maintenance July 27

The Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) online oversize/overweight permit system, MoDOT Carrier Express, will undergo upgrades from Friday, July 27 through Monday, July 30 in which no agents will be available and no permits will be processed. MO Permit System to Undergo Maintenance July 27

The state DOT released a statement stating Motor Carrier services will temporarily and completely suspend the issuance of oversize/overweight permits between 4 p.m. Friday, July 27 and 7:30 a.m. Monday, July 30. Agents will return Monday, July 30 at 7:30 a.m., and at which time maintenance is expected to be completed.

It is recommended that any permits needed for the period of July 27 through August 3, order it before 4 p.m. on Friday, July 27. 

Permitted loads that are allowed to operate on weekends will be able to operate normally. 

The state is warning that any oversize/overweight applications in invoiced status that are not paid in full by 4 p.m. on Friday, July 27 will be deleted. Although pending superload applications will be transferred to the new system. The state did warn, the transfer of those applications might not be immediate. 

System Upgrades 

Once the new system is live, the state anticipates the following positive improvements:

  • Use any internet browser, from a mobile device without a Java plug-in requirement
  • Point and click maps – for an easier route selection
  • Stand-alone routing – check routes before selecting them on an application
  • Permit revision capability – check revised routing on your own
  • Instant help on screen – instructions will be available via “help” button at the top of each screen
  • Exact address search – No need to find nearest state highway, which ensures routing is complete
  • Enter equipment info once – The system stores it, easily click to add vehicles to applications
  • Add up to 50 vehicles to blanket permit application – saves time
  • Send permits to multiple locations at once – by email, fax or both
  • Upload documents directly – click route surveys and load schematics directly to the permit requests, no more supplemental emails

Contact MoDOT

The state says these improvements came as a result of customer suggestions and this new means of communication will make them more effective and will allow them to quickly alert those permitted to travel in the event of an emergency which width, weight or height restrictions are in place.

MoDOT agents are available 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to assist with any questions or issues, and can be reached at 800.877.8499. 

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

 

/by
, ,

IN DOT Updates to OD/OW Permitting Effective Now

IN DOT Update to OD/OW Permitting Effective July 16

The Indiana Department of Transportation and the Indiana Department of Revenue have officially made a decision on some changes to their oversize/overweight permitting program effective Monday, July 16, 2018. 

The state had proposed some major changes to steer/axle, permit times for loads over 134,000 pounds and bridge fee changes, and after some talks regarding changes with the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) and other industry groups, the state is moving forward.

Changes by INDOT include:  

  • Vehicles weighing 350,000 pounds or more will no longer be eligible for 30-day route preapprovals
  • Steer/front axle may not exceed 20,000 pounds GAW
  • All other axles may not exceed 24,000 pounds GAW
  • Bridge engineering analysis currently required for vehicles weighing 200,000 pounds or more, will now be required for vehicles weighing more than 134,000 pounds
  • Self-propelled equipment may not exceed these axles weights and all permit applications for self-propelled equipment will receive a full bridge analysis and may need to make route and other modifications

IN DOT Update to OD/OW Permitting, Effective July 16

The SC&RA had advocated for these changes to be postponed for up to six months. 

Click here for more information on the state’s oversize/overweight vehicle permitting program update. 

The state also provided the following example of permitting costs for a 134,000-pound GVW vehicle :

Route: Indianapolis to the Illinois State Line, using 1-465N from exit 42 to I-74W to Illinois.

Length = 100 miles

Number of bridges crossed = 38

Permit fees for 134,000lb GVW and greater:

= $20 base fee + $10 administrative fee + $25 design review fee + $10/bridge crossed + $0.60/mile traveled

Example = $20 + $10 + $25 + 38 bridges ($10) + 100 miles ($0.60) = $495.00

Permit fees for 200,000lb GVW and greater:

= $20 base fee + $10 administrative fee + $25 design review fee + $10/bridge crossed + $1.00/mile traveled

Example = $20 + $10 + $25 + 38 bridges ($10) + 100 miles ($1.00) = $535.00

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

/by
, ,

Conn. DOT Increases Over-Dimensional Permit Allowances

Conn. DOT Increases Over-Dimensional Permit Allowances

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced a change in some of the restrictions that have affected travel times for various permitted loads. Conn. DOT Increases Over-Dimensional Permit Allowances

The state DOT notice included the following: 

Effective July 1, 2018, weight-based permits for indivisible loads up to 160,000 lbs. on the appropriate number of axles (up to 14′ wide) will now be considered for permits, Monday through Friday, along the entire I-95 corridor, with the following exceptions: 1. The Gold Star bridges are still restricted to legal weight only; 2. No change to divisible load movements (not permitted from New York line to Exit 18); and 3. No change to self-propelled crane (or similar vehicle) travel.

Also effective, July 1, 2018, indivisible loads that, due to their excessive dimensions, had previously been restricted to Tuesday through Thursday travel (loads 13′-6″ or wider, loads over 14′ high, or loads 120′ long and above) will now be allowed to obtain permits for travel Monday through Friday. Travel times are limited to the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This will confirm that the department’s pilot program for weekend travel of indivisible loads will be continued. Indivisible loads that are legal height, 12′ wide or less, 80′ long or less, and weigh less than 160,000 lbs. may travel on Saturday and Sunday from 30 minutes before sunrise to noon.
     
As always, the department reserves the right to limit/prohibit travel on any particular route based on adverse roadway or traffic conditions that result from highway construction/maintenance work, known geometric conditions, time-of-day travel, and known bottleneck areas.

/by
, ,

WCS Working with TN After New System Launch

WCS Working with TN After New System Launch

Last week, the Tennessee’s Department of Transportation transitioned from its previous online permit program, and launched a new online system, TNTRIPS after going offline for 6 days. 

And with anything new, such as a complex online permit ordering system, new can mean unexpected changes and some hiccups and bugs to work through. 

The state reached out to WCS Permits and other permit services for prior testing, and it was anticipated there would be delays and possible hiccups. As the state works through each of those after the program has been live for a week, WCS Permits is being proactive in providing feedback and communicating with the state so WCS’ 60 transportation consultants can continue to service customers in the most effective and timely way.  

The new system went live on Wednesday, May 30. 
WCS Working with TN After New System Launch

Currently, some of the challenges include time frame for receiving permits, account set-up issues and data migration from the previous program. 

Permits are taking much longer to process as bugs are being worked out. State officials outlined some rules and regulations which also play a factor, and those include:

Applications for over dimensional permits shall be submitted at least three (3) business days before the starting date of the permit; provided, however, that applications for loads defined as extra-over dimensional under Rule 1680-07-01-.12 shall be submitted at least ten (10) business days before the starting date of the permit. (b) Applications for overweight permits shall be submitted at least the following minimum number of days before the starting date of the permit:

1. For gross vehicle weights of less than 165,000 pounds, at least three (3) business days;

2. For gross vehicle weights equal to or greater than 165,000 pounds but less than 250,000 pounds, at least five (5) business days;

3. For gross vehicle weights equal to or greater than 250,000 pounds but less than 500,000 pounds, at least fifteen (15) business days;

4. For gross vehicle weights equal to or greater than 500,000 pounds, at least thirty (30) business days.

WCS has helped many customers by working directly with the state to set up an account, and/or to resubmit any prior permits – single trip or annuals – which were active in the old system, but did not transfer over to the new system.  

The state is asking that anyone checking on the status of a permit application not contact them directly with questions. WCS is making sure customers understand this and can bring up concerns with one of WCS’ transportation agents who are in communication with the state of TN directly and on a continuous basis. 

What Else Has Changed After Implementing TNTRIPS?

Additional documents can now be attached to permit applications as needed, such as route surveys, THP Request forms and Certificates of Insurance. Also, insurance will be required within the first 30 days once the new system is live. 

WCS Permits Can Help

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

 

 

/by
,

Fuselage Loads Moved to Chicago O’Hare for Fire Training

Fuselage Loads Moved to Chicago O'Hare for Fire Training

The WCS Permitting team worked hard to help a customer transport the fuselage of an A380 from Addington, VA to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, where the plane will be used as a simulator for fire training. Fuselage Loads Moved to Chicago O'Hare for Fire Training

It took several loads to transport the different pieces of the fuselage – baggage storage area, economy class section, first class section and the cockpit. Two more loads transporting the engines will make its way soon to Chicago O’Hare.

Three of the four loads had similar oversize dimensions, and those were the loads transporting the main body of the fuselage. Those loaded dimensions were:

  • 100′ long, 21-5 wide, 13-6 high, 150,000 pounds on 8 axles
  • 100′ long, 21-2 wide, 13-6 high, 132,000 pounds on 8 axles
  • 100′ long, 16-11 wide, 13-6 high, 132,000 pounds on 8 axles

The nose/cone (cockpit) had loaded dimensions of 79′ long, 14-6 wide, 14-1 high, and was legal weight. 

The fuselage will be pieced back together once all loads have arrived and will be used as a simulator for live fire fighting training at the airport. The carrier will be delivering the engines soon, which were 9-6 wide loaded. 

WCS Permits worked with the carrier for weeks to permit each of the loads so they could safely make the 500 mile trip. 

9-6 wide airplane engines

 

Questions? Ask WCS Permits 

As always, everyone here at WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is ready to help you! If you have any questions, please feel to Contact Us Online now or call us at (888) 737-6483 to reach our customer service department. One of our experienced transportation agents can help you with any oversize load needs and questions that you may have or direct you to the expert who can.

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load authority. We provide various industries with oversize load permits, trip & fuel permits, superload permits, route surveying, transportation consulting, pilot car dispatching and truck safety equipment throughout the United States and Canada. We also take pride in offering some of the latest tools drivers and dispatchers need for optimal convenience, including our Permit Accompaniments App available on the App Store and Google Play, and our online permit manual, The Oversize Load Assistant. We manufacture all of our over-dimensional signage in our Los Angeles, CA sign-shop.

The company was formed in 1998 as a small Southern California-based pilot car and oversize permit service. After a few short years of providing pilot car dispatch and oversize load permits in California and the Western United States, the company further expanded its reach and grew until it was servicing the entire U.S. and Canada. 

/by