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Illinois Places Weight Restriction on Cairo Bridge US 60/62

Illinois Places Weight Restriction on Cairo Bridge US 60/62
The Illinois Department of Transportation (DOT) will place a weight restriction on the Cairo Bridge effective Wednesday, Dec. 27. Illinois Places Weight Restriction on Cairo Bridge US 60/62
 

The US 60/62 bridge at Cairo that spans across Alexander County, Illinois and Mississippi County, Missouri, and over the Mississippi River. will will be restricting combination vehicles to 37 tons and single unit vehicle to 33 tons. 

 
Repair plans for the bridge are in place, although exact start and finish dates are not available by either the Illinois or Missouri DOT. 
 
The Cairo I-57 Bridge is a steel through arch bridge carrying 4 lanes of Interstate 57 across the Mississippi River at Cairo, Illinois and located in the tri-state area of Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. It was opened in 1978.
 

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.

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TX DMV Will Allow Cab Cards on Electronic Devices

TX DMV Will Allow Cab Cards on Electronic Devices

The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles announced motor carriers can display apportioned registration Cab Cards on an electronic device, such as a phone or tablet, starting January 1, 2019. TX DMV Will Allow Cab Cards on Electronic Devices

According to the The Texas DMV, they adopted a rule in December allowing International Registration Plan (IRP) registrants to display an electronic image of cab cards. Previously carriers were required to show a paper original or paper copy of a cab card. Cab cards must be shown to law enforcement upon request.

Cab cards identifies all the jurisdictions in which a registered vehicles are qualified for operation and the declared registered operating weight (combined gross weight) of each jurisdiction.

The rule takes effect on January 1, 2019. However, TxDMV recommends that carriers continue to carry a printed copy of cab cards for 2019 to avoid any confusion with any law enforcement who may not be aware of the change.

Existing rules already allowed carriers to display their Operating Authority (insurance) Cab Cards on electronic devices. Now both forms of cab cards can be displayed electronically. 

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.

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TX Increases Self Issue Limit

TX Increases Self Issue Limit

On December 11, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) upgraded the Texas Permitting and Routing System (TxPROS), which included an increase in the self-issue limit. TX Increases Self Issue Limit

The system – TxPROS – allows the self issue of certain permits when the overall size and weight of the load are within specific self-issue limits. The most significant change is the increase in the self issue weight limit from 199,999 to 254,300. 

The overall self-issue dimensions now are:

  • 20-feet wide
  • 18-feet, 11-inches high
  • 125-feet long
  • 254,300 pounds gross weight

The changes apply to cranes as well. Mileage permits for cranes and well servicing units that fall within the dimensions above can also be self-issued. 

The TxPROS system allows for weight certification documents to be uploaded for loads which exceed 200,000 pounds gross weight. 

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.

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DOT Office Closures for President George H.W. Bush Funeral

DOT Office Closures for President George H.W. Bush Funeral

Several state DOT permit offices will be closed or operating with only a skeleton crew Wednesday, Dec. 5 to honor late President George H.W. Bush on the day of his burial. DOT Office Closures for President George H.W. Bush Funeral

Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Texas state DOT permit offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Local Baltimore City office will be closed, too.  

Plan Ahead

The states that are closed have not published if the closure is a full or half day, so it is best to plan ahead and anticipate those state permit offices will be closed, which means the state will not be processing applications submitted late on Tuesday, Dec, 4 or on Wednesday, Dec. 5. 

Local Traffic 

The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department also published a traffic advisory for the funeral. 

It sites local traffic and closures near the U.S. Capitol and the Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. 

The Motorcade Route from the Washington National Cathedral to Joint Base Andrews will also close Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. 

The below closures were included in the Traffic Advisory for President George H.W. Bush’s funeral.

Motorcade Route from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington National Cathedral

  • Motorcade will depart the U.S. Capitol via Delaware Avenue NE
  • Left on Constitution Avenue NW
  • Right on Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  • Right on 15th Street NW
  • Left on Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  • Continue on Pennsylvania Avenue NW
  • Right on 22nd Street NW
  • Left on Massachusetts Avenue NW
  • Right on Wisconsin Avenue NW
  • Right into the National Cathedral Complex

On Wednesday, December 5, 2018 the below route between the Washington National Cathedral and Joint Base Andrews will begin closure at 11:00 a.m. and will remain closed until approximately 1:30 p.m.  While this closure is in effect, expect extensive traffic delays and closures of side streets.  

Motorcade Route from the Washington National Cathedral to Joint Base Andrews

  • Motorcade will depart the National Cathedral via Wisconsin Avenue NW
  • Left on Wisconsin Avenue NW
  • Left on Massachusetts Avenue NW
  • Right on Waterside Drive NW
  • Merge onto Rock Creek Parkway NW
  • Left on Virginia Avenue NW
  • Left on Constitution Avenue NW
  • Right on 17th Street NW
  • Merge on Independence Avenue SW
  • Right on Maine Avenue SW
  • Merge onto I-395 / I-695 / I-295 South
  • Exit Right onto Suitland Parkway
  • Right on Forestville Road
  • Cross Allentown Road
  • Enter Joint Base Andrews via the Maryland Gate

WCS Permits Can Help

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars works closely with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and the New York DOT and will advise customers during this period. The alternative route to help vehicles cross the Niagara River is via the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. 

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.

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Another Status Meeting Set For Long Beach OS Load Route Closure

Permanent Closure of Long Beach Oversize Load Route

Another status meeting will take place to further discuss the future closure of a Long Beach port oversize load route, as well as address questions brought up during the October meeting.  

The Port of Long Beach (POLB) plans to close 9th Street where it crosses the railroad tracks near Pico Avenue, a frequently used oversize load route, which is critical for transporting large loads to and from the Long Beach Port. The next status meeting, Wednesday, Dec. 5, open to the public, will include more discussions and the meeting agenda specifically includes a time to respond to questions provided at the October workshop. Permanent Closure of Long Beach Oversize Load Route

The closure of 9th Street at-grade railroad crossing could begin in late 2018, and once closed, the roadway will not reopen except for oversize trucks that have prescheduled access and are accompanied by CHP escort, according to a fact sheet published by the POLB in August. 

Furthermore, the fact sheet noted that keeping the 9th street at-grade railroad crossing open to vehicle traffic hampers railroad operations. The closure is expected to allow for the construction of two additional rail lines along Pico Avenue.

POLB is hosting the status update meeting again, as it did the October meeting. There is a specific alternate route proposed as well as other routes which can handle oversize cargo at the port, which is the largest on the West Coast, for travel if the closure happens but is in some cases inadequate. 

Status Update Meeting 

What: POLB Status Update for the Closure of 9th Street
When: Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 9:00 AM 
Where: 725 Harbor Plaza L.B. – POLB Maintenance Division Ground Floor Conference Room – Park Outside Fence and Enter @ Pedestrian Gate

Click here for directions to the POLB Maintenance Division. 

Companies affected by the closure are encouraged to attend. 

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.

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I-440 Bridge Construction in Nashville to Impact Traffic, Oversize Travel

I-440 Bridge Construction in Nashville to Impact Traffic, Oversize Travel

The I-440 rehabilitation project has been underway for some time with intermittent shoulder and lane closures during the day, but the major phase of the project will begin in February 2019 which will significantly impact traffic and restrict oversize load travel. I-440 Bridge Construction in Nashville to Impact Traffic, Oversize Travel

The improvements are focused at repaving and replacing the road surface, and will take place on I-440 bridge over I-65 with the total contract nearing $150 million. Traffic will be impacted, but TN Department of Transportation (TDOT) ensured construction would not require a full closure.

At this time, TDOT has not released a width, height or weight limit for oversize vehicles, but due to specific lane closures and construction delays are anticipated, which  could get longer with oversize transport. 

February 2019

Barrier rail will be installed in late February 2019, which will reduce the number of travel lanes throughout the corridor, allowing work to begin on the concrete surface and the median. The closures are scheduled as follows.

  • Daytime: two lanes of travel open in each direction between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
  • Nighttime: one lane of travel open in each direction between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

The lane reductions will be in place for the duration of the project. No shoulders will be available during the construction. TDOT is working on emergency response and response time for any emergencies. 

The project will overhaul I-440 after years of deterioration and a temporary resurfacing earlier this year, and also includes new lighting installations, sound wall construction and laying fiber optic lines. Exit ramps at Murphy Road and Hillsboro Pike will also be improved.

Construction is expected to last until August 2020. 

TDOT provided more information on the I-440 project, including a timeline. 

WCS Permits Can Help

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars works closely with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and the New York DOT and will advise customers during this period. The alternative route to help vehicles cross the Niagara River is via the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. 

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.

 

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November Holidays: Oversize Travel Restrictions

November Holidays: Oversize Travel Restrictions

Oversize load travel restrictions and department of transportation (DOT) oversize/overweight permit office closures are available for truck drivers and dispatchers to plan ahead for some upcoming holidays in November. November Holidays: Oversize Travel Restrictions

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6. Every DOT oversize permit office is open, and most states post no travel restrictions with the exception of the New York City permit office.

Veteran’s Day is observed on Monday, November 12 and a majority of state permit offices are closed, and several have oversize travel restrictions including no oversize travel allowed on Nov. 12.

 Thanksgiving Day is observed on Thursday, November 22. All state permit offices are closed with a majority also closed on Friday, November 23. Most states have travel restrictions in place for the holiday, with some starting as early as Tuesday, November 20. 

Some states also note a specific height, width and length restriction for Thanksgiving. 

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. 

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.

 

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Nevada Permit Office Closed for Nevada Day

Nevada Permit Office Closed for Nevada Day

The state of Nevada’s Commercial Vehicle Permits Office will be closed on Friday, Oct. 26 in observance of Nevada Day. No oversize/overweight permits will be issued on that day and office staff will not be available to answer any permit related questions or to begin processing new applications.

The state office will resume normal business hours Monday, Oct. 29.  Nevada Permit Office Closed for Nevada Day

No oversize/overweight travel restrictions are listed on Nevada’s holiday oversize travel restrictions page. It is only noted that the permit office will be closed. 

Most of the state’s government departments and agencies will be closed to observe Nevada Day, which commemorates states entry into the Union as the 36th state on October 31, 1864. Every year Nevada Day is celebrated on the last Friday in October. 

In the state’s capital, Carson City, there will be a parade and other family-oriented festivities. 

WCS Permits Can Help

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars works closely with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and the New York DOT and will advise customers during this period. The alternative route to help vehicles cross the Niagara River is via the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. 

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.

 

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WCS Permits Showcases Services, Technology at Breakbulk Americas

WCS Permits Showcases Services, Technology at Breakbulk

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars, North America’s oversize load authority, exhibited last week at the nation’s largest project cargo and breakbulk industry trade show, Breakbulk Americas in Houston, Texas. WCS Permits Showcases Services, Technology at Breakbulk

Breakbulk took place at the George R. Brown Convention Center Oct. 2 – 4, and is the largest exhibition of its kind in America, which brings together providers of breakbulk and project cargo services.

WCS Permits showcased its services, including oversize load permits, superload permits, route surveys, logistics consulting, trip & fuel permits, pilot car brokerage and truck safety equipment. 

Exhibiting at the show also allowed team WCS to show off their technology. WCS owns and maintains The Oversize Load Assistant; an online permit manual with the ability to search by regulations, US state, Canadian Provence or a combination. This year, WCS has a new feature of the Oversize Load Assistant to demonstrate, the Permit Calculator. The calculator allows users to estimate permit fees based on their upcoming travel. By entering a few variables such as dimensions and estimated miles being traveled, the program calculates a permit total for the user. This feature is part of the premium membership option available. The basic plan allows users to search regulations such as pilot car regulations, oversize load dimensions, oversize night and weekend travel, holiday travel and more. The premium plan includes the calculator, plus all of what is included in the basic plan. 

Booth visitors also learned about the Permit Accompaniment app, also published by WCS Permits on the App Store. The app has city, county and state provisions listed for all 50 US states, as well as the 13 Canadian Provinces. Both a free and paid version are available on the App Store and Google Play. The free version includes state provisions and the paid version includes city and county provisions. WCS will provide demonstrations during the show. 

WCS’ technology also includes an online permit portal, which allows customers to order, view and print  oversize load permits online. 

For over 20 years, WCS Permits has been offering its services to transportation companies, brokers, freight forwarders, owner operators, crane companies and more throughout the United States and Canada. In more recent years, WCS has also expanded its truck safety product offering to include in-house manufactured oversize load signs, FoxFire lights, safety flags, measuring poles and other truck safety products. All products are sold online at store.wcspermits.com. 

WCS Permits is already committed to exhibiting next year at the 2019 Breakbulk Americas show Oct. 8 – 10, again at the George Brown Convention Center in Houston. 

For more information on the 2018 show, visit the 2018 Breakbulk America’s website. 

More About WCS Permits & Pilot Cars

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. 

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Peace Bridge Overwidth and Overweight Construction Restrictions

Peace Bridge OS/OW Construction Restrictions

Beginning Monday, Oct. 15, the Peace Bridge center lane will be closed to complete the final phase of the Peace Bridge Rehabilitation project and oversize and overweight vehicles will be prohibited from crossing. Peace Bridge OS/OW Construction Restrictions

The construction is expected to conclude on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, and for the 7 month period, no oversize or overweight vehicles will be allowed on the bridge. That means any vehicles operating under overwidth or overweight permits will not be able to access the bridge in either direction. Vehicles that are 11′ wide or over, 15’6″ tall, over 130,000 pounds or over 60′ long require oversize load permits. 

Any vehicles meeting normal Ontario Highway Traffic Act or New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) size and weight limits will not be affected.

The Peace Bridge is an international bridge between Canada and the United States at the east end of Lake Erie at the source of the Niagara River, about 20 kilometers upriver of Niagara Falls. It connects Buffalo, New York, in the United States to Fort Erie, Ontario, in Canada. The bridge is owned and operatred by the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority, and has been since 1933. 

Although the Peace Bridge has been undergoing construction for years, with the upcoming period being the final phase, all three lanes of the bridge were open during the past Summer to accomodate more travelers. At that time, oversize and overweight vehicles were allowed to travel.  

The $100 million rehabilitation project will complete once this last phase of construction is over in may. 

For More Information

For more information on the upcoming construction, contact the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission online or by phone at 905-354-5641, ext. 4161 or at 716-285-6322, ext. 4161. 

WCS Permits Can Help

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars works closely with the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and the New York DOT and will advise customers during this period. The alternative route to help vehicles cross the Niagara River is via the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. 

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.

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