Oversize Permit Issuance During COVID-19

Alaska is preparing the permits office for limited telecommuting. The permits office will operate as normal and through telecommuting for phone, email, and fax requests.

Business is as usual but they have sent home 3 agents to test working remotely. There should be no changes in the services provided by the permit office.

Effective 3/19/20 CA remains open for all oversized permits. Staff is practicing social distancing and has move a portion of the staff home where they will continue assisting office staff in Permit issuance.

3/19/2020: IMPORTANT CHANGE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY: Due to the recent Presidential Declaration of Emergency, Colorado may now issue Emergency Response Overweight Divisible Single Trip permits for vehicles hauling divisible loads providing relief supplies to affected areas. This permit allows up to 97,000 pounds GVW hauling essential emergency goods (i.e. groceries, medical supplies, etc.) and will be valid through 3/31/2020 subject to change upon notification. Travel will be allowed on both secondary highways and the interstate but will be routed according to bridge weight limits and construction restrictions. Loads must meet all legal size dimensions as well. For information regarding legal dimensions in Colorado please visit the following link: https://www.codot.gov/business/permits/truckpermits/documents/lcvfyis.pdf/view

Beginning Monday, March 23 GAPROS Office will be closed until further notice We will be working from home and have limited phone access, if you need to order a permit please e-mail (gapermits@promiles.com) do not send with CC information, or FAX (575-353-7732)

We will be live on Chat to answer any questions you may have. As always you can self-issue your permits.  There is no one to post escrow payments from this week until April 3, 2020.  The state has been shut down since Monday, March 16,2020. All permit requests and payments should be made as usual through the GAPROS system (https://gapros.dot.ga.gov/) on-line or by phone (844-837-5500). All processing of permits will be completed, remembering over 80% are auto issued. The remaining will be processed by the permit staff as usual who are working remotely. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Due to the current health situation, the permit unit will have a limited number of staff answering the phones as of Monday 23, 2020. Please use the permit website to order and pay for your permits. You can also communicate with the permit staff by using the Chat or callback functions on the website. Another means of contacting the permit unit is emailing all questions or requests topermits@itd.idaho.gov . 

Any load requiring State Police in IL will not be able to move in IL until further notice. Due to the COVID 19 situation, walk in permits will not be available at the IDOT Hanley building. To request assistance call 1-800-252-8636 ext 1 or 217-785-1477 ext 1. You can also contact the permit office at dot.permitoffice@Illinois.gov .See attachments below: Order-for-IDOT-Permits-March-2020.pdf Waiver-COVID19-March162020.pdf

Effective 3/31/2020, and in support of Governor Eric Holcomb’s Executive Order 20-02 declaring a public health disaster emergency in Indiana due to COVID-19, Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) Commissioner Bob Grennes has waived several Motor Carrier Services (MCS) requirements until May 22, 2020.

The waivers affect:

• • Out-of-state motor carriers who are delivering COVID-19 supplies do not need to obtain trip permits or register with the International Registration Plan (IRP) or the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) before entering Indiana. Upon request, drivers must be able to prove they are hauling food, goods, medical supplies, other equipment and supplies to address the public health threat posed by COVID-19. This waiver will expire on May 22, 2020.
  • IRP or Base Plate registrations (BPR) expiring on March 31, 2020, or April 30, 2020, will not expire until May 31, 2020. Also, an Indiana-based IRP or BPR registrant may delay a registration renewal and/or payment for registrations effective May 1, 2020, until May 31, 2020.
  • Any delayed IRP renewal registrations and/or payments must have an effective renewed IRP registration submitted to DOR byJune 1, 2020.
  • Indiana-based IFTA licensees that file quarterly motor carrier fuel tax returns may delay the first quarter’s return (ordinarily due April 30, 2020) to May 31, 2020. Also, following IFTA’s recommendation, DOR waives the requirements to display or possess IFTA credentials until May 22, 2020.

Full details are available here or on DOR’s Motor Carrier Services webpage,

Although DOR in-person customer service is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 health emergency, our MCS customer service team continues to provide support by phone and email, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., EST.

To find contact information for specific MCS sections, refer to the contact information listed online

Beginning Monday, March 23rd, The permitting office will be completing all work remotely for at least two weeks.  www-k-trips.com will still be available 24/7 to apply for all permits.  Because staff will be working from home, call-ins will not be available, however, live chat with the Central Permitting Office and notes within the permit applications are options for assistance.

If state offices are closed, K-TRIPS will have a note placed on the dashboard stating such, but that we will also be reviewing permits while closed. There is a chat option available through K-TRIPS for assistance if no one is working from the office. Currently, we do not see a change needed from industry other than patience as our staff will be reduced significantly if we are required to stay home from work. However, the essential staff will work diligently to complete permit requests.

Effective at 5pm (EST) Tuesday, March 17, the Kentucky Governor has mandated all state offices closed to walk-in customers until further notice.

Kentucky Emergency Declaration 90 Day Extension of Operator’s Licenses Expiration Dates and Registration Deadlines The Cabinet Secretary (as well as the Feds) have issued emergency declarations which are posted to our website (drive.ky.gov).  There are exemptions for OW/OD loads only if they are hauling for relief efforts and if doing so, they are required to have a copy of the declaration in the vehicle with them.  Kentucky’s permits (trip and annual) are all available on line, as are the bulk of our services. We are recommending that individuals utilize our on-line services and reframe from coming into our One Stop  Shop. You’ll always find any executive orders regarding our customer base, posted to our website (drive.ky.gov).  The permit exemption only applies to those providing relief efforts.  We don’t foresee this applying to any OW/OD carriers.  Basically, supplies are not something that would ever require an OW/OD permit anyway.  If they are participating in the relief efforts, they are required to carry a copy of the executive order in the vehicle with them.  It doesn’t exempt them from axle restrictions on divisible loads.  Basically it’s for hours of service, IRP registration and having to stop in a weigh station for anyone involved in the movement of relief efforts.

The Permit Office is currently closed effective 3/17/2020 until further notice to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  Most permit requests and payments can be made as usual online through MoveME (https://www.movememaine.com/).  About 80% of our permits are self-issue permits that do not need any staff intervention.  Online requests that need staff intervention will be fielded by a couple of us that are trying to work from home.

POLICE ESCORTS-Per authority granted by the COVID-19 Executive Order on motor carrier transportation: Effective immediately the weight requirement for a law enforcement escort will be for loads exceeding 200K pounds.  Width at 16 feet and height at 16 feet will remain in place for now. BALTIMORE CITY – also exceeding 200k pounds, HEIGHT-leaving the PORT of Baltimore will remain at => 15’H and coming into the PORT with 14’-6” in height will remain in effect for Police escorts required from Baltimore City . This is to compensate for an anticipated reduced availability of personnel to accompany these loads.  Private escort requirements will remain the same and be reevaluated as necessary.  Loads requiring special maneuvering or otherwise determined by the hauling permit unit that law enforcement is necessary for safety will likewise remain in effect. Executive Order – COVID-19 RELIEF- Vehicle Weight Limit Tolerance – Maryland is providing an across the board 15% tolerance to any statutory weight limit for non-divisible loads of relief supplies and equipment.  Divisible load haulers who anticipate exceeding the 15% tolerance must obtain an Emergency Permit through our Maryland One hauling permit system for safety and route analysis.  These measures are applicable statewide on all roadways.   Contact with local authorities regarding restricted roadways under their jurisdiction is likewise required.  Haulers of non-divisible loads shall continue to obtain standard hauling permits as normally required. Any questions or if assistance is needed please email us at  haulingpermits@mdot.maryland.gov

EFFECTIVE MARCH 16, 2020, MASSDOT PERMIT OFFICE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING WALK-IN CUSTOMERS. Due to precautionary measures related to the COVID-19, the MassDOT Permit Office will not be accepting walk-in customers. For the safety of the public and MassDOT employees, all transactions will be conducted online or by USPS sent to 668 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02493. If more information is required, please call the MassDOT Permit Office at 781-431-5148. Thank you for your understanding and patience going forward in the foreseeable future.

MoDOT Increases Weight Allowance and Provides IRP/IFTA Emergency Waiver  for Trucks to Support COVID-19 Response

In response to Gov. Mike Parson’s Executive Order 20-02 declaring a state of emergency in Missouri, the Missouri Department of Transportation is allowing for heavier-than-normal truckloads of supplies and equipment to travel on Missouri highways in the direct effort to prevent, contain, mitigate and treat the effects of the COVID-19 virus. This includes shipments of livestock and poultry. MoDOT is also temporarily suspending all Missouri International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement trip and fuel permit requirements, including fees, for vehicles not currently registered for interstate travel in Missouri during the declared COVID-19 emergency. A copy of the Trip and Fuel waiver document, available at www.modot.org/mcs must be retained in each vehicle operating under this waiver and retained with the records kept by the driver for audit purposes. An electronic copy will suffice for road purposes while in Missouri. Weight Allowance Under the weight allowance, private and for-hire motor carriers are allowed to haul up to 100,000 pounds as long as their trailers are at least 53-feet long. The allowance remains in effect through April 30. Here are other provisions of the allowance:

• Motor carriers are limited to transporting supplies and equipment, including livestock and poultry, only within the state of Missouri;
• Drivers must obey posted bridge weight limits;
• When crossing a bridge, drivers must restrict the vehicle speed to no more than 30 mph;
• Travel under this allowance is only allowed on non-interstate highways. Those taking advantage of the weight allowance cannot operate on any portion of the interstate highway system.

Emergency Waiver for IRP and IFTA

The IRP and IFTA waiver shall not be construed to allow any vehicle to operate in Missouri without valid registration and insurance from its base state. Motor carriers or drivers currently subject to a state or federal out-of-service order are not eligible for the relief granted by this notice. This waiver does not imply or grant an exception to any federal laws administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation or other state laws regarding the reporting, registration or operation of commercial motor vehicles. This waiver shall remain in effect for the duration of the declared emergency under Missouri Executive Order 20-02. In addition to the above notices, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an emergency declaration that grants an exemption from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for drivers and carriers operating in response to the national emergency. It can be found at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/emergency-declaration-under-49-cfr-ss-39023-no-2020-002. Find links to this and other important emergency transport documents at www.modot.org/mcs.

Starting March 20th, we will be working remotely from home. We just ask for patience as it does take a little longer to process permits when using a laptop. We are having our phones forwarded to cell phones and people can also email us with questions. All permits need to be submitted using our online system.

Governor Cuomo has directed that all non-essential State employees not report to work for the next two weeks.  The Department has been preparing for this, and permit office staff are able to work from home.  There is limited staffing in the Central Permit Office.  As a result there may be delays in returning phone calls.  We encourage customers to email the permit office at permits@dot.ny.gov or use the Callback feature in the HOOCS system.  We suspect there will be some permit delays as we transition to this new environment.

If you have a Covid-19 related emergency move, we will allow application submissions outside of the normal submission schedule. Applications will be processed as they are received and will still require engineering review from multiple agencies. The permits will be route specific and allow travel for a period of 23:59 hrs any 1 day of the week (7 days Monday- Sunday). For example, we will allow you to travel 6am Monday-5:59am Tuesday.

• Please submit the application with the load description/make and model and COVID-19 response in the load description box.
• Load must be over-dimensional and non-divisible / route surveys will still be required.
• You must also send an email to all of our staff with “App #_Response for COVID -19 Emergency” in the subject area and attach any supporting documents if possible.

Pay extra attention to what you submit and that the application matches the route survey. We need correct start and end points within NYC borders, load description (make and model #) street names, and correct date and times of travel. We will not be as lenient as we are in the office. 2 rejections and that is it. NO EXCEPTIONS!! Please be as responsive as you can to our emails, as this will be the primary means of communication.

Due to some North Carolina counties issuing non-travel restrictions within their jurisdiction, it may be necessary for Oversize/Overweight permittees to obtain approval from the county before entry.  The permittee is responsible for checking the local county or municipality website for any restrictions prior to traveling through their limits.

When asked for clarification, NC DOT officials reported, “Our state law gives the locals a lot of authority when it comes to emergencies.  None of these (local actions) have much impact on commerce as of yet.  It is our intent to inform the permit holder to double check their route and destination.  The NCDOT is recommending that these communities do not close their roads.  In fact some roads we believe their authority is superseded by other state and federal laws.  So far the only key routes that potentially could affect some on is US 64 going to the outer banks.  They are allowing commercial traffic that has a purpose, and I expect that a permitted load going there would have a purpose.  The other communities have been small road that your members would not want to drive a truck on.”

Also see related articles – https://www.darenc.com/departments/emergency-management/entry
news article

Currently there are only a few counties and municipalities that have restricted travel to non-residents and this has not had any impact on commercial trucks.  Interstate routes and US Highways are not affected.   The message was placed on the website and on permits for the carriers to do their due diligence on travel in the early stages of the county restrictions.  NCDOT’s Traffic Information site can help with determining locations where there may be restricted travel.  https://www.drivenc.gov/  

North Dakota Governor Issues Executive Order on Coronavirus (03/25/2020)

The permit office will be closed to walk in customers until further notice.  All permits are available on line.  You can contact the permit office via phone @ 701-328-2621 from 7:10 am – 4:50 pm CST, M-F.  The permit office email is ndhppermits@nd.gov 

Ohio has sent multiple agents home to work remotely while the rest remain in the office. Permits are being processed as usual and all phone lines are still being answered accordingly.

PA Turnpike: Overweight, Overdimensional Special Hauling Permit Applicants – Policy Changes Based on COVID-19 Travel Guidance

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PA Turnpike is taking all possible precautions to protect the health of our customers and our employees. Please be advised that cash and credit cards will not be accepted anywhere on the PA Turnpike’s ticket system. All tolls will be assessed electronically via E-ZPass or the PA Turnpike TOLL BY PLATE program as vehicles travel at posted speed limits through tolling points. The PA Turnpike advises that all those with special hauling permits for overweight/overdimensional vehicles (Class 9) will still be able to travel the PA Turnpike. However, they must follow modified procedures during the temporary all-electronic tolling period. Temporary Procedures:

• All customers in this category must print and carry a hard copy of the approved permit.
• Tolling personnel at designated interchanges will still be available to assist with the appropriate lane assignments.
• Tolls will be assessed electronically as customers travel during this time.
• Tolls will be charged to your E-ZPass account; if you do not have E-ZPass, an invoice will be mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle through the PA Turnpike TOLL BY PLATE system.
• All customers must apply for a permit within two weeks of the anticipated travel day.

Read the full press release here.

Truck parking clarification Every decision made has been in the interest of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and we are constantly reevaluating our response. That said, we also recognize that drivers need and deserve access to rest areas. In order to address safety concerns raised, PennDOT has identified 13 of its 30 rest areas that are most utilized by truckers that will be available again by tomorrow. At these locations, PennDOT will be taking down the barricades on some facilities in critical locations and making them available for truck parking. Portable restroom facilities will be available at these locations; each location will have five portable toilets (one of which is ADA-accessible) that will be cleaned once a day. Electronic message signs will be used near the applicable centers to notify drivers near the opened areas. In order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, we will not be opening any of the indoor facilities because there is no staff to keep them clean and properly sanitized. We will continue to evaluate and will determine whether additional rest areas can be reopened. These are the locations:

• I-81: Luzerne NB/SB, Cumberland NB/SB;
• I-80, Venango EB/WB, Centre EB/WB, Montour EB/WB
• I-79: Crawford NB/SB, Allegheny NB only

Our office will be working remotely effective Thursday 3/19/20.  Most permit requests and payments can be made as usual online through TNTRIPS.  Since about 80% of our permits are self-issue permits that do not need any staff intervention, we do not anticipate any major delays with permit issuance.  We will have some staff here that will handle checks and get them to the bank and posted to accounts as soon as possible.  We will be posting alternative payment methods for escrow accounts by tomorrow.

As always and even more now than ever we ask that customers utilize our Permit email box, tdot.permitoffice@tn.gov , so that staff can quickly and efficiently work to resolve issues. Texas

• The majority of our staff are already working offsite and we are working to get the rest offsite in the upcoming days.
• The only noticeable difference would be we will not accept fax or mail applications or documents, they will need to be transmitted electronically (most companies already do this and upload documents directly into our permitting system).
• The details of how we will deal with fax and mail documents is still in flux.
• With the exceptions regarding fax or mail documents there should be no noticeable change in service.

2020 OS/OW Permit Alerts

Our work center is operating with full staff. However, like many other places, we are teleworking as much as possible. Our plan is to have at least 3 people in the office at all times answering phones and everyone else will be teleworking, issuing permits as usual from home. This being said, we do ask the industry to exercise patience as we transition. We also encourage everyone to submit their applications online, as “in-house” staff is limited and answering phones and processing faxed requests may take a bit longer. In lieu of faxing we suggest that documentation be emailed to our mailbox at haulingpermit@dmv.virginia.gov. This mailbox will be monitored constantly. This practice is expected to be in place until at least April 3rd.

The state of West Virginia has directed most non-essential staff to telework in all instances possible, therefore all oversize/overweight permits will be issued remotely. This should not cause any delays in the usual processing times, however there will be delays for calls. Customers are asked to contact the permit technician via email at the following addresses.

Lee      Lee.d.jarrett@wv.gov Brett   brett.h.foster@wv.gov Jack     jack.w.garrison@wv.gov Any calls should be directed to (304) 767-5526.

WI has issued an emergency permit specific to grocery commodities that allows a 10% gross/axle weight increase over legal weight within WI. This is a no fee permit. This will expire 3/28 unless extended by the Governor. This is also a fleet issued permit and not VIN specific. At the direction of Governor Evers, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation may issue permits for the transportation of inventory to supply grocery retailers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 Relief Effort Supply Permits allow for additional supplies to be efficiently transported over Wisconsin interstates and most highways and local roadways by increasing weight limits and waiving truck driver hours of service limitations. Overweight permits may be issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and fees shall be waived for the transportation of inventory to supply grocery retailers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin highways. “Wisconsin highways” includes the National Defense Highway System pursuant to 23 USC 127(i). The permits do not apply to class II highways, posted bridges, and local highways with special and seasonal weight limit postings. Class II highways are judged to have unstable conditions of the roadway subgrade and constitute only 12% of state highways.  Additional information can be found at: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/ssnl-wt-rsrctns/default.aspx

Permits issued by WisDOT authorize the operation of any vehicle combination at a maximum gross weight up to of 88,000 pounds. A permit may only authorize weights not more than 10 percent greater than the gross axle, gross axle combination, or gross vehicle weight limitations under Wis. Stat. §§ 348.15 and 348.16. Interstate and intrastate carriers providing direct emergency relief to supply grocery retailers are relieved from the requirements contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Title 49 C.F.R. Parts 390-399 and Wis. Admin. Code TRANS 325 and 327, subject to the restrictions and limitations described under 49 C.F.R. § 390.23. The relief under this paragraph is valid for the duration of the motor carrier’s assistance in the relief effort or until April 11, 2020 (30 days after Executive Order #72) or the duration of Executive Order #72, whichever is less. COVID-19 Relief Effort Supply Permits authorize the wavier of fees required by Wis. Stats. §§ 341.405, 341.41(7), and 341.45 to obtain a 72-hour trip permit for vehicles traveling into Wisconsin that are not registered in Wisconsin nor enrolled in the International Registration Plan (IRP) or the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). Except as provided in this order, all other applicable state and federal laws remain in full force and effect. The Secretary of the Department of Transportation may suspend, alter, or amend the permit as necessary. Except as specifically provided otherwise, permits expire on March 28, 2020. Instructions to apply for COVID-19 Relief Effort Supply Permit COVID-19 Permit Information and Application Instructions For more information, go to: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/osowgeneral.aspx

As more counties and states report shortages of COVID-19 supplies, Governor Mark Gordon signed an Executive Order Friday to speed up the delivery of COVID-19-related supplies to communities throughout Wyoming.
Along with waiving size and weight permit fees for commercial vehicles, the Executive Order also extends service hours for commercial drivers delivering essential emergency relief supplies to communities impacted by the virus.

“It’s absolutely essential that we as a state are doing all we can to make sure these critical supplies aren’t delayed in transport to areas that need them,” Governor Gordon said in a release late Friday afternoon. “We need to get these items where they need to go as quickly as possible.”
Commercial vehicles are still required to get oversize and/or overweight permits, but the fee will be waived, per the release.
“We are grateful to Governor Gordon for assisting these commercial carriers in getting vital supplies to communities that are in need,” said Wyoming Department of Transportation Director Luke Reiner. “This Executive Order will ensure communities within our state and across the nation stay operational and receive their much-needed supplies.”

Requesting carriers fax applications to ports and pay for ahead…limiting the “in person” time for drivers entering Ports of Entry.  Driver should call within 4 hours for further direction referencing the permit.  

Enforcement staff are modifying procedures in order to limit direct contact and handling of paperwork, and scales are being limited to staff only. Where possible, our carrier safety and vehicle inspection facility audit staff are re-scheduling appointments. At the permit centre, options to give each staff member additional space are being worked on and we are exploring technologies that might enable more staff to work from home.

Manitoba is currently not under a state of emergency and OS/OW permit office hours and staffing levels have not been affected.  They are currently developing contingency plans for operating at reduced services levels and looking at options for waiving the requirement for some types of permits.  At the moment they are not contemplating waiving the requirement for overweight permits due to the onset of spring road restrictions, and the potential long-term damage to our highways during this vulnerable time. Some oversize, temporary registration and fuel tax permits are being considered.

Government services are transitioning to critical service only tomorrow.  Permit Office  will be closed for March 17 to enable us to reorganize to insure  continued permit service through the COVID-19  outbreak

Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services provides the delivery of services on behalf of multiple provincial government departments. Our department has made changes to our operations based on recommendations from the World Health Organization, federal and provincial governments.  These changes support the safety and well-being of our clients and team members and will help ensure services continue to be delivered based on today’s environment. That said, we are one part of the delivery of service.  To that end, we have reached out to the departments we provide services for to ask what changes will be implemented based on various scenarios that may unfold in the days, weeks, and months ahead. We ask that clients be patient as we work through next steps.  As we know more, we will share with all clients/public at the same time.

Although we’ve yet to confirm with Ontario MTO directly, widespread reports indicate their office has not been issuing single trip permits for at least the past few days.  Expect major delays going forward.

The Ministry of Transportation has enacted it’s continuity of operations plan effective today in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. To reduce the impact this disruption has on business and permit requestors, time critical services related to Oversize/Overweight Single-Trip Permits will continue to be delivered in a limited capacity. Annual permit application are not presently being processed.

The office located at 301 St. Paul St., St. Catharines will be temporarily closed.  Permit requests can continue to be sent by fax.
Please note that as the office is operating on a limited capacity at this time. Please contact oo.permits.review@ontario.ca as staff will be reviewing this email box daily.

A proposal is being put together for the secretary of cabinet regarding annuals permits are expiring on the road.  The publication has not yet been released.  The Oversize/Overweight department will not be responding to status checks. Once additional information becomes available we can update you.

Saskatchewan has declared and emergency but we will continue to provide permits as usual with no reduction in staff or ability. Will keep you all posted if anything changes. Weight restrictions for spring season are expected to be in effect.