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

Summary of Final Report

In May 2013, a commercial motor vehicle crossing the Skagit River Bridge along Interstate 5 (I-5) collided with the structure, causing a partial collapse. The subsequent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation and U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) study identified safety issues and recommended that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) take certain actions. FHWA, through the "Pilot Escort Vehicle Training Materials and State Certification Harmonization" project, addressed the key NTSB recommendations for action. The GAO report contained a key recommendation:

"…To conduct a study on state oversize and overweight-permitting practices, including automated vehicle routing and escort driver certification, to identify areas of best practice and share the results with states."

This report, summarizing the FHWA-sponsored Oversize-Overweight (OS/OW) Permitting Best Practices Research Project, is intended to respond to the GAO recommendation. The objection was to conduct a study of state OS/OW permitting practices in order to identify industry standards, including the identification of best practices for automated permitting systems and pilot escort certifications.

The OS/OW Permitting Best Practices Research Project includes a comprehensive environmental scan of all information available on current permitting practices with an emphasis on conducting research into automated permitting services and on pilot escort vehicle state certification programs. The objectives for the final report were to:

  • Conduct a comprehensive environmental scan of information available on OS/OW permitting.
  • Develop criteria for best practices in OS/OW permitting.
  • Develop criteria for best practices in Pilot Escort Vehicle Operator certification.

The environmental scan included the following:

  • A comprehensive web search to identify documents and other relevant information sources.
  • A meeting with the FHWA Office of Bridges and Structures to identify National Bridge Inventory data of relevance to the research.
  • Interviews with select states currently using automated OS/OW permitting systems.
  • Interviews with select vendors who currently offer OS/OW permitting systems.

The study also looked at criteria for best practices. The subsequent report identified the specific criteria that track to enhanced safety, to improved efficiencies, or to both. The criteria were derived primarily from the results of state and vendor interviews and generally tracked to the format of the state interview guides.

This final state best practices report summarizes the research above and presents the inventory and identification of the state best practices for OS/OW vehicles.

Summary of Findings and State Best Practices for OS/OW Permitting

As states implement and enhance automated permitting systems at an increasing rate nationwide, a consensus regarding the safety and efficiency benefits has also grown. These benefits, as described by both government officials and industry leaders, include:

  • The average permit turnaround time (PTA) decreased from several days and hours to just minutes for most routine and some superload permits.
  • Nearly all states (30+) that have implemented automated systems report a moderate increase in total permits applications and issuance.
  • Increased automated permit volume has proportionally increased revenues.
  • Accuracy of permits has dramatically improved.
  • A higher percentage of carriers has ordered, obtained, and traveled on state-issued permits.
  • Roadway safety for all motorists has improved.
  • The integrity of infrastructure, including bridges and overhead structures, has improved.
  • As a result of moving to automated permitting, states are able to achieve staff efficiencies and reduce costs. Fewer people or less time is needed to review and process routine permits, freeing up employees to conduct superload review and customer service inquiries.
  • States have more flexibility with internal headcount issues.

The lightning speed at which technology develops is creating new opportunities for the industry. Moving forward, specialized transportation will reap the benefits of accurate global positioning system (GPS) data, geo-fencing, and software integration strategies. Similarly, as the technology expands, the cost of using these applications should decrease.

Based on all of the state interviews conducted, the final report also highlights the best practices for OS/OW permitting. Some of the criteria it includes noting the safety and efficiency benefits are automated route selection, thresholds, the application process, system operations, and a variety of other best practices. This will provide state and local authorities with a broader list of options to serve carriers.

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