Caltrans Transportation Permit Advisory Council (CTPAC) Meeting
Caltrans, California Highway Patrol Commercial Enforcement and Industry Stakeholders Workgroups were held throughout the morning prior to the Steering Committee meeting at noon. This forum allows open dialogue between all parties on issues that are affecting any of the players,
industry and also affecting both Caltrans and/or CHP. We specifically meet to discuss new and ongoing proposals that have been submitted by industry and then are assigned to a specific workgroup based on the issue. We don’t always get what we ask for, but, with the continued collaboration of the Department of Transportation and CHP’s we are constantly improving both the process and the benefits for our industry.
The Workgroups met and discussed the following proposals and issues:
1. The Tridem Workgroup - 4 Group Combination Tridem 60,000 lbs
- Tridems Bonus Purple – Equal axles weight distribution for Hauled Vehicle.
This policy will allow a qualified hauled vehicle with bonus tridem axles to redistribute allowable axle weights equally between a bonus tridem axle and an adjacent non-bonus tridem axle.
Below are 3 draft examples that should help understand equal axle weight distribution.
3302.5.5 Tridems Bonus Purple Group – Equal axle weight distribution – for Hauled Vehicles.
This policy only applies to hauled vehicles (i.e.3 or more vehicle combinations with jeeps, dollies, etc...) Hauled vehicles with qualified Bonus Purple Tridem axles may be allowed to redistribute weight between adjacent tridem groups. Tridem groups requesting equal weight distribution shall comply with the following:
- Bonus Tridem groups must comply with the all provisions in TPPM 2009-02
- Only Bonus tridem groups are allowed to split or redistribute weight with an adjacent tridem groups.
- Equal weight distributions is allowed only between Bonus PURPLE and non-Bonus PURPLE tridem groups
- Axel spacing between tridem groups shall be 14’- 0” (min) and 20’- 0” (max), measured from the centerline of last axel of one tridem group to the centerline of the first axel of the adjacent tridem group.
- Tridem groups are allowed only equal split weight (50/50 distribution) from the combined total weights of the two tridem groups.
Customer must request for the equal weight distribution of axle weights in writing when submitting the permit application or at time of vehicle inspection. The Department may issue a revised inspection report or reinspect previously inspected Bonus Tridems equipment.
- Tridems Bonus Purple – 4 Tridems 60,000 lbs axle group within 25’ spread with a minimum 10’ wide configuration. - submitted April 4, 2007 – in review
The originally 4 Tridems 60,000 lbs axle group proposals during a workgroup meeting, we were asked if we wanted 60,000 lbs for all Tridems. We wanted uniformity with the rest of the
The Department stated that they would allow 60,000 lbs on a 10’ wide tridem configuration within a 25’ spread between groups and vehicles that were less than 10’ wide would be able to split their bonus weights between two consecutive Tridem groups, which is the draft proposal above.
The Department requested that we submit two separate addendums to the original proposal, one for the 10’ wide trailers and the other for split weight with trailers less than 10’ wide and the Department would be willing to approve that under those conditions. The addendums were resubmitted within a week.
- 4 Tridems 60,000 lbs axle groups within a 25’ spread must meet a 10’ wide minimum on a tridem axle group to qualify for the Tridem Bonus Purple.
2. Variance Workgroup - Min and Max – Internal Load Dimensions
Min and Max for Variance loads with weight requiring Caltrans Structural review has been implemented, which should result in major cost savings to industry and time savings for both the CHP Escorts and Caltrans. Industry has been burden for several years by not having this flexibility and being allowed any such tolerances on internal load dimensions.
- Min and Max – Internal Load Dimensions
We have agreed to accept the following changes which we will monitor to see if they are successfully resolving the issues, with the understanding that any additional problems will be resolved through the process.
The following tolerances were agreed upon and implemented.
The internal bridge will be allow a 6” maximum the Tractor and/or the Pusher vehicles are allowed a 1ft. min or max between axle 1 & 2. The Push bar between the Pusher and the trailer will be allowed a 1ft. tolerance. The Tractor and/or the Pusher will be allowed min axle spacing, such as 4’ 6” min.
We had additional discussion with both CHP and Caltrans on issues that would help facilitate these loads in the future. This becomes a vital part of the safe movement of variance loads throughout
- Approved Proposal Pending Monitoring for Implementation
The Workgroup and the Department are working on ways to monitor and track movement of these extra-legal loads traveling under Annual Permits. We are in discussion with a company that currently works with Caltrans and does their data collections from the Weigh in Motion (WIM) Scales.
WIM Scales are in place throughout the freeway system in
If a company needs a Caltrans Annual Permit which has not been issued in the past, then they will need a transponder device installed in their vehicle so when they’re traveling a single trip permit will not be required. These loads will be monitored to make sure they are not operating overweight or off route.
These will only be issued to a 7, 8 and 9-axle 12’ wide, 14’ 6’ high 135’ long, up to bonus purple weight. This would include heavy-haul configurations, fixed loads including cranes that currently operate under a single trip permit. This is a time savings tool when you have a load that needs to move when the permit office is closed or on weekends as long as you meet the envelope vehicle mentioned earlier.
The company that we have been currently working with will be able to meet the necessary requirements that Caltrans is requesting and be able to collect the necessary data to monitor the movement of 7, 8 and 9-axle loads.
We are going to be sending out a survey to industry to compile necessary data to see how many companies would be interested and if $30 a month to subscribe to the service would be something that you feel are of value to them and their customers?
Draft quote: A minimum monthly fee will require a 24 month subscription, based on 10 to 100 trucks. The monthly subscription includes the following:
- Relaying of data about the location of the trucks
- Their route
- An alert system on board.
- The fee includes basic maintenance for 24 months and installation.
- Inspection Reports – If you have a Vehicle Inspection Report that is not legible, damaged or discovered an error, you can give Caltrans and/or your Vehicle Inspector a call to see if a copy is available. If there isn’t, you will need to schedule the Inspector to re-inspect your vehicle. Don’t wait until your permit is denied before you decide, because if a permit writer is unable to read it clearly it will be denied.
- Availability of Inspectors – What is reasonable amount of time for a carrier to have to wait on an Inspector? You could expect to wait up to 10 days or longer if necessary. If you are delayed longer than two weeks please let us know?
- Load Securement Interpretation – Industry has been having problems with interpretations and/or misinformation. This was discussed off line after the meeting with CHP Commercial Enforcement.
- Complaint Form – There are a procedure in place if you have a problem that you feel is unreasonable with Caltrans Permits and/or Inspectors there are procedures in place to help resolve your issue.
- LA County – They stopped issuing on the behalf of a locality that hasn’t signed.
SIMPLE PERMITS APPLICATION AND TRACKING SYSTEM (SPATS)
The county issues several thousand permits authorizing the movement of extra legal loads over various roadways within unincorporated county areas, as well as roadways within cities that have agreed to allow the county to issue permits on their behalf. The County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works developed an Internet application, known as SPATS, that allows the transportation industry the ability to apply for and instantly receive an approved transportation permit from their home or business. The SPATS permitting system ensures each application for an extra legal load complies with predetermined length, width, height, weight, and restricted route requirements. It also allows payment to be made over the Internet by credit card, eliminating expensive fee collector activities. This service is already being provided for 31 cities within the county and may prove beneficial for your city as well. This Internet system has been in service for seven years and has been highly successful in providing a standardized permit application with uniform regulations and requirements. This year the SPATS system received the 2008 Digital Government Achievement Award in the Government-to-Business category.
You may wish to consider allowing the County to issue Transportation Permits on behalf of your city for the following reasons:
- Promoting a "Business Friendly Environment" by implementing one uniform system
- No cost to your city since the permit fees collected by Public Works cover all the costs
- Protecting the infrastructure
- Freeing your staff from reviewing such applications
- Controlling the high cost of transportation
- Enhanced safety and reduced liability to your city
The following cities have not signed up with the county and permits have stopped being issued on their behalf:
Cerritos, Commerce, Covina, El Monte, Hermosa Beach, La Canada Flintridge, Lakewood, Lawndale, Lomita, Long Beach, Lynwood, Manhattan Beach Paramount, Pico Rivera, Rancho Pales Verdes, San Dimas, Santa Fe Springs, Signal Hill, South Gate, Walnut
Here is one of most recent problems from this fall out. The City of
City of
We were recently informed that the city is going to start requiring Inspectors for oversized loads at cost of $800 for loads that exceed legal dimensions. We are not clear on exactly what dimensions that are going to require an inspector or even why they feel an inspector is even necessary, unless, of course it is a ruse to raise money for the city. We will keep you informed.
City of
We were contacted by a member needed to move several pieces of equipment within the City of Baldwin Park was overcharged which is not in compliance of CVC 35795 (b):
CVC 35795 (b) Local authorities may charge a fee for the issuance of permits pursuant to this article. However, the fee established by a local authority pursuant to this section shall be established by ordinance or resolution adopted after notice and hearing. The fee shall be calculated to produce a total estimated revenue that is not more than the estimated total cost incurred by the local authority in administering its authority under this article and shall not exceed the fee developed by the Department of Transportation pursuant to subdivision (a). The fee for the issuance of permits shall be developed in consultation with representatives of local government and the commercial trucking industry. Notice of the hearing shall be by publication as provided in Section 6064 of the Government Code. The hearing shall be held before the legislative body of the local authority. All objections shall be considered and interested parties shall be afforded an adequate opportunity to be heard in respect to their objections. Special services necessitated by unusually large or heavy loads requiring engineering investigations, escorts, tree trimming, or other services shall be billed separately for each permit.
We have requested the City of
City of
We were contacted by a member that they received a notice that the City of
The city also charges $100 that is for standard encroachment permit for construction projects for use of City Right of Way etc. Notification of at least 48 hours prior to arrival of the heavy equipment is required.
City of
Cities are looking for ways to increase their revenues through permits and most do not realize that transportation permits are regulated through the California Vehicle Code and cannot be increased, which is the case here. After talking with the permit office, they were unaware that they weren’t able to increase fees and will talk with city officials to resolve this.
Reaffirming Our Purpose:
If you have any problems with an agency (city/county/state) and you find yourself asking ‘why are we having to do things this way’ and the agency tells you, ‘this is the way we have always done it’, let us know. We are here to make
Respectfully submitted,
Greg D. Dineen
Industry Transportation Concultant
John Hakel, AGC
Cindy Langley, DCA
Richard Lambros, BIA
Jim Burton, ECA
Lee Steinberg, MCOG
Eric Sauer CTA
William
Jeff Hunter, CTTA
Doug Ball, SC&RA
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