Florida Eases Trucking Regs on Permitting, Max Container Cargo Weight to Match Neighbors
The Florida Department of Transportation implemented rule changes easing permitting and weight requirements for trucks to bring its standards into line with neighboring states and increase the state’s competitiveness. “By streamlining operations we’ll better position Florida to capitalize on the increased trade opportunities that the expansion of the Panama Canal will bring to our communities,” said Florida Governor Rick Scott. “By implementing these rule changes, we are not only enabling freight to flow better but ensuring that Florida remains competitive,” added Ananth Prasad, secretary of FDOT.
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According to Scott’s office, the regulatory changes will:
- Streamline the permitting process for applicants
- Provide the same level of service to both trip and blanket permit applicants by eliminating the requirement for trip permit applicants to submit a height survey letter prior to obtaining a permit for vehicles up to 18 feet in height
- Increase the number of days for which a trip permit is valid from 5 days to 7 days
- Increase the maximum gross vehicle weight allowed for sealed containerized cargo units from 95,000 pounds to 100,000 pounds
- Reduce the number and/or type of escorts required when traveling on a limited access facility
Because of the changes, sealed truck containers can now haul the same weight levels as other surrounding states, the release from Scott’s office said, bringing cargo traffic that previously would have gone elsewhere.
The Port of Jacksonville will benefit from the rule change due to its head-to-head competition with ports in other states for cargo, said Roy Schleicher, interim CEO of JAXPORT. The Port of Jacksonville is about 125 miles from the nearby Port of Savannah.
The increase may also benefit Florida carriers. The increase in over the road weight limits will allow carriers like SeaFreight Line “to compete on a level playing field with regards to cargo weights with other South Atlantic and Gulf ports such as Savannah, Charleston and Mobile,” said Louisa Lee, regional sales manager for Norton Lilly International, which represents SeaFreight Line.