Grain Journal - July/August 2008 - (Page 101) Minnesota Truck Limits NEW LAW TAKING EFFECT AUG. 1 BOOSTS WEIGHTS, LENGTHS FOR GRAIN HAULERS A transportation bill signed into law May 8 by Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty increases truck weight and length limits, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The new law allows two new categories of trucks on Minnesota highways, both applicable only to the transportation of “raw or unprocessed agricultural products.” The transportation of finished products or non-agricultural products is not allowed in these categories. The new categories are: • 90,000 on six axles, up from 80,000. A six-axle truck may carry up to 90,000 pounds year round and 99,000 pounds during the winter freeze period as determined every year by MnDOT. The permit fee for this weight is $300 per year and is valid year-round. • 97,000 on seven axles,also up from 80,000. A seven-axle truck may carry up to 97,000 pounds year-round and 99,000 pounds during the winter freeze period as set by the Minnesota Department of Transportation each year. The permit fee for this weight is $500 per year and is valid year-round. Restrictions The restrictions include: • Posted bridge limits must be followed. This is the most important restriction from a public relations standpoint (so another bridge doesn’t collapse like Interstate 35W in Minneapolis), but this restriction also will have the effect of limiting the routes these trucks can travel. • The driver must have a commercial drivers license. • All wheels must have brakes. • Spring road restrictions still must be followed. • These trucks may not be operated Response No. 1011 on interstates. • The driver must get a permit from each road authority (such as a county), if required. • Retrofitting is allowed provided manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of tractor and trailer is not exceeded. The provisions take effect Aug. 1. J/A GJ 101 http://www.pestcon.com http://www.pestcon.com
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