[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 5, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10178-10183]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-5426]
[[Page 10177]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part VI
Department of Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
Federal Highway Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
23 CFR Parts 657 and 658
Truck Size and Weight; Technical Corrections; Final Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 43 / Wednesday, March 5, 1997 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 10178]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
23 CFR Parts 657 and 658
RIN 2125-AE08
Truck Size and Weight; Technical Corrections
AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; technical corrections.
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SUMMARY: This document amends the rule on truck size and weight in Part
658 to extend the Interstate System axle weight exemption for
intrastate public agency transit buses; reduce the maximum length limit
on trailers in triple trailer combinations in Alaska from 45 to 28.5
feet and change the beginning date when they may operate from April 15
to May 1 of each year; correct the maximum weight of LCV's that may
operate on I-15 in Arizona to 129,000 pounds; amend appendix C to show
that longer and heavier vehicles allowed in Nebraska and South Dakota
may operate into Sioux City, Iowa and its commercial zone; correct the
listing of a vehicle combination in Oregon from a longer combination
vehicle (LCV) to a commercial motor vehicle combination subject to the
ISTEA freeze on the length of its cargo carrying units; correct the
maximum weight for LCV's in Michigan to 164,000 pounds; add a listing
in Nebraska for a truck tractor and two trailing unit combination to
operate at a length of 71.5 feet; correct the maximum cargo carrying
length for a truck tractor and two trailing units in Missouri from 109
to 110 feet; exclude I-39 in Wisconsin and exclude I-99 in Pennsylvania
from the Interstate System weight limits; and add regulations for
transporters of vehicles used in motorsport competition events. Four
additional technical corrections clarify the overhang regulations for
automobile transporters, clarify what citations or civil assessments
must be reported by the States in their annual certifications; and
update statutory references in 23 CFR 657 and 658 to reflect 23 U.S.C.
127(d) and 9 U.S.C. 31111-31114, as appropriate.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 5, 1997.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Klimek, Office of Motor
Carrier Information Analysis, (202) 366-2212 or Mr. Charles Medalen,
Office of the Chief Counsel, (202) 366-1354, Federal Highway
Administration, Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.,
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Transit Vehicles
Section 341 of the Department of Transportation and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act of 1993 (Pub. L. 102-388, 106 Stat. 1520,
at 1552, October 6, 1992) added subsection (h) to section 1023 of the
Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1992 (ISTEA)
(uncodified, see 23 U.S.C. 127 note). Under subsection (h)(1), ``[t]he
second sentence of section 127 of title 23, United States Code,
relating to axle weight limitations for vehicles using the Dwight D.
Eisenhower System of Interstate and Defense Highways, shall not apply,
for the 2-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act,
to any vehicle which is regularly and exclusively used as an intrastate
public agency transit passenger bus. The Secretary may extend such 2-
year period for an additional year.'' The FHWA extended the exemption
to October 6, 1995 (59 FR 60242, November 22, 1994).
Section 326 of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995
(NHS Act), Pub. L. 104-59, 109 Stat. 568, 592, November 29, 1995,
amended section 1023(h)(1) of the ISTEA to provide that Federal axle
weight limitations ``shall not apply, for the period beginning on
October 6, 1992, and ending on the date on which Federal-aid highway
and transit programs are reauthorized after the date of the enactment
of the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 (November 28,
1995).'' The current transit programs are authorized through the end of
Fiscal Year 1997 (September 30, 1997). It is expected that these
programs will be reauthorized on or about that date.
The new exemption, like the old, does not mean that transit buses
are exempt from axle weight limits when operating on the Interstate
System. It simply means that the FHWA may not impose financial
sanctions on States that allow transit buses with axle weights in
excess of the Federal limits to operate on the Interstate System.
Section 658.17(k) of 23 CFR will be amended to remove the October
6, 1995, expiration date for the exemption and reflect the statutory
expiration date.
ISTEA Freeze
In its Fiscal Year 1995 certification, Alaska advised that the
maximum length of each trailing unit in a triple trailer combination
has been reduced from 45 to 28.5 feet. It also advised that the
beginning date when triple trailer combinations may operate has been
changed from April 15 to May 1 of each year. Appendix C to 23 CFR part
658 will be amended accordingly.
The weight limits shown in appendix C to 23 CFR part 658 for travel
on I-15 in Arizona are 111,000 pounds for twin trailer combinations and
123,500 pounds for triple trailer combinations. However, the State has
furnished information showing that on or before June 1, 1991, it
authorized twin and triple trailer combinations weighing up to 129,000
pounds, the same as in Nevada and Utah, to operate on I-15 and that
they did operate on I-15 on or before that date. The incorrect listing
was caused by transcription errors compounded by miscommunication.
Appendix C is being amended accordingly.
As shown in appendix C, Iowa did not allow longer combination
vehicles (LCVs) to operate on its Interstate highways on or before June
1, 1991. LCVs are defined as combinations consisting of truck tractors
with two or more semitrailers or trailers that operate on the
Interstate System at weights in excess of 80,000 pounds. In addition,
the State did not allow commercial motor vehicles with two or more
cargo carrying units which exceeded the minimum lengths authorized by
the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA) to operate on
the NN on or before June 1, 1991. However, both types of vehicles
operated in Nebraska and South Dakota. Consequently, these heavier and
longer vehicles could not operate across their respective borders into
Sioux City, Iowa. The Congress enacted an exception to the ISTEA freeze
in section 312 of the NHS Act by providing that the heavier and longer
vehicles authorized in Nebraska and South Dakota could travel across
their respective borders into Sioux City, Iowa.
More specifically, Section 312(a) of the NHS Act amended 23 U.S.C.
127(a) to allow vehicles with a gross weight of more than 80,000 pounds
to operate on I-29 and I-129 in Sioux City; amended 23 U.S.C. 127(d)(1)
to permit Iowa to allow longer combination vehicles (LCV's) that were
not in operation in that State on June 1, 1991, to operate on I-29
between the South Dakota border and Sioux City and on I-129 between the
Nebraska border and Sioux City; and amended 49 U.S.C. 31112(c) to
permit Iowa to allow (1) combinations with two or more cargo carrying
units of the length allowed by South Dakota on June 1, 1991, on I-29
between the South Dakota border and Sioux City, and (2) combinations
with two or more cargo carrying units of the length allowed by Nebraska
on June 1, 1991, on I-129 between the Nebraska border and Sioux City.
This provision is permissive and
[[Page 10179]]
not mandatory. However, Mr. Darrel Rensink, Director of the Iowa
Department of Transportation, in a letter dated February 12, 1996,
advised that the State was adopting legislation to implement the
congressional authorization. The legislation, Iowa House Bill 2066,
(76th General Assembly, 2d Sess. (1996))with an immediate effective
date, was signed by the Governor on March 1, 1996. (Iowa Code
Sec. 321.457(2)(f) (1995)).
In subsequent correspondence, Sioux City officials advised that
their intent in seeking Federal legislation was to enable these
vehicles to operate not only in Sioux City proper, but also
``Siouxland'', the commercial zone listed in 49 CFR 1048.101. Although
the Sioux City commercial zone is not mentioned in Sec. 312(a), Iowa
Code Annotated Sec. 321.457.2.g (1985) authorized vehicles of legal
length and weight in adjoining States to operate in the commercial zone
of Iowa border cities. The inclusion of this statute in the Iowa code
for more than 20 years strongly suggests that the supporters and
sponsors of this Federal exception intended it to have the same
geographical reach. Under the circumstances, we believe it is
reasonable to allow the larger and heavier vehicles from Nebraska and
South Dakota to operate on Interstate and NN routes not only in Sioux
City but also in its commercial zone, as that zone existed on the date
of enactment of the NHS Designation Act (November 28, 1995). Further
expansion of the area covered by the exception will not be allowed even
if the Sioux City commercial zone later expands as a result of
population increase or expansion of the corporate limits of Sioux City.
Appendix C will be amended accordingly.
Appendix C lists a truck-trailer--LCV combination authorized to
operate in Oregon. Information received from the State dated January
31, 1992, and November 2, 1994, shows that the vehicle in actual and
lawful operation in the State before June 2, 1991, was a truck-trailer
combination operating at a maximum overall length of 75 feet. However,
a truck-trailer combination cannot be an LCV, since the latter is
defined as a combination of a truck tractor and two or more trailers.
Appendix C will be corrected to delete the LCV listing and show the
maximum cargo carrying unit length for this truck-trailer combination
as 70 feet, 5 inches.
The maximum weight in Michigan for a truck tractor and 2 trailing
units shown in appendix C of 23 CFR part 658 was corrected from 154,000
to 164,000 pounds in the Federal Register of March 22, 1995 (60 FR
15212) for the reasons given. However, the correction was inadvertently
not made in the ``STATE'' section and is being done at this time.
The listing for Nebraska in appendix C is being corrected based on
material previously submitted to the FHWA by the State as described in
a March 20, 1992 (57 FR 9900) notice of proposed rulemaking. The State
may issue permits for a truck tractor and 2 trailing unit combination
to exceed 65 feet in length by 10 percent (up to 71.5 feet) when
carrying seasonally harvested products from the field where they are
harvested to storage, market, or stockpile in the field or from
stockpile to market or factory when failure to move such product or
products in abundant quantities would cause an economic loss to the
person or persons whose product or products are being transported or
when failure to move such product or products in as large quantities as
possible would not be in the best interests of the national defense or
general welfare. Permits are valid for 30 days and are renewable four
times per year. Such a combination may not travel on the Interstate
System and is limited to a maximum of 70 miles per permitted trip
between origin and destination.
Appendix C provides that vehicles from Kansas, Nebraska, and
Oklahoma that do not exceed the ISTEA length freeze may travel up to 20
miles into Missouri. The maximum cargo carrying length for a truck
tractor and 2 trailing units listed for Missouri is 109 feet, the same
as in Kansas, rather than 110 feet as in Oklahoma. The maximum cargo
carrying length for Missouri will be corrected to 110 feet.
Additions to Interstate System
Section 312(b) of the NHS Act provided that if the 104-mile portion
of Wisconsin State Route 78 and U.S. Route 51 between I-90/94 near
Portage, Wisconsin, and Wisconsin State Route 29 south of Wausau was
designated as part of the Interstate System, the Interstate weight
limits would not apply with respect to the operation of any vehicle
that could legally operate on this 104 mile segment before November 28,
1995. The route was designated as I-39 on January 11, 1996, and,
therefore, 23 CFR 658.17 is amended to reflect that State weight limits
in effect before November 28, 1995, will continue to apply for vehicles
that could legally operate on it at that time.
Section 404 of the ICC Termination Act of 1995 (ICCTA), Pub. L.
104-88, 109 Stat. 803, 956, December 29, 1995, amended 23 U.S.C. 127 by
adding new subsection (g) which provided that if the segment of U.S.
Route 220 between Bedford and Bald Eagle, Pennsylvania, was designated
as part of the Interstate System, the single axle weight, tandem axle
weight, gross vehicle weight, and the bridge formula limits would be
those that applied to any vehicle which could have operated on it
before December 29, 1995. The route from the I-70/76 Pennsylvania
Turnpike Exit 11 connection interchange near Bedford northerly to the
U.S. 220/PA 350 interchange near Bald Eagle was designated as I-99 on
January 26, 1996. Therefore, 23 CFR 658.17 is amended to reflect that
State weight limits in effect before December 29, 1995, will continue
to apply for vehicles that could legally operate on what is now I-99.
Motorsports Trailers
Section 104(b) of the ICCTA amended 49 U.S.C. 31111(b)(1), part of
the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), by adding a
new paragraph (E) which, in context, provides as follows:
(b) GENERAL LIMITATIONS.--(1) Except as provided in this
section, a State may not prescribe or enforce a regulation of
commerce that * * *.
(E) imposes a limitation of less than 46 feet on the distance
from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle on trailers used
exclusively or primarily in connection with motorsports competition
events.
Although the statute uses the word ``trailers,'' the issue of
kingpin settings arises almost exclusively in connection with
semitrailers. The FHWA does not believe the word ``trailers'' was used
as a term of art to mean a freight vehicle where no part of its weight,
except the hitch, rests on the towing unit but was intended to include
and primarily refer to semitrailers, where the front of the towed unit
rests upon the self-propelled towing unit.
The STAA requires all States to allow truck tractors to operate in
combination with 48-foot or grandfathered length semitrailers on the
National Network and reasonable access routes. In the States of
California, Indiana, and Wisconsin, where 53 feet is the grandfathered
semitrailer length, subject to minimum kingpin distances of 38 feet,
40.5 feet, and 41 feet, respectively, these kingpin distances have been
superseded for vehicles subject to 23 CFR 658.13(h). The grandfathered
lengths remain 53 feet but the minimum kingpin settings have been
amended to reflect the minimum 46-foot distance required for the
vehicles described in paragraph (h). A minimum kingpin setting of 46
feet also applies to motorsports semitrailers to which States might
later attempt to apply a kingpin
[[Page 10180]]
rule. The 46-foot minimum applies whether the length of such
semitrailers is grandfathered under appendix B to part 658 or governed
solely by State law.
The statute prohibits States from setting kingpin distances of less
than 46 feet for trailers used exclusively or ``primarily'' in
connection with motorsports competition events. This would include such
trailers when transporting competition vehicles to or from off-track
repair shops, storage facilities between races, or similar facilities.
A question may arise as to whether a vehicle transporting
competition vehicles may be considered an automobile transporter
subject to a 65-foot minimum overall length limit (75-foot if stinger
steered). Although the statute does not specifically address this
issue, kingpin settings are seldom at issue in automobile transporters
since States may not require settings that would prevent them from
realizing the minimum overall lengths. Furthermore, automobile
transporters are defined as vehicle combinations ``designed and used
specifically for the transport of assembled highway vehicles,'' while
the title of section 104(b) makes it clear that these trailers are
designed to carry ``off-road, competition vehicles.'' In addition, the
trailers that are used to haul competition vehicles usually include
other facilities, such as workshops or lounges. This fact would
disqualify them from being considered automobile transporters.
Technical Amendments
A sentence in 23 CFR 658.13(e)(1)(ii) reads, ``Further, no State
shall impose a front overhang limitation of less than three (3) feet
nor a rearmost overhand limitation of less than four (4) feet.'' The
word ``overhand'' is an obvious error and will be changed to
``overhang.''
Regulations in 23 CFR 657.15(f)(3)(ii) read as follows:
Penalties reported shall include citations issued, civil
assessments, and incidences of load shifting or off-loading of
excess weight categorized as follows: violations of axle and/or
gross vehicle weights, or violations resulting from application of
the bridge formula.
One State has interpreted this to mean that it may choose between
reporting only axle and gross weight violations or only bridge formula
violations. The purpose of the regulation is to require States to
provide information used in evaluating the adequacy of their
enforcement efforts, as explained in the preamble to the final rule
published on August 7, 1980 (45 FR 52365):
The certification shall include citations for gross and axle
weights and also now must include, by specific reference, violations
of the bridge formula, which is the central element in ensuring
compliance with 23 U.S.C. 127. * * * It is essential that the bridge
formula be enforced and it is not possible to evaluate State efforts
in this respect without a specific reporting of activity. (45 FR
52368).
The regulation will be clarified accordingly.
Statutory references in 23 CFR 657.15 (b) and (c)(2), and 23 CFR
658.23 (c) and (e) will be updated to the current codification or
recodification.
Regulatory Analyses and Notices
The Administrative Procedure Act allows agencies engaged in
rulemaking to dispense with prior notice to the public when the agency
for good cause finds that such procedure is impracticable, unnecessary,
or contrary to the public interest. 5 U.S.C. 553(b). The FHWA has
determined that providing prior notice on this action is unnecessary
because it merely amends regulations to incorporate statutory
requirements and makes several technical corrections to 23 CFR parts
657 and 658, and appendix C to 23 CFR part 658. This document also
contains several interpretations and general statements of policy which
are not subject to notice and comment procedures under the
Administrative Procedure Act. For the reasons set forth here, the FHWA
has also determined that it has good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3) to
make the rule effective upon publication in the Federal Register.
Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures
The FHWA has determined that this action is not a significant
regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order 12866 or
significant within the meaning of U.S. Department of Transportation
Regulatory Policies and Procedures. The changes will reflect the
statutory requirements and make several technical corrections. It is
anticipated that the economic impact of this rulemaking will be
minimal. Most of the new regulations adopted here codify statutes
designed to preserve the status quo. The amended regulations were
requested by the States, are substantively insignificant even to the
parties affected or correct ministerial errors in previous rules; some
fall into more than one category. Therefore a full regulatory
evaluation is not required.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
In compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601-
612), the FHWA has evaluated the effects of this rule on small
entities. Most of these rules simply preserve the current status quo.
Many of the changes benefit truckers by removing restrictions on their
operations or correcting errors that could have led them inadvertently
to violate Federal standards. The change with the greatest apparent
impact--reducing the length of the trailers allowed in a triple-trailer
combination in Alaska--is a ministerial amendment to codify a decision
made by the State under State law. For these reasons, the FHWA hereby
certifies that this action will not have a significant economic impact
on a substantial number of small entities.
Executive Order 12612 (Federalism Assessment)
This action has been analyzed in accordance with the principles and
criteria contained in Executive Order 12612, and it has been determined
that it does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a federalism assessment. The Statutes underlying this
rule--primarily the ISTEA, the NHS Designation Act, and the ICC
Termination Act--specify the Department's role. These technical
amendments carry out the various Congressional mandates. Nearly all of
the changes that affect the States were requested by the States. None
preempts any significant State activity or authority.
Executive Order 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)
The regulations implementing Executive Order 12372 regarding
intergovernmental consultation on Federal programs and activities do
not apply to this proceeding.
Paperwork Reduction
This action does not add or expand a collection of information
requirement for purposes of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.
National Environmental Policy Act
The FHWA has analyzed this action for the purpose of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and has
determined that this action would not have any effect on the quality of
the environment.
Regulation Identification Number
A regulation identification number (RIN) is assigned to each
regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulations.
The Regulatory Information Service Center publishes the Unified Agenda
in April and
[[Page 10181]]
October of each year. The RIN contained in the heading of this document
can be used to cross reference this action with the Unified Agenda.
List of Subjects
23 CFR Part 657
Enforcement, Enforcement plan, Highways and roads, Sanctions, and
Vehicle size and weight certification.
23 CFR Part 658
Grant programs--transportation, Highways and roads, and Motor
carrier size and weight.
Issued on: February 5, 1997.
Rodney E. Slater
Federal Highway Administrator.
In consideration of the foregoing, the FHWA is amending 23 CFR,
subchapter G, parts 657 and 658 as set forth below.
PART 657--CERTIFICATION OF SIZE AND WEIGHT ENFORCEMENT
1. The authority citation for 23 CFR part 657 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: Sec. 123, Pub. L. 95-599, 92 Stat. 2689; 23 U.S.C.
127, 141, and 315; 49 U.S.C. 31111-31114; sec. 1023, Pub. L. 102-
240, 105 Stat. 1914; and 49 CFR 1.48 (b) and (c).
2. In Sec. 657.15, paragraphs (b) and (c)(2) are amended removing
the words ``49 U.S.C. app. 2311(j)'' and adding ``49 U.S.C. 31112''.
3. In Sec. 657.15, paragraph (f)(3)(ii) is revised to read as
follows:
Sec. 657.15 Certification content.
* * * * *
(f) * * *
(3) * * *
(ii) Penalties. Penalties reported shall include the number of
citations or civil assessments issued for violations of each of the
following: Axle, gross and bridge formula weight limits. The number of
vehicles whose loads are either shifted or offloaded must also be
reported.
* * * * *
PART 658--TRUCK SIZE AND WEIGHT, ROUTE DESIGNATIONS--LENGTH, WIDTH,
AND WEIGHT LIMITATIONS
4. The authority citation for 23 CFR part 658 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 23 U.S.C. 127 and 315; 49 U.S.C. 31111-31114; 49 CFR
1.48 (b) and (c).
5. In Sec. 658.13, paragraph (e)(1)(ii) is amended by removing the
word ``overhand'' and adding the word ``overhang'', and paragraph (h)
is added to read as follows:
Sec. 658.13 Length.
* * * * *
(h) No State shall impose a limitation of less than 46 feet on the
distance from the kingpin to the center of the rear axle on trailers or
semitrailers used exclusively or primarily to transport vehicles in
connection with motorsports competition events.
6. In Sec. 658.17, paragraph (k) is revised and new paragraphs (l)
and (m) are added to read as follows:
Sec. 658.17 Weight.
* * * * *
(k) Any vehicle which is regularly and exclusively used as an
intrastate public agency transit passenger bus is excluded from the
axle weight limits in paragraphs (c) through (e) of this section from
October 6, 1992, until the date on which Federal-aid highway and
transit programs are reauthorized after November 28, 1995.
(l) The provisions of paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section
shall not apply to the operation, on the 104 mile portion of I-39
between I-90/94 near Portage, Wisconsin, and Wisconsin State Route 29
south of Wausau, Wisconsin, of any vehicle that could legally operate
on this highway section before November 28, 1995.
(m) The provisions of paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section
shall not apply to the operation, on I-99 between Bedford and Bald
Eagle, Pennsylvania, of any vehicle that could legally operate on this
highway section before December 29, 1995.
7. In 23 CFR 658.23, paragraphs (c) and (e) are amended by removing
the words ``sections 1023 and 4006 of Pub. L. 102-240'' and adding ``23
U.S.C. 127(d) and 49 U.S.C. 31112'' wherever they appear.
8. Appendix B to part 658 is amended by revising footnote numbers
1, 2, and 3 for the States of California, Indiana, and Wisconsin,
respectively, to read as follows:
Appendix B to Part 658--Grandfathered Semitrailer Lengths
* * * * *
\1\ Semitrailers up to 53 feet may also operate without a permit
by conforming to a kingpin-to-rearmost axle distance of 38 feet.
Semitrailers that are consistent with 23 CFR 658.13(h) may operate
without a permit provided the distance from the kingpin to the
center of the rear axle is 46 feet or less.
\2\ Semitrailers up to 53 feet in length may operate without a
permit by conforming to a kingpin-to-rearmost axle distance of 40
feet 6 inches. Semitrailers that are consistent with 23 CFR
658.13(h) may operate without a permit provided the distance from
the kingpin to the center of the rear axle is 46 feet or less.
\3\ Semitrailers up to 53 feet in length may operate without a
permit by conforming to a kingpin-to-rear axle distance of 41 feet,
measured to the center of the rear tandem assembly. Semitrailers
that are consistent with 23 CFR 658.13(h) may operate without a
permit provided the distance from the kingpin to the center of the
rear axle is 46 feet or less.
9. Appendix C to part 658 is amended as follows:
A. By revising the entries for the States of Arizona, Iowa,
Missouri, and Oregon in the table entitled ``Vehicle Combinations
Subject to Pub. L. 102-240''.
B. By changing the maximum length of each trailing unit in a
triple trailer combination in Alaska from 45 to 28.5 feet and also
changing the beginning date when they may operate from April 15 to
May 1 of each year.
C. By changing the maximum weight for double and triple trailer
combinations that may operate in Arizona on I-15 from 111,000 and
123,500 pounds, respectively, to 129,000 pounds.
D. By adding the State of Iowa to the detailed State listing to
reflect the fact that vehicles subject to the ISTEA freeze in
Nebraska and South Dakota are authorized to operate on I-29 and I-29
from their borders into Sioux City.
E. In the listing for the State of Michigan for the combination
``Truck tractor and 2 trailing units--LCV'' by revising the weight
under the heading ``Maximum Allowable Gross Weight''.
F. By adding a listing in Nebraska for a truck tractor and 2
trailing unit combination over 65 feet up to 71.5 feet in length
when carrying seasonally harvested products for a maximum of 70
miles per permitted trip between origin and destination.
G. In the listing for the State of Missouri for the combination
``Truck tractor and 2 trailing units--LCV'' by revising the ``Length
of the Cargo-Carrying Units'' from 109 to 110 feet.
H. In the listing for the State of Oregon by removing the
combination ``Truck-trailer--LCV'' and by adding new text for the
combination ``Truck-trailer''.
The amended, added, and revised portions of appendix C read as
follows:
Appendix C to Part 658--Trucks Over 80,000 Pounds on the Interstate
System and Trucks Over STAA Lengths on the National Network
* * * * *
[[Page 10182]]
Vehicle Combinations Subject to Pub. L. 102-240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Truck tractor and 2 trailing Truck tractor and 3 trailing
State units units Other
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * *
Arizona............................. 95' 129K 95' 129K (1)
* * * * * *
*
Iowa................................ 100' 129K 100' 129K 78'
* * * * * *
*
Missouri............................ 110' 120K(4) 109' 120K NO
* * * * * *
*
Oregon.............................. 68' 105.5K 96' 105.5K 70' 5''
* * * * * *
*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) These dimensions do not apply to the same combinations. The
110-foot length is limited to vehicles entering from Oklahoma, also
limited to 90K gross weight. The 120K gross weight is limited to
vehicles entering from Kansas, also limited to a cargo carrying
length of 109 feet.
* * * * *
State: Alaska
Combination: Truck Tractor and 3 Trailing Units.
* * * * *
Vehicle: Individual trailer length in a three trailing unit
combination shall not exceed 28.5 feet. Engine horsepower rating
shall not be less than 400 horsepower.
These combinations are allowed to operate only between May 1 and
September 30 of each year. Weather restrictions are imposed when
hazardous conditions exist, as determined by the Alaska DOT&PF and
the Department of Public Safety, Division of State Troopers. No
movement is permitted if visibility is less than 1,000 feet.
State: Arizona
Combination: Truck Tractor and 2 Trailing Units--LCV.
* * * * *
Maximum Allowable Gross Weight: 129,000 pounds.
Operational Conditions:
* * * * *
Weight: Single-axle maximum weight limit is 20,000 pounds,
tandem-axle maximum weight limit is 34,000 pounds, and the gross
vehicle weight limit is 129,000 pounds, subject to the Federal
Bridge Formula.
* * * * *
Access: Access is allowed for 20 miles from I-15 Exits 8 and 27
or 20 miles from other authorized routes.
* * * * *
State: Arizona
Combination: Truck tractor and 3 trailing units--LCV.
* * * * *
Maximum Allowable Gross Weight: 123,000 pounds (129,000 pounds
on I-15).
Operational Conditions:
* * * * *
Weight: Single-axle maximum weight limit is 20,000 pounds,
tandem-axle maximum weight limit is 34,000 pounds, and the gross
vehicle weight is 123,500 pounds (129,000 on I-15), subject to the
Federal Bridge Formula.
State: Iowa
Combination: Truck tractor and 2 trailing units--LCV.
Length of the Cargo-Carrying Units: 100 feet when entering Sioux
City from South Dakota or South Dakota from Sioux City; 65 feet when
entering Sioux City from Nebraska or Nebraska from Sioux City..
Maximum Allowable Gross Weight: 129,000 pounds when entering
Sioux City from South Dakota or South Dakota from Sioux City; 95,000
pounds when entering Sioux City from Nebraska or Nebraska from Sioux
City.
Operational Conditions:
Iowa allows vehicles from South Dakota and Nebraska access to
terminals which are located within the corporate limits of Sioux
City and its commercial zone as shown in 49 CFR 1048.101 on November
28, 1995. These vehicles must be legal in the State from which they
enter Iowa.
Weight, Driver, Vehicle, and Permit: Same conditions which apply
to a truck tractor and 2 trailing units legally operating in South
Dakota or Nebraska.
Access: These combinations may operate on any road within the
corporate limits of Sioux City and its commercial zone as shown in
49 CFR 1048.101 on November 28, 1995, when authorized by appropriate
State or local authority.
Routes: LCV combinations may operate on all Interstate System
routes in Sioux City and its commercial zone as shown in 49 CFR
1048.101 on November 28, 1995. If subject only to the ISTEA freeze
on length, they may operate on all NN routes in Sioux City and its
commercial zone, as above.
Legal Citations: Iowa Code Sec. 321.457(2)(f) (1995).
State: Iowa
Combination: Truck tractor and 3 trailing units--LCV
Length of Cargo-Carrying Units: 100 feet when entering Sioux
City from South Dakota or South Dakota from Sioux City.
Maximum Allowable Gross Weight: 129,000 POUNDS when entering
Sioux City from South Dakota or South Dakota from Sioux City.
Operational Conditions:
Weight, Driver, Vehicle, and Permit: Same as the SD-TT3
combination.
Access: Same as the IA-TT2 combination.
Routes: Same as the IA-TT2 combination.
Legal Citation: Same as the IA-TT2 combination.
State: Iowa
Combination: Truck-trailer
Length of the Cargo-Carrying Units: 78 feet when entering Sioux
City from South Dakota or South Dakota from Sioux City; 68 feet when
entering Sioux City from Nebraska or Nebraska from Sioux City.
Operational Conditions:
Iowa allows vehicles from South Dakota and Nebraska access to
terminals which are located within the corporate limits of Sioux
City and its commercial zone, as shown in 49 CFR 1048.101 on
November 28, 1995. These vehicles must be legal in the State from
which they enter Iowa.
Weight, Driver, Vehicle, and Permit: Same conditions which apply
to a truck-trailer combination legally operating in Nebraska or
South Dakota.
Access: Same as the IA-TT2 combination.
Routes: Same as IA-TT2 combination.
Legal Citation: Same as the IA-TT2 combination.
* * * * *
State: Michigan
* * * * *
Combination: Truck tractor and 2 trailing units--LCV.
* * * * *
Maximum Allowable Gross Weight: 164,000 pounds.
Operational Conditions:
Weight: The single-axle weight limit for LCV's is 18,000 pounds
for axles spaced 9 feet or more apart. For axles spaced more than
3.5 but less than 9 feet apart, the single-axle weight limit is
13,000 pounds. The tandem-axle weight limit is 16,000 pounds per
axle for the first tandem and 13,000 pounds per axle for all other
tandems. Axles spaced less than 3.5 feet apart are limited to 9,000
pounds per axle. Maximum load per
[[Page 10183]]
inch width of tire is 700 pounds. Maximum gross weight is determined
based on axle and axle group weight limits.
When restricted seasonal loadings are in effect, load per inch
width of tire and maximum axle weights are reduced as follows: Rigid
pavements--525 pounds per inch of tire width, 25 percent axle weight
reduction; Flexible pavements--450 pounds per inch of tire width, 35
percent axle weight reduction.
* * * * *
State: Missouri
Combination: Truck tractor and 2 trailing units--LCV.
Length of the Cargo Carrying Units: 110 feet.
State: Nebraska
Combination: Truck tractor and 2 trailing units--LCV
Length of the Cargo-Carrying Units: 95 feet for combination
units traveling empty. 65 feet for combination units carrying cargo,
except those carrying seasonally harvested products from the field
where they are harvested to storage, market, or stockpile in the
field, or from stockpile to market, which may extend the length to
71.5 feet.
Operational Conditions:
Weight: Maximum weight:
Single axle = 20,000 pounds
Tandem axle = 34,000 pounds
Gross = Determined by Federal Bridge Formula B, but not to
exceed 95,000 pounds.
* * * * *
Permit: A weight permit in accordance with Chapter 12 of the
Nebraska Department of Roads (NDOR) Rules and Regulations is
required for operating on the Interstate System with weight in
excess of 80,000 pounds.
A length permit, in accordance with Chapters 8 or 11 of the NDOR
Rules and Regulations, is required for two trailing unit
combinations with a length of cargo-carrying units over 65 feet.
Except for permits issued to carriers hauling seasonally harvested
products in combinations with a cargo-carrying length greater than
65 feet but not more than 71.5 feet which may move as necessary to
accommodate crop movement requirements, holders of length permits
are subject to the following conditions.
Movement is prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; when
ground wind speed exceeds 25 miles per hour; when visibility is less
than 800 feet; or when steady rain, snow, sleet, ice, or other
conditions cause slippery pavement. Beginning November 15 until
April 16 permission to move must be obtained from the NDOR Permit
Office within 3 hours of movement. Beginning April 16 until November
15 permission to move must be obtained within 3 days of the
movement.
Fees are charged for all permits. Length permits for
combinations carrying seasonally harvested products are valid for 30
days and are renewable but may not authorize operation for more than
120 days per year.
All permits are subject to revocation if the terms are violated.
Access: Access to NN routes is not restricted for two trailing
unit combinations with a cargo-carrying length of 65 feet or less,
or 71.5 feet or less if involved in carrying seasonally harvested
products. For two trailing unit combinations with a cargo-carrying
length greater than 65 feet and not involved in carrying seasonally
harvested products, access to and from I-80 is limited to designated
staging areas within six miles of the route between the Wyoming
State Line and Exit 440 (Nebraska Highway 50); and except for
weather, emergency, and repair, cannot reenter I-80 after exiting.
Routes: Except for length permits issued to carriers hauling
seasonally harvested products in combinations with a cargo-carrying
length greater than 65 feet but not more than 71.5 feet which may
use all non-Interstate NN routes, vehicles requiring length permits
are restricted to Interstate 80 between the Wyoming State Line and
Exit 440 (Nebraska Highway 50). Combinations not requiring length
permits may use all NN routes.
* * * * *
State: Nebraska
Combination: Truck tractor and 3 trailing units.
* * * * *
Operational Conditions:
* * * * *
Driver: Same as the NE-TT2 combination.
Permit: A length permit, in accordance with Chapter 11 of the
NDOR Rules and Regulations is required for a three trailing unit
combination. Conditions of the length permit prohibit movements on
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays; when ground wind speed exceeds 25
miles per hour; and when visibility is less than 800 feet. Movement
is also prohibited during steady rain, snow, sleet, ice, or other
conditions causing slippery pavement. Beginning November 15 until
April 16 permission to move must be obtained from the NDOR Permit
Office within 3 hours of movement. Beginning April 16 until November
15 permission to move must be obtained within 3 days of the
movement. A fee is charged for the annual length permit. These
permits can be revoked if the terms are violated.
Access: Access to and from I-80 is limited to designated staging
areas within 6 miles of the route between Wyoming State Line and
Exit 440 (Nebraska Route 50). Except for weather, emergency, and
repair, three trailing unit combinations cannot reenter the
Interstate after having exited.
* * * * *
State: Oregon
Combination: Truck-trailer.
Length of Cargo-Carrying Units: 70 feet, 5 inches.
Weight: This combination must operate in compliance with State
laws and regulations. Because it is not an LCV, it is not subject to
the ISTEA freeze as it applies to maximum weight.
Driver, Access, Routes, and Legal Citations: Same as OR-TT2
combination.
Vehicle: The truck or trailer may be up to 40 feet long not to
exceed 75 feet overall. The truck may have a built-in hoist to load
cargo. Any towed vehicle in a combination must be equipped with
safety chains or cables to prevent the towbar from dropping to the
ground in the event the coupling fails. The chains or cables must
have sufficient strength to control the towed vehicle in the event
the coupling device fails and must be attached with no more slack
than necessary to permit proper turning. However, this requirement
does not apply to a fifth-wheel coupling if the upper and lower
halves of the fifth wheel must be manually released before they can
be separated.
Permit: No overlength permit required.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 97-5426 Filed 3-4-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-22-P
