What is a Terminal Access (TA) Route and How To Request a New TA Route
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What is a Terminal Access route?
Terminal Access (TA) routes are stretches of State or local highways that a local government or Caltrans has granted access to STAA (Surface Transportation Assistance Act) trucks. TA routes allow STAA trucks to (1) travel between "National Network" (NN) routes, (2) reach a truck’s terminal, or (3) reach a location where fright originates, ends, or is handles in the transportation process.
Click here for a Truck Map Legend with Truck Lengths and Routes Information
How can a trucking company request a new TA route on a local road?
Local Governments (usually the Public Works Department) has to evaluate the roads under their jurisdiction to consider allowing STAA trucks on a specific road. You must follow these steps to apply for a (TA):
1. Send your written request (certified mail and keep a copy and receipt) of the desired route-highway exit, streets, and address of the terminal to the level of government that controls the road (city, county, state) also open copy to law enforcement (CHP) and Caltrans District Traffic Operations.
2. You must state the type of truck equipment you will be operating on the route. Please note that for 53’ trailers, California law specifies a 40’ kingpin to rear axle (KPRA) setting. Make sure you are in compliance with the KPRA limit.
3. The local agency must acknowledge the receipt of the request (must respond within 90 days).
4. The local agency and Caltrans coordinate the analysis of the affected highway segments, intersections and interchanges to determine whether both facilities can safely accommodate STAA vehicles.
(a) If the route is not approved the applicant will be notified that it has been denied.
(b) If the route is approved the local agency will notify the applicant that this is an
approved route.
By federal law the access route can be denied for safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. Access routes are available beyond one mile from the Truck Network to reach the terminals. But a terminal is defined in federal regulations as including points of pickup and delivery- customer locations. Within one mile of the network, access is open for food, fuel, repair and rest, as well as terminals, unless the road is restricted for safety.
Legal requirements for vehicles are found in the California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 35401.5 (d) states "the Department of Transportation or local authorities may establish a process whereby access to terminals or services may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route."
CVC 35401.5 (d) "The denial of a request for access to terminals and services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route. If a request for access has been properly submitted and has not been acted upon within 90 days of receipt by the department or the appropriate local agency, the access shall be deemed automatically approved."
CTA can assist with the letter and addresses. For more information please contact Eric Sauer at (916) 373-3562.
