Policy Change- Annual Permits for Overweight Intermodal Cargo Containers
POLICY CHANGE
Annual Permits for Overweight Intermodal Cargo Containers Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Heavy Container Corridors
Background
A few months back, CTA was made aware of citations that were being issued to permitted carriers that operated on the Overweight Corridor near the San Pedro Ports Complex. The issue revolved around the permits that were being issued. CTA and a coalition of impacted carriers worked with Caltrans and the CHP through the California Transportation Permit Advisory Council (CTPAC) to come up with a solution. CTA would like to acknowledge all who were involved and their efforts to get the policy change approved.
Overweight intermodal cargo container permit vehicles are allowed maximum axle and gross vehicle weight (GVW) provided by CVC Sections 35700.5 and 35551. Whenever axle weights and/or gross weight exceed the limits authorized in Section 35551, Section 35700.5 states weight limits shall be determined by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The maximum gross weight limit of vehicles and loads shall not exceed 95,000 pounds GVW.
Existing Documentation
California Vehicle Code Sections 35551 and 35700.5
Transportation Permit Manual Changes
1. Add Section 202.39 as follows:
202.39 INTERMODAL CARGO CONTAINER ANNUAL PERMIT: Used to transport intermodal cargo containers that are moved in international commerce, in accordance with CVC Section 35700.5.
- Permit equipment is defined as a seven axle vehicle combination comprised of a 4-axle tractor, 3-axle intermodal chassis trailer. Maximum gross vehicle weight is 95,000 pounds.
- 4-axle tractors, when used to transport the intermodal containers, are exempt from Caltrans Transportation Permits vehicle inspection requirement.
- If equipped with a lift axle, 4-axle tractors are exempt from Caltrans Transportation Permits common suspension and equal weight distribution lift axle requirements.
- Axle spacings and maximum weights are as indicated in Figure 202.39.
- Exempt from all interior vehicle bridge weights and from all overall vehicle bridge weight limits as specified in CVC Sections 35551(a) and 35551.5.
- Annual indicia sticker is required.