The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recently extended the time period allowing trucks to carry heavier loads on interstates and highways throughout the state in order to ensure the continued flow of goods aiding the emergency response to COVID-19 (MoDOT Extends Permit to Allow Trucks to Haul Heavier Weights on Interstates, Highways). The special overweight permit will now allow truckers to haul up to 100,000 pounds on state-owned highways, including interstates, through June 15, 2020.
Qualifiers for the permit must meet the following criteria:
- The operator of the overweight vehicle must possess a copy of the special permit (available for download at modot.org) and a bill of lading that can be produced for inspection upon request by any Missouri law enforcement official and/or MoDOT employee.
- The load must consist of supplies and/or equipment, including shipments of livestock, poultry, feed, fertilizer, and fuels, utilized in the direct effort to prevent, contain, mitigate, and treat the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
- Movement within the state will serve as evidence that both the owner and operator of the motor vehicle agree to abide by the conditions of the special permit and all other non-exempt requirements for overweight loads.
- Motor carriers may haul up to 100,000 lbs. gross weight on semi-trailer configurations with five or more axles if they meet the minimum distance requirement. Other semi-trailer configurations may haul an additional 10% above normal legal loads.
- Motor carriers and vehicle operators must obey all structure postings and size and weight restrictions. Violation of any of the conditions of the special permit will void the permit and subject the owner and operator to penalty under Missouri law.
- Motor carriers are allowed to operate under this special permit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The permit, which originally applied from March 25 through April 30, is now extended through June 15, 2020, at no additional fee.
“This extension will continue to support the vital flow of goods at this critical time,” MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said. “We offer this option to ensure food and emergency supplies move across Missouri and the nation.”
The extension of the special permit through at least June 15 will further assist the state of Missouri’s efforts to keep its citizens safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also check the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) website or call their toll-free number ((816) 542-5999) with any questions or concerns you might have.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, please contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a free consultation. We will only receive a fee in the event of a successful resolution of your case.