According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) allowable winter load limits for commercial vehicles such as semi tractor-trailer combinations and logging trucks on all public highways in the north frost zone region will increase by 10 percent at 12:01 a.m. on Dec.21, 2006.
State law allows a 10 percent weight increase on state highways and 9-ton capacity county roads in the designated zones.
A winter weight load increase permit, however, is required for truckers operating on interstate routes.
Truckers also need a winter load permit to carry 10 percent greater than the standard maximum load on both 9-ton and 10-ton capacity roads during the winter weight increase period.
Mn/DOT encourages haulers to check their tribal, county, townships and other gov't. agencies before carrying increased loads in their jurisdictions.
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Signs posted on the roadway govern the load increase in effect.
Load increases are permitted because pavements achieve increased strength to carry heavier loads when roadbeds freeze.
The north frost zone's boundaries extend south from the Canadian border to a line following Highways 1, 89, 2, 33 and Interstate 35 at the Carlton-St. Louis county line and then south to the Wisconsin border.
Mn/DOT continues to monitor the other frost zones to determine when it can allow additional weight increases in those zones.
More information about winter load limits and the frost zones can be found at: www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us or by calling toll-free at 800-723-6543 in the U. S. and Canada.
Mn/DOT's Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations Additional can provide more information about overweight and over-dimension trucking issues at 651-296-6000.
For further information contact: Craig Wilkins Mn/DOT St. Paul. Office phone: 651-296-0838.
