30 Aug State Officials Gather
MAASTO is an acronym for Mid-America Association of State Transportation Officials. This organization is comprised of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. MAASTO is one of 4 Regions, if you will, which include: Northeast Association of State Transportation Officials (NASTO), Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO), and Southern Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (SASHTO). These four regions are subgroups of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
MAASTO Subcommittee on Highway Transport convened for one of their bi-annual conferences on Monday 8/26. Representatives from each state in attendance presented an insightful update on emerging and current issues, programs, and initiatives. While a vast amount of material was shared, there were several noteworthy topics worth mentioning for discussion. Please take a look and let us know any time if you have further questions!
- All States
- Stressed the need for surveys to be physically run. Concerned that using apps, permit systems, and google maps that do not show utility lines, trees, turning radius, etc. is extremely dangerous.
- The new definition of non-reducible that several states adopted is a hot topic. Law enforcement shared it is difficult enforcing whether a load is divisible vs non-divisible as is determined by the state and/or the permit.
- Non-compliant carriers (no permits, incorrect permits, violation of permit conditions, etc.) is a major concern for permitting offices. States are exploring options for progressive discipline. Possible solution would be software to place predetermined restrictions on specific carriers. Levels of discipline could include requiring manual review of applications, condition on permit requiring full inspection when crossing the border and banning carrier from obtaining a permit.
- Windfarm projects have been faced with the challenge of finding qualified carriers. Additional challenges are maintaining routes throughout the project, and availability of WITPAC certified escorts. GE has a high number of windfarm projects scheduled in 2025, 2026 and 2027 in 7 of the MAASTO states.
- Michigan
- The County Road Association of Michigan has established a formal relationship with Oxcart Permit Systems. The association predicts most Michigan road agencies will move to this platform.
- Iowa
- The Annual All Systems Overweight Permit ($500.00) has been more popular than originally anticipated. The permit allows for 12% over legal weight with a divisible or non-divisible load. Travel under this permit is only allowed on approved state and local roads and must be the most direct route.
- The permit office is exploring the option of incorporating local permits into the Iowa Automated Permit System. While this is just in the beginning stages of discussion the concept is to mirror the process currently used by Maryland and Baltimore.
- Wisconsin
- Understanding the critical need for truck parking, they are currently expanding truck parking at rest areas. Researching grant opportunities to utilize private property for developing truck parking areas is also being explored.
- A major permit system update is anticipated to be released next month.
- Minnesota
- The General Provisions for Oversize/Overweight Loads was updated in August 2024.
- Kentucky
- Currently educating drivers at weigh stations on KYU accounts. Any driver detained with an inactive KYU account will have access to a laptop to resolve the issue. This initiative is to help carriers get back on the road as quickly as possible.
- Discussions on raising permit fees have been ongoing for several years.
- Anticipating the release of a new online ordering system in 2025.
- Kansas
- A permit system update is anticipated to be released soon after Labor Day. The long awaited removal of the the superload 3-day wait period will be included in this release.
- A new condition will be added to permits that are equal to or greater than 14’ wide or 126’ long travelling on US83. There are currently no plans to implement on any other roadways. The condition is estimated to begin in October and is part of a pilot program. The permit condition will require drivers to download the KanDriv app and check-in using their K-Trips permit number. The driver location, width and length will be displayed in real time on KanDrive while travelling on a 131 mile stretch of US83. The area is located between the Thomas/Sheridon line and the Finney/Haskell line in both directions. Highway patrol will be responsible for enforcing this new condition. Currently there has been no confirmation as to if there will be a grace period as drivers adjust to the new condition. Closer to the implementation day a FAQ will be posted on the K-Trips website. Any driver that is unable to download the KanDrive app is urged to read the FAQ for additional instructions.
- Exploring ideas of offering audio turn by turn directions, automatic notification of districts, and freight signal priority. This is only in the idea stage of features they would like to offer.
- Indiana
- Continually enhancing their online permitting system. Ongoing plans to release an update every 6 months with 8-10 new features with each update.
- Missouri
- Proposing changes to increase the threshold for escorts, weekend travel, and night travel. Important to note, these are only proposals, there is no plan to implement at this time. A few key recommendations were escort required at 110’ long on 2 lanes, 125’ on all roads, and night travel granted up to 12’6”.
- A major construction project is expected on I-70 and will be completed in 8 segments spanning 200 miles. Completion of the project is anticipated by the end of 2030.
- Illinois
- Implementing a process to block carriers who do not obtain local permits.
- Shared HawkScan can be used to create a 3-dimensional image that is accurate to one-tenth of an inch. Data obtained in this image can be used to compare with data on permit. This technology could be the first step in automating weigh stations.
The information gathered at this meeting is all very relevant to our industry. We encourage you to look it over and contact us any time if you’d like to discuss any details with us directly. We are committed to maintaining a presence at any of these conferences and will happily share any and all of the information with our customers.
Additional resources are available below
County Road Association of Michigan
Iowa Annual All Systems Permit Map
Hypoint Flagship Product HawkScan
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