20 Oct Western State Permitting Officials Meet in Reno, NV

State officials from the western region and leaders in the specialized transportation industry gathered in Reno for two days of collaboration, discussion, and planning.  All discussions centered on pressing issues impacting the oversize/overweight (OS/OW) industry.

The event kicked off with introductions where industry attendees were asked to share top concerns currently affecting their operations. While a wide range of topics were brought to the table, several emerged as common priorities:

• Harmonization with bordering states
• Access to accurate utility contact resources
• Trunnion axle allowance challenges
• Driver understanding of permit requirements
• Weight uniformity across state lines
• Public education on how to interact safely with oversize loads

Technology & Truck Parking Sparked Educational Conversations

Day one continued with updates from SC&RA and Nevada DOT, including a spotlight on the state’s use of weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology and progress on its Truck Parking Availability System.

A lively discussion followed, especially among carriers and technology vendors. A key insight: traditional truck parking sensors often don’t account for the unique spatial needs of oversize loads. For example, a system might detect five open spaces, but a 14′ wide load would require two of those spaces side by side, a nuance that current tracking algorithms often miss. Systems relying solely on entry/exit counts can also misrepresent availability by undercounting the space needed for these larger configurations.

One-on-One State Sessions & Pilot Car Certification Concerns

Later in the afternoon, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with state officials in one-on-one sessions, followed by an open discussion on pilot car certification verification, an increasingly critical issue.

Craig Hurst from the Colorado Department of Transportation shared that his team has seen a rise in forged pilot car certifications, highlighting the urgent need for a national verification database. The discussion revealed mutual concern from both state agencies and carriers, and several industry members committed to working together on potential solutions.

Day Two Highlights: CVSA Committee Update, Focus Groups, and Permit System Changes

Day two began with an update from Jackie (North Dakota Permit Office) on the CVSA Size & Weight Committee. She shared progress on the study of uniformity in weighing specialized machinery (self-propelled vehicles) and announced she will step into the role of Committee Chair starting December 1. Be sure to congratulate her when you see her!

Additional updates came from:

• AASHTO Freight Operations
• AASHTOWare Permit Route Committee
• The Trunnion Study

Following a networking break, Jackie also shared results from an industry survey regarding the formation of specialized focus groups. Several attendees volunteered to lead these efforts, which will present updates at the WASHTO meeting during the SC&RA Symposium in 2026.

State-by-State Permit Updates: What Carriers Need to Know

The afternoon was dedicated to permit system updates and regulatory changes from each state. Here are the key highlights:

• Colorado
  • Upcoming system updates due to consolidation efforts
  • Fuel and trip permits will be added to the system
• Montana
  • Launching new ProMiles system in December 2025
  • Changes expected to superload review processes and issuance of log numbers for repeat moves
• Nebraska
  • A permit fee increase coming in 2026; details — such as effective date, fee amount, and structure — are still under development
• Nevada
  • Rewriting escort requirement language for clarity (no rule changes)
  • Upcoming system updates will enable analysis for self-propelled vehicles, with dual lane analysis on the horizon
• New Mexico
  • All split trip applications now require manual review due to misuse of the system to obtain unauthorized round-trip permits
  • Permits may be reviewed and issued over the weekend based on the availability of port staff
• North Dakota
  • Contract signed with ProMiles for a new permit system, expected launch in 2026
• Texas
  • Integration of district approvals into their online permit system is in progress, currently dependent on email-based approvals, which slows the process
• Utah
  • Highway Patrol scheduling not available on Fridays
  • Permits must be issued before scheduling Highway Patrol escorts
• Washington
  • If State Patrol cancels, carriers should contact the permit office. Travel with a private escort may be approved in lieu of State Patrol
• Wyoming
  • Permit reviews and issuances available on weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (MT), based on availability of port staff

Continued Collaboration Ahead

This two-day event highlighted the continued dedication of both state officials and industry representatives to tackle the challenges facing specialized transportation. The meeting sparked meaningful collaboration and laid the groundwork for further innovation and improvement.

Permit America will continue to follow these developments and provide updates as new solutions emerge.

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