10 Sep What’s New in OD/OW

In the world of specialized transportation, change is constant. New requirements emerge, long-standing regulations are often overlooked, permitting systems evolve, and experienced industry professionals move into well-deserved retirement. For carriers and transportation professionals, staying informed is not just beneficial, it’s essential to keeping projects on schedule and avoiding costly delays.

That’s why we continuously monitor developments across the country and bring you the updates that matter most. Here are several important items currently affecting the oversize and overweight industry.

Colorado: Don’t Overlook This Hazardous Materials Permit Requirement

While not a new regulation, we’ve recently encountered several carriers who were unaware of an important Colorado permit requirement involving battery transportation.

Under Colorado law (42-20-201 C.R.S.), any load that requires a hazardous materials placard also requires a Colorado Hazardous Materials Permit. This requirement applies to shipments such as:

• Lithium-ion batteries
• Lithium-metal batteries
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) units
• Solar batteries
• Other placarded hazardous materials shipments

The good news is that the permit can be obtained through the same system used for oversize and overweight permits.

As battery and energy storage shipments continue to increase nationwide, this is one requirement worth double-checking. To learn more read the Hazardous Materials Permit Facts Sheet.

College Football Season: More Than Just Game Day Excitement

For many fans, college football season means tailgates, rivalries, and packed stadiums. For the specialized transportation industry, it can also mean unexpected travel restrictions.

Several states implement permit movement restrictions during major home football games due to increased traffic volume around stadiums and surrounding roadways. These restrictions can affect routing plans and delivery schedules, especially if you plan to travel on weekends.

While not inclusive, states that frequently warrant extra attention include:

• West Virginia
• Arkansas
• South Carolina
• Nebraska

The best game plan is simple: read your permits carefully and plan your routes well in advance.

A winning football team isn’t the only thing that requires preparation. Just like coaches spend all week preparing for Saturday, carriers should review permit restrictions before kickoff to avoid finding themselves stuck on the sidelines when traffic control measures take effect.

North Dakota: New Permitting System Making Strong Progress

North Dakota continues to make significant progress toward launching its new online permitting platform.

External user testing has now been completed, and we were honored to participate as one of the selected testers. After working within the new system, we can confidently say that a tremendous amount of thought, planning, and effort has gone into its development.

A tentative soft launch is scheduled for September 29, with participating test users transitioning first. Additional users are expected to be brought into the system in phases over the following weeks.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is North Dakota’s proactive rollout strategy. By operating both the current and new systems simultaneously during the transition, the permit office is creating an environment where both internal and external users can become comfortable with the new workflow before a full implementation occurs.

This measured approach should help minimize disruptions and contribute to a successful launch.

Special recognition goes to Jackie and the entire North Dakota permit office team for their dedication and hard work throughout this project.

South Carolina: Celebrating Two Remarkable Careers

The South Carolina permit office will soon say goodbye to two highly respected team members whose combined experience represents more than seven decades of service.

Retiring this month are:

• Mechelle Mabry, who concludes an impressive 39-year career with SCDOT.
• Pam Hensley, who retires after 32 years of service, all spent within the permit office.

Their knowledge, professionalism, and commitment have helped support countless permitted loads throughout their careers. While their presence will certainly be missed, retirement is a well-earned reward after years of dedicated service.

We extend our sincere thanks to both Mechelle and Pam for their contributions to the industry and wish them many years of happiness, relaxation, and new adventures ahead.

Final Thoughts

Success in specialized transportation often comes down to preparation and awareness. Whether it’s understanding a forgotten permit requirement in Colorado, navigating football-season travel restrictions, preparing for changes in North Dakota’s permitting process, or recognizing the people who have helped keep our industry moving, staying informed remains one of the most valuable tools in your operation.

As always, we’ll continue monitoring regulatory changes, system updates, and industry developments so you can focus on what you do best: moving freight safely, legally, and efficiently. Stay tuned for future updates, and as regulations continue to evolve, we’ll be here to help you stay one step ahead.

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