Winter Truck Load Increase

Wednesday afternoon I was notified by the Minnesota Department of Transportation that winter truck load increases will begin Saturday December 30, 2017. "Vehicles will be allowed to operate up to 10 percent over the standard legal maximum loads on unrestricted highways during the winter load increase period. However, trucks must comply with current registration weight laws and not exceed  registration gross weight tolerances."

The beginning and ending of the winter truck load increases depend on the weather. The dates are determined by the Minnesota Department of Transportation monitoring how the weather is affecting roadway strength. So, the weather this winter and spring will determine when the truck load increases will end. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will give at least 3 days notice before the truck load increase ends.

Truckers should still check with local agencies before increasing load weights on city, county or township roadways. "The sign erected on the road governs the load limits. A permit is required to take advantage of the 10 percent increase on interstate highways only, a permit is not required for state trunk highways." Call the Minnesota Department of Transportation Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations 651-296-6000.