Multi-State, Multimodal, Oversize/Overweight Transportation (2016)

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10 C H A P T E R 1 1.1 Need for Research Project Moving oversize/overweight (OSOW) cargo is complicated because of infrastructure con- straints, regulatory restrictions, and permitting processes. OSOW carriers must traverse con- strained routes, which include bridges or roads with limited weight capacities, bridge and tunnel clearances, overhead wires, and road dimensions. OSOW carriers also face a long list of regulations and restrictions—each with its own constraints, data requirements, timelines, and costs. OSOW routing and the permitting process can become significantly more complicated when OSOW cargo moves across multiple states and national borders as jurisdictions often have different regulations, permitting processes, information requirements, and different levels of details about the routes within their own borders. Complicating matters even further are chal- lenges in identifying the right contacts within individual cities, counties, and utility companies to obtain permission for OSOW shipments on local streets and under overhead wires, where required. Different OSOW regulations, restrictions, permitting standards, information requirements, and permitting processes can result in the sub-optimal use of the transportation system. These factors not only affect the efficiency of OSOW moves, but can also lead to negative externalities and social costs.1 There is need for greater uniformity in OSOW regulations and permitting processes to pro- mote the most optimal OSOW cargo routings—as much for OSOW carriers and shippers as for the public who are affected by OSOW shipments. For shippers and carriers, efficiency of process and routing ultimately minimize time and cost and help to promote safe and reliable transportation. For the public, efficiency in OSOW trans- portation minimizes disruptions and impacts on bridges and roads, reduces negative externalities and social costs, and promotes safety and commerce. The intent of this research project is to provide a resource that will benefit both groups—the industry and the public—and help optimize the movement of OSOW cargo shipments across multi-state corridors. Introduction 1 Negative externalities include emissions, wear and tear, noise, traffic disruptions, and other impacts and costs that are not “internalized” or paid for by the party creating these impacts.

Introduction 11 1.2 Project Objectives As outlined in the Requests for Proposal, the objective of this research is To develop guidelines for use by states and other practitioners to improve the permitting process and to evaluate potential OSOW freight movement solutions involving multi-state, multimodal transportation corridors. Ultimately, this research project is about identifying procedures, methodologies, and informa- tion that will improve OSOW permitting processes, while promoting optimal decision making with respect to multi-jurisdictional, multimodal, OSOW routing decisions. 1.3 Research Questions We have organized our approach around the following research questions: • What is the OSOW regulation and permitting landscape in the United States and what are the notable differences across jurisdictions (OSOW regulation and permitting agency perspective)? • What information do OSOW cargo shippers and their freight carriers or brokers require to make optimal multi-state, multimodal routing decisions (OSOW shipper/carrier/broker perspective)? • What opportunities exist to improve multi-state, multimodal OSOW cargo routing decisions and to streamline the related route planning and permitting processes?