Fire Apparatus Vehicle Size and Weight Regulation Initiative Roger Lackore August 29, 2009

State Size and Weight

Purpose Propose Federal regulations or guidelines. Recommend criteria that would provide consistent State regulations. Ease the burden of permitting when delivering apparatus across the country.

Federal Regulations 23 CFR Ch. 1 Part 658 – Truck Size and Weight, Route Designations – Length, Width and Weight Limitations on National Network 20,000 lbs Single Axle 34,000 lbs Tandem Axle 80,000 lbs GVW

Non-Divisible Load Exemption Federal Regulations allow for higher axle weights for “non-divisible” loads FHWA interprets fire apparatus as non-divisible. States are free to offer exemptions

Weight

Width

Height

Length

How to Influence State Regulations AASHTO Participation in annual meetings – keep the need in front of the association FHWA Encourage FWHA to issue guidelines to States.

Initiative Endorsed Jointly by FAMA and IAFC John Sztykiel of FAMA and Larry Grorud of IAFC cosponsored a letter to AASHTO in support of creating standardized apparatus axle weight exemptions. FAMA presented a white paper to AASHTO outlining the issues and providing recommended state regulations. Delivered to AASHTO at the annual meeting of the Subcommittee on Highway Transport, June, 2009

FAMA White-Paper for AASHTO State Regulations are Restrictive Aerial Apparatus Tanker Apparatus Quint Apparatus Maneuverability Demands Restricts the Use of More Axles Precedence for Exemptions Federal Level State Level

FAMA White-Paper for AASHTO Current State Regulations are Inconsistent Inconsistent Regulations Impede Interoperability NFPA Recognizes need for higher axle weights Impact on highways is minimal Numbers of Apparatus Total Vehicle Miles Traveled

FAMA White-Paper for AASHTO Recommended State Regulation Wording… An emergency vehicle may exceed otherwise applicable vehicle weight limits up to the following maximums: 24,000 pounds on a single steering axle; 33,500 pounds on a single drive axle; 62,000 pounds on a tandem axle; or 52,000 pounds on a tandem rear drive steer axle, up to a maximum gross vehicle weight of 86,000 lbs.

Next Steps Convince FHWA to publish size and weight guidelines to the States using the FAMA recommended regulation wording. Provide simplified apparatus configurations with nominal size and weight data.

California

California Fall 2008 Notice of Proposed Rule-Making Proposed changes made all apparatus compliant FAMA Endorsed

California August, 2009 Proposal revised to restrict tandem axle weights Public comments due Sept 15

California Draft Letter to Caltrans 1) Retain the original proposed text. 2) Establish the 48,000 lbs tandem axle weight but increase the permitting allowance from 15% to 21% so that the maximum permitted tandem axle weight is at least 58,000 lbs.

Suggested Direction Current proposal fixes 90% Truck vs Apparatus wording Covers apparatus w/out tanks 31K on single rear axles Removes Apparatus Categories Allowable Length from 40 to 65 ft. Take Queue from Frank Drayton Direction by Sept 2