Thank you SCDOT! New Annual Permit Program

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Recently, the South Carolina Department of Transportation put into place a new GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) permit program. The implementation of the “Bulk Agribusiness / Husbandry Annual Permit Program” is for haulers on state roads (interstates are EXCLUDED), and it allows for haulers to have 90,000 lbs GVW. Husbandry-related transportation of unmanufactured forest products, roundwood, and wood chips are among those items covered under the new permit program.

Transportation professionals must visit the SCDOT website, set up an account, and apply for the permit to be compliant. Here are some of the highlights of the 90,000 GVW program:

  • The annual permit is available for free.

  • The SC Interstate System is EXCLUDED from the permit. Legal interstate GVW remains at 80,000 lbs.

  • There are minimum and maximum dimensions allowed. You need to visit the SCDOT website for these specifics.

  • This is an annual and multiple-trip permit that allows for continuous travel time, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

  • A Secondary Road permit may also be required, depending on the route of the hauler.

The work of the SC Forestry Association and the SCDOT (and others) to establish this program is positive for our industry. As with any new program roll-out, there will likely be questions and clarity needed on issues that arise. For those who have questions, issues, or problems, the SCDOT Oversize / Overweight office would be the best place to contact.