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A comprehensive guide outlining federal regulations, state influence strategies, recommended regulations, and next steps in improving the size and weight regulations for fire apparatus vehicles across the country.
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Fire Apparatus Vehicle Size and Weight Regulation Initiative Roger Lackore August 29, 2009
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
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 • 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