MARYLAND- Maryland passed a new law that eases transportation restrictions for milk haulers.
Starting Oct. 1, trucks carrying milk under an exceptional hauling permit will be allowed to use interstate highways—something they couldn’t do before.
The law also increases how much weight these trucks can carry:
Five-axle trucks can now haul up to 88,000 pounds
Trucks with six or more axles can go up to 95,000 pounds
Single axles are capped at 20,000 pounds
Tandem axles at 40,000 pounds
Drivers must carry a copy of their permit and proof of a recent safety inspection, either on paper or electronically.
If a truck is more than 5,000 pounds over the limit, the permit can be taken away on the spot. Getting it back will cost $1,000 for the first time, and $5,000 for repeat violations within two years.
The State Highway Administration will also be able to request delivery and weight records to make sure haulers are following the rules.