Florida to Allow Some Heavier Truck Loads

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) signed a bill Friday allowing the state’s Department of Transportation to develop a permit process to allow trucks to carry up to 88,000 pounds on non-interstate highways.

Under previous Florida law, truck weight could not be more than 80,000 pounds, except in special or emergency situations.

Some details — such as which local authorities will be giving out the permits — have yet to be worked out, said Mary Lou Rajchel, president of the Florida Trucking Association.

“The permit designates the route including which bridges cannot be used because of additional weight,” Rajchel said. The permits are to be annual but specific to just one truck.

The measure also grants a 400-pound weight exemption for trucks equipped with auxiliary power units. That section of the bill takes effect July 1.