Colorado Corn Cultivating Opportunities

On Jan. 1, 2010, farmers will be able to apply for a new tandem or triple axle overweight permit to haul loads up to but not exceeding 97,000 pounds. This new permit was a result of Colorado Corn’s efforts in the last legislative session. The permit is intended to allow farmers to reduce transportation costs and attain higher equipment utilization by making fewer trips.

"The permits are designed to help you take more weight intelligently," said Steve Wisniewski, district supervisor for the Lomo Port of Entry. He made is comments at a Colorado Corn District 8 meeting in Olathe on the Western Slope.

The permits apply only to tractor-trailer rigs using secondary roads. The tandem or triple axle grouping must be on the trailer. Also, the operators must comply with limitations on the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) bridge weight limit map. Permits are available for single trip, six months, or annual use.

A single-use permit will cost $15 each plus $10 per axle along with a surcharge equal to the total amount of the permit. A six-month permit will cost $250 and an annual permit will be $500.

The state legislature set "very high fines" for any trucks that are loaded in excess of the permit limits, explained Wisniewski. "People who abuse this will find the fines have doubled."

Farmers have the option of obtaining an existing quad axle overweight permit for secondary roads. These permits allow up to 110,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight. The quad axle grouping may be on the tractor or trailer and it must be in a solid group. Permits are available for single trip, annual, and annual fleet use. A single trip permit costs $30 plus $10 per axle, while an annual permit is $500 and a fleet permit is $2,000 plus $35 per vehicle.

Neither of these permits allows the vehicle to be driven on interstate highways or to haul oversize loads. The drivers of permitted vehicles must have obtained county permits as required and observe CDOT bridge restrictions.

To apply for either permit, call 1-800-350-3765.

"We do not want to see large fines," added Wisniewski. "What we want to see is you guys rolling right along. Your success in agriculture and success in compliance with the rules is our success. We think of drivers in terms of customers."

Roger Resig, district supervisor at the Ft. Collins Port of Entry, shared similar comments when he spoke at the Colorado Corn District 1 & 2 meeting held near Longmont. "We'd rather not ticket you for being overweight. It's your permit: you use it as you want." Resig said he encourages common sense enforcement of the law providing truckers use common sense as well and do not exceed the limits.

Wisniewski noted that weight of vehicles and traffic density each wear down roads. "People are unrealistic in how much it costs to repair or replace a road or bridge," he said. The Port of Entry is charged with enforcing the law and protecting roads. "People who wear the badge do not make the rules. Your issues are legitimate, but if we have to follow public policy just like everyone else. If we appear unconcerned, it is due to our inability to change the rules."

On a final note, Wisniewski said he had newfound appreciation for Colorado Corn and other organizations that lobby on behalf of their members. "They speak for people who do not have the time or opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers."