Longer combination vehicles - Montana

Combination: Truck tractor and 2 trailing units—LCV

LENGTH OF CARGO–CARRYING UNITS: 93 feet

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT: 137,800 pounds for vehicles operating under the Montana/Alberta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). For other MT–TT2 combinations, the maximum allowable gross weight is 131,060 pounds.

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS:

WEIGHT: Except for vehicles operating under the MOU, any vehicle carrying a divisible load over 80,000 pounds must comply with the Federal Bridge Formula found in 23 U.S.C. 127.

Maximum single–axle limit: 20,000 pounds

Maximum tandem–axle limit: 34,000 pounds

Maximum gross weight limit: 131,060 pounds

Maximum weight allowed per inch of tire width is 600 pounds.

WEIGHT, MONTANA/ALBERTA MOU:

Maximum single–axle limit: 20,000 pounds

Maximum tandem–axle limit: 37,500 pounds

Maximum tridem–axle limit:

Axles spaced from 94² to less than 118²: 46,300 pounds

Axles spaced from 118² to less than 141²: 50,700 pounds

Axles spaced from 141² to 146²: 52,900 pounds

Maximum gross weight:

A–Train: 118,000 pounds

B–Train (eight axle): 137,800 pounds

B–Train (seven axle): 124,600 pounds

The designation of “A–Train” or “B–Train” refers to the manner in which the two trailing units are connected.

DRIVER: The driver must have a commercial driver’s license with the appropriate endorsement.

VEHICLE: No special requirements beyond compliance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

PERMIT: Special permit required for double trailer combinations if either trailer exceeds 28.5 feet. Permits are available on an annual or a trip basis and provide for continuous travel. Statutory reference: 61–10–124, MCA. For vehicles being operated under the Montana/Alberta MOU, operators must have paid gross vehicle weight fees for the total weight being carried. In addition, a term Restricted Route and Oversize Permit for which an annual fee is charged must be obtained. Finally, vehicle operators must secure a single–trip, overweight permit prior to each trip.

ACCESS: Access must be authorized by the Montana DOT. For vehicles operated under the Montana/Alberta MOU, access routes from I–15 into Shelby are authorized when permits are issued. For vehicles with a cargo–carrying length greater than 88 feet, but not more than 93 feet, a 2–mile access from the Interstate System is automatically granted to terminals and service areas. Access outside the 2–mile provision may be granted on a case–by–case basis by the Administrator of the Motor Carrier Services Division.

ROUTES: Combinations with a cargo–carrying length greater than 88 feet, but not more than 93 feet, are limited to the Interstate System. Combinations with a cargo–carrying length of 88 feet or less can use all NN routes except U.S. 87 from milepost 79.3 to 82.5. For vehicles being operated under the Montana/Alberta MOU, the only route available is I–15 from the border with Canada to Shelby.

LEGAL CITATION:

61–10–124 MCA , 61–10–104 MCA, ARM 18.8.509(6)

61–10–107 (3) MCA , 61–10–121 MCA, ARM 18.8.517, 518

Montana/Alberta Memorandum of Understanding

Administrative Rules of Montana

Combination: Truck tractor and 3 trailing units—LCV

LENGTH OF THE CARGO–CARRYING UNITS: 100 feet

MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE GROSS WEIGHT: 131,060 pounds

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS:

WEIGHT: Any vehicle carrying a divisible load over 80,000 pounds must comply with the Federal Bridge Formula found in 23 U.S.C. 127.

Maximum single–axle limit: 20,000 pounds

Maximum tandem–axle limit: 34,000 pounds

Maximum gross weight limit: 131,060 pounds

Maximum weight allowed per inch of tire width is 600 pounds.

DRIVER: Drivers of three trailing unit combinations must be certified by the operating company. This certification includes an actual driving test and knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and State law pertaining to triple vehicle operations. Drivers are also required to have a commercial driver’s license with the appropriate endorsement.

VEHICLE: The 100–foot cargo–carrying length is only with a conventional tractor within a 110–foot overall length limit. If a cab over tractor is used, the cargo length is 95 feet within a 105–foot overall length limit. Vehicles involved in three trailing unit operations must comply with the following regulations:

1. Shall maintain a minimum speed of 20 miles per hour on any grade;
2. Kingpins must be solid and permanently affixed;
3. Hitch connections must be no–slack type;
4. Drawbars shall be of minimum practical length;
5. Permanently affixed axles must be designed for the width of the trailer;
6. Anti–sail mudflaps or splash and spray suppression devices are required;
7. The heavier trailers shall be in front of lighter trailers;
8. A minimum distance of 100 feet per 10 miles per houris required between other vehicles except when passing;
9. Operating at speeds greater than 55 miles per hour is prohibited; and
10. Vehicle and driver are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

Reference: 18.8.517 Administrative Rules of Montana.

PERMIT: Special triple vehicle permits are required for the operation of these combinations. Permits are available on an annual or trip basis. Permits are good for travel on the Interstate System only and are subject to the following conditions:

1. Travel is prohibited during adverse weather conditions;
2. Transportation of Class A explosives is prohibited; and
3. Companies operating triple combinations must have an established safety program including driver certifications.

ACCESS: Access is for 2 miles beyond the Interstate System, or further if granted by the Administrator of the Motor Carrier Services Division.

ROUTES: Interstate System routes in the State.

LEGAL CITATION: 18.8.517 Administrative Rules of Montana

Combination: Truck–Trailer

LENGTH OF CARGO–CARRYING UNITS: 88 feet

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS:

WEIGHT: This combination must operate in compliance with State laws and regulations. Because it is not an LCV, it is not subject to the ISTEA freeze as it applies to maximum weight.

DRIVER, and ACCESS: Same as the MT–TT2 combination.

VEHICLE: Same as the MT–TT2 combination, except overall length limited to 95 feet.

PERMIT: Special permit required if overall length exceeds 75 feet. Special permits allow continuous travel and are available on an annual or trip basis.

ROUTES: Same as the MT–TT2 combination.

LEGAL CITATIONS: 61–10–121 and 61–10–124, MCA

Combination: Truck–trailer–trailer

LENGTH OF THE CARGO–CARRYING UNITS: 103 feet

OPERATIONAL CONDITIONS:

WEIGHT: This combination must operate in compliance with State laws and regulations. Because it is not an LCV, it is not subject to the ISTEA freeze as it applies to maximum weight.

DRIVER, PERMIT, and ACCESS: Same as the MT–TT2 combination.

VEHICLE: The cargo–carrying unit length is 103 feet with a conventional truck within a 110–foot overall length limit, and 98 feet with a cab–over–engine truck within a 105–foot overall length limit. On two–lane highways the cargo–carrying unit length is 88 feet within a 95–foot overall length limit.

ROUTES: All NN routes except U.S. 87 between mileposts 79.3 and 82.5.

LEGAL CITATIONS:

61–10–124 MCA

61–10–121 MCA

ARM 18–8–509