As any seasoned trucker or shipper knows, permit regulations don’t just apply at the national and state levels – they also exist at the local level. And while some jurisdictions change their regulations to comply with statewide rules, there are always exceptions.
For example, earlier this year, Wills County, Illinois, increased its permit costs for overweight trucks by more than 100%. The fee hike – the first in 16 years – was designed to fund the repair and maintenance of the county’s aging roads and bridges, reports a Chicago Tribune subsidiary.
Cost increases like these are significant even for large shipping conglomerates, but the change is felt most acutely by small, local businesses. Not only do these businesses traverse country roads more frequently, but in many cases, they do not have the gross revenue to support such a steep jump.
The owner of a local crane rental service reported a 300%-400% increase for him since cranes and similar equipment are almost always considered overweight. In response to this concern, Wills County officials are considering providing a discount (but not waiving the fees) to local businesses, as long as they meet certain yet-to-be-determined criteria.
This is not an isolated phenomenon. According to American Cranes & Transport magazine, the need for local permits is skyrocketing across the country as municipalities realize that permit fees are a viable source of funding for improving, maintaining or generating new infrastructure. Since smaller municipalities tend not to have the resources for automated permit systems, this means that applications frequently must be submitted via fax or email – creating an even more complex bureaucratic web for trucking and shipping companies to navigate.
Fortunately, there’s an easy, cost-effective solution: partnering with The Permit Company. With years of experience in working directly with local, state and federal agencies, we have the expertise and relationships it takes to ensure that our clients are getting the best deal.