Map questions.

Gotcha. I know how to read a map but I was trying to figure out why some routes were highlighted some not. Especially U.S. routes. I get that some like 191 have restrictions during certain parts of the year while some are no trucks period like running through Yellowstone.

 

National Highway Transportation Act - Created the STAA and Non-STAA.

staa routes - Google Search

STAA - 53'/102" trailer.
Non-STAA - 48'/96" trailer.

Now in the MCRA in the front look for the State Access Polices for each state. They will vary what you are legally allowed with for a STAA trailer You cannot use these as a "shortcut" to other routes.

STAA are marked in Yellow in the MCRA and most GPS devices.

I live in NC, a STAA trailer is allowed on all US, NC, I routes. SR and other small roads you are not allowed. https://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=a8f091b8fadc4c5d8bb905bf44556a5d

If you use a Truck GPS and it will not route you, put in car mode. If it routes in car mode it is a truck restriction. Then put back into Truck mode and change your Trailer to Non-STAA (48/96") and if it routes you then part of your route is Non-STAA. You are allowed if picking up/dropping off. No Through routing. If it does not route you in Non-STAA, then you probably have a weight restriction. Drop down to 40k and see if it routes. If it does, then you know you have a weight restriction on the route ahead.

Just be aware if you are caught on a weight restricted route and you are over that restriction you can be fined for being Over Dimension. Fines can be very high.

Also be aware that a lot of times you will not see the signage for STAA or Non-STAA, but if you see signs saying that you are allowed to make deliveries, then chances are that part of the routing is Non-STAA.

If you are running Haz-Mat, be aware that CO has restricted routing for Haz-Mat.

http://dtdapps.coloradodot.info/staticdata/Downloads/StatewideMaps/HazMatMap.pdf

(Just because another truck is on that route does not make it a legal truck route.... )

 

Right. I had seen the STAA designation anned when planning a route I always look under restricted routes in the front of the atlas for the states I will be driving in. I pull a 48' 96" wide flatbed spread axle. So this would be a non STAA trailer correct?

 

Yes

 

Ain't that the truth.

I had a delivery in some small town in PA, I routed myself through what I thought was just a little short cut and ended up in a very twisty turny road that had a 15 mph speed limit through 2/3s of it plus a very steep grade that led right into a subdivision which was a 10 mph speed limit. It took me 35 minutes to go the 3 miles. While I tool the route on the way back that had all the stop lights and stop signs and got through that in 13 minutes for the 5 miles back to the freeway.