Caltrans seeks input from private industry on new routing database

	In an effort to cut down time and turnaround
on extra-legal permits, CalTrans has developed a
comprehensive database.  The database posts pertinent
information for those seeking to transport extra-legal
 loads:  weight, height, and width regulations; lane
closures, construction warnings, pilot car requirements,
 vertical clearances, and accident reports.

	Obviously, the information included in this
database is in constant flux.  According to Neal Ali,
the contact person for Caltrans regarding the North
Region, "The information on the database is being
updated daily.  In the long run, private industry will
be able to access the database on the Internet."  For
now, the database is updated primarily by Neal Ali,
either through observation in the field or in
communication with Caltrans construction, maintenance,
and traffic offices.  


	On April 25, Neal Ali brought together
representatives of the city and county permit office,
Caltrans, and the trucking industry in order to
discuss the database.  Neal Ali emphasized the need
for input from the private industry, mostly in the
form of corrections to any inaccurate information or
unreported hazards.  Unfortunately, response from the
private trucking industry has been less than
enthusiastic, meaning that the burden of keeping the
database updated has fallen almost entirely on the
state agency.  


	This database could prove to be an incredible
asset to UHCA members involved in the transport of
extra-legal loads, either as pilot car drivers or
heavy haulers.  Caltrans is making a sincere effort
to establish "a communication channel between the
Caltrans Permit Office and the Heavy Hauler Industry."
In order to help facilitate the process, learn more
about it, or request a hard copy of the database
with instructions on how to read it, call
Neal Ali at (916) 445-5556.