Maryland’s launch this month of electronic hauling permits, a.k.a. e-permits, for the trucking industry makes it the first state on the eastern seaboard, and the second in the nation to move in this paperless, more environmentally responsible direction.
The Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) is now providing truckers a way to carry paperless permits – to be displayed in electronic format during inspections, replacing traditional paper-issued permits and attachments.
This could serve as a solution to speeding up time at the scalehouse and moving construction materials from the load location to the final destination. In an industry that suffers from an ill-deserved reputation for being dirty and unenvironmental, this is just one more gold star to add to our report cards.
Kudos to the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration for taking this step.
“Whether a private citizen moving a boat for the season or a major hauler deploying supplies from the Port or across the country, drivers can now display electronic permits,” said Maryland State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters in a press release. “This presents time-savings benefits and reduces paper usage, so environmentally and financially e-permits are green.”
SHA’s Motor Carrier Division manages and permits nearly 160,000 oversized moves each year and issues approximately 600-800 permits each day. Helping SHA conserve natural resources and reduce its overall carbon footprint, e-permits can potentially save the printing of nearly 50,000 pieces of paper each month, according to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA).
“This is good news for our members,” said Maryland Motor Truck Association President and CEO Louis Campion. “Maryland is taking the steps necessary to lead the nation in delivering 21-st century advancements to the trucking industry that enhance doing business with the State.”
