Equipment at north Idaho port of entry improves trucker efficiency

New equipment at the Huetter Port of Entry will allow truck drivers to continue their journeys without having to stop at the port.

The weigh-in-motion equipment will electronically verify a truck’s legal weight, safety rating and credentials as the truck continues down the road at freeway speeds. If all is in order, the driver gets a green-light signal in the cab, and can keep driving.

If a problem is detected, a transponder will give the driver a red-light signal. That indicates the driver must pull through the weigh station. The system also has a random-sampling feature, so any participating truck can expect to receive an occasional red light.

Idaho currently has two ports of entry, at Lewiston and East Boise, that offer the weigh-in-motion technology

The weigh-in-motion system at the Huetter Port of Entry is operational, but is being fine-tuned and will be going through final testing. Additionally, the Huetter system will include a license-plate reader and a variable message sign to potentially allow vehicles without transponders to pass without having to stop.

The weigh-in-motion technology is part of the North American Pre-clearance and Safety System.

Drivers equipped to use the weigh-in-motion system will be able to use it in Alaska, British Columbia, Connecticut, New York, Quebec, South Dakota, Washington and Oregon.

Truck drivers in Idaho who are intrastate operators and are interested in obtaining a transponder that will allow them to use the weigh-in-motion system are asked to contact Renee Becker-Johnson at 208-334-8688 or send an e-mail to IdahoTransponder@itd.idaho.gov to receive an application. Transponders also are available at the Lewiston, East Boise and Huetter ports of entry.

Interstate truck drivers who regularly stop at Oregon weigh stations are asked to visit www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/GREEN.shtml.

All other drivers are asked to visit the NORPASS website at www.norpass.com.

 


Published 09-11-15