9/2/2015
New equipment at northern Idaho Port of Entry will improve efficiency for truck drivers
BOISE – New equipment at the Huetter Port of Entry will allow truck drivers to continue on 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 non-transponder equipped vehicles to pass without having to stop.
The weigh-in-motion technology is part of the North American Preclearance 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 and Washington and Oregon.
Truck drivers in Idaho who are intra-state 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.