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Economic development - Motor carrier assistance

WisDOT's Motor Carrier Services Section (MCSS) regulates interstate trucking and permits for oversize/overweight vehicles. The specific credentials created and maintained by MCSS are:

• registration of heavy vehicles in interstate operation, known as IRP - International Registration Plan;
• collection and disbursement of fuel tax for heavy vehicles in interstate operation, known as the IFTA – International Fuel Tax Agreement;
• motor carrier authority, the fundamental credential authorizing operation as a for-hire motor carrier
• record of intrastate and interstate truckers insurance, a credential known as the SSRS – Single State Registration System; and 
• oversize/overweight vehicle permits.

Motor carrier permits and economic development

This program supports economic development because it operates from a fundamental philosophy that fulfillment of regulatory responsibility does not imply or require an adversary relationship. The realization of this philosophy has been best expressed by substantial commitment of resources to technology development. The motor carrier industry asked MCSS to catch up to the private sector in automation. For the past three years, the MCSS has been engaged in aggressive development of on-line application for issuance of the credentials associated with the five sub-programs mentioned above. 

Automation of the oversize/overweight permit process is the furthest along of the sub-programs. The MCSS goal is self-issuance of 50% of all permits. There has been phased development of on-line application, renewal, status inquiry and many other service enhancements. Deployment of an integrated automated routing system and payment by credit card is coming soon.

Automation impacts to truckers

Automation, deployed as of 2003, has already substantially improved WisDOT's ability to process and deliver permits in the timeframe needed by industry to avoid $600 a day delay costs. MCSS conducted a customer satisfaction survey in 1998 and again in 2003. The results show how a regulatory agency can truly partner with its industry for mutual benefit. 

Case study: Expedited permits to truckers

In 1998, only 13% of the trucking companies, and none of the specialized agents reported receiving their permits within eight hours of application. In 2003, 76% of the trucking companies, and 85% of the agents reported an eight-hour or less turnaround. In 1998, 25% of the trucking companies, and 18% of the agents were satisfied with permit turnaround time. In 2003, 75% of the trucking companies, and 93% of the agents were satisfied or better with permit turnaround. 

Within two years, the MCSS expects the same results from automation efforts underway in all sub-programs. Technology is the key to meeting regulatory obligations without impeding industry.

For program information, contact Kathleen Nichols, Motor Carrier Authority, (608) 261-2574. 

Questions about the content of this page:
Dennis Leong, dennis.leong@dot.state.wi.us 
Last modified: January 31, 2008