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On Nov. 1, a new South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) policy took effect that makes all international containers with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) up to 100,000 pounds eligible for permitting to be trucked in the state. The previous overweight policy covered containers with a GVW up to 90,000 pounds.

Forged in conjunction with the South Carolina State Ports Authority, the new permitting policy will improve the state’s competitiveness, enhance transportation efficiency and match the policies of neighboring states, which allow heavier international containers to be trucked, SCDOT officials said in a prepared statement.
 
“Part of our job is to support economic development. Our highways, ports and rail systems are the infrastructure for economic development,” said South Carolina Transportation Secretary H.B. Limehouse Jr.
 
In addition, the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2014 will allow larger cargo ships — those capable of carrying more than 8,000 containers — to move goods from Asia to the United States’ eastern seaboard. The state’s upgraded container weight policy will better position the Port of Charleston to compete for more cargo moving through the Southeast, SCDOT officials said.