A Review of Issues Related to
Harmonizing Dimensional Transport
Requirements in the Northeast
Prepared for the
Northeast Manufactured Housing AssociationBy Maine Tomorrow, Hallowell, Maine
June 9, 2010
AASHTO SCOHT
Goal StatementIt is the goal of the Northeast Manufactured Housing Association (NEMHA) to harmonize the laws, rules and practices governing the transport of manufactured/modular homes throughout the northeast.
Goal StatementThe association seeks uniform regulation that is consistently interpreted and administered to optimize consumer access to affordable housing while enhancing consumer choice as to models and price.
ObjectivesTo set the allowable manufactured/modular home length at not to exceed 80’ and not regulate overall vehicle length.
To set the allowable overall height limit at 14’-6”.
To set the allowable width limit at 16’.
ObjectivesTo encourage rough comparability in fees among jurisdictions consistent with the fees charged by the majority of jurisdictions.
To not require a police escort if within the above dimensional limits.
Accomplishmentsto Date
Draft MOU prepared with agreement on:
◦Envelope vehicle – 16’ W by 80’/110’ L
◦Hours of Operation – 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
◦Total travel time from PA to Maine◦of no more than 2 days.
Initial Focus of Modular and Manufactured HousingEnvelope Vehicle:
16’ Wide x 110’ LongLegal Height: 13-6We want: 14-6
Days/hours of operation
Defined corridor routes
Escort requirements and escort vehicles
Manufactured Housing Load Movements in the Northeast
Draft Memorandum of Understanding
May 8th, 2007 Version
Draft MOU on Manufactured Housing Movements in the
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The Manufactured Housing and
Modular Housing Industry
appreciates the opportunity to work
as part of this group working
toward a solution acceptable to all
parties.
Draft MOU on Manufactured Housing Movements in the Northeast________________________________
The Draft MOU Resulted from
State Industry Representatives
Working in Consultation with
NYSDOT and FHWA-HOFM;
Draft MOU on Manufactured Housing Movements in the
Northeast−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
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The MOU does not Represent
Industry Preferences; it was
prepared with an intent to reflect
agreements achieved by this group
to date.
Draft MOU on Manufactured Housing Movements in the
Northeast−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−
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The Draft MOU that was shared is
not seen as complete; it is a
starting point toward an
executable agreement between
the industry and the eight
northeast States;
Draft MOU on Manufactured Housing Movements in the Northeast_____________________________________________________________
Two dimensions have been resolved:
Overall Length of 110’; Load Length of 80’
Overall Load Width of 16’; That Is All Production Is Set Up To Produce;
Draft MOU on Manufactured Housing Movements in the Northeast
______________________________ Establish Primary routes including
mapping
ECONOMIC INPACT
_________________________
Moving a home into or out of
New England can add
additional shipping costs of
$5,000 to $10,000 per home
FHWA’s Role
The findings contained in the 2003 “Harmonization Report” pointed out a regional freight mobility issue with –
◦Safety Implications: loads were standing down awaiting permission to proceed affecting safe highway operations;
◦Freight Mobility Implications: Products were not moving efficiently on regional roadway network.
FHWA’s Role
FHWA acted to –
◦Bring State Permit Officials together;
◦Bring Industry Reps with State Permit Officials;
◦Supported a Continued Dialogue and Interest toward Working on this Issue;
◦Invested in a Study designed to Support the MOU being Formulated.
Manufactured Housing Mobility StudyWorking with the Proposed Draft MOU, it
was apparent, more study was needed –
◦The “Harmonization Study” Appendices needed to be updated;
◦The routes used to transport product needed to be clearly identified;
◦The height clearances on the “primary routes” needed to be evaluated.
Manufactured Housing Mobility StudyFHWA has contracted with SAIC to
complete a Study that will –
◦Update Appendices of 2003 Harmonization Report
◦Identify Primary Routes-Map Results
◦Conduct Load Height Survey◦Identify Barriers to 2-Day Movements
Study Project Plan
Included in the Study’s Scope is –
◦Identification of State Contacts-DOT;◦Identify changes any to State
requirements since 2003;◦Identify the Primary Routes used to
move loads;◦Identify Primary Carriers;◦Identify Alternative Routes
Study Project Plan Meetings with State officials are
currently being scheduled; discussions will focus on:
◦Clarification on Responses Provided on
◦Identification of Barriers to a 2-day movement and possible alternatives will be identified;
◦Verification of Height Restrictions on “Primary Transport Routes”
A Final Report will be Produced.
Value to FHWA
FHWA Leadership views this initiative as an example of how to approach regional transport mobility issues.
Outside the Scope of the Study, FHWA intends to Develop a template that could be used to deal with other transport mobility issues.
Questions?Contacts –
Tom Kearney, FHWA
Project Manager
(518) 431-4125 ext. 218
Paul Sullivan, SAIC
Principal Investigator
(703) 587-4191
Ken Dodge, NYSDOT
State DOT Project Partner
(518) 457-1795