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

What if the eleven northeast states were one jurisdiction?

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 operationDefined corridor routesEscort 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

Northeast−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

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−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

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−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

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 RoleFHWA 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 PlanIncluded 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 FHWAFHWA 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, FHWAProject Manager(518) 431-4125 ext. 218tom.kearney@dot.gov

Paul Sullivan, SAICPrincipal Investigator(703) 587-4191paul.d.sullivan@saic.com

Ken Dodge, NYSDOTState DOT Project Partner(518) 457-1795kdodge@dot.state.ny.us