OSOW Rule updates become effective Feb. 28

The revised OSOW rule will appear at www.modot.org/osow on Feb. 28 as a downloadable PDF document. To obtain a paper copy, send an email request that includes your mailing address to ContactMCS@modot.mo.gov with the subject line "OSOW booklet request." Changes include:

• Relocating text regarding blanket permits for public utilities and sludge disposal units to the section that describes movements of a single commodity. Section (6)(B)
• Adding language to clarify that blanket permits are allowed for overwide and/or overlength trailers that haul superloads, when that trailer is unladen. Section (6)(B)9
• Clarifying the text regarding public utility blanket permits to make it similar to other limited duration blanket permits. Section (6)(D)1
• Increasing the minimum height of lettering on OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD signs on escort vehicles from eight to ten inches. This brings Missouri into harmony with other states in the region in regard to letter height. Section (8)(D)
• Correcting the upper limit of the distance between centers of the last adjacent triple-single axle grouping for the alternative configuration of 8-axle configurations. The distance is set to a range from ten feet to thirteen feet, eleven inches. Section (11)(C).
• Bringing axle configuration language up-to-date with the addition of language stating that within a tandem axle grouping, the maximum single axle weight is 24,000 pound AND within triple and quadrum axle groupings, the maximum single axle weight is 21,000 lbs. Section (11)(D).

MANAGING OTHER STATES' FUEL TAX HOLIDAYS

Guidance to amend IFTA returns offered on websites

A page on the IFTA, Inc. website - www.iftach.org/important-notices.php includes guidance for carriers who traveled in jurisdictions that declared fuel tax holidays. The notice lists are searchable by date and jurisdiction.

Electronic filers using MoDOT Carrier Express can claim qualifying fuel tax holiday miles and gallons in the Miles in Non-IFTA Jurisdictions and Fuel for Non-IFTA Jurisdictions fields. Make a comment to indicate that the miles/gallons qualify for the fuel tax holidays in the specific jurisdiction(s). You must name the states/provinces specifically. 

Paper return filers claim qualifying miles and gallons on Page 3 under the "additional tax rates" section. 

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY FILED an IFTA return and now learn some miles/gallons are affected by a fuel tax holiday, you can choose to file an amended return if you wish. The MoDOT MCS IFTA webpage, modot.org/IFTA, includes an Amend an IFTA Tax Return Guide. As with all other fuel tax documentation, be sure to save your records for four years. Consult MoDOT's IFTA and IRP Recordkeeping Booklet for more details. 

REPORT WHAT YOU SEE, SET SOMEONE FREE

It's often said that professional drivers are the guardians of the highway. In many cases, that's true. By the nature of the work, drivers also see things hidden from most people.

If you come across a situation that makes you wonder if a person is being forced to perform some kind of work or criminal activity, don't approach the suspected trafficker. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline or 911 to report "suspected human trafficking activity."

Learn what to report and how by visiting the hotline's website:

humantraffickinghotline.org/en or Missouri's trafficking website - dps.mo.gov/human-trafficking/

You can also call – 1-888-373-7888, text - 233733 or event chat with the hotline via www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.

Women, men and children are trafficked for all manner of work including forced labor, people smuggling, forced criminal activity and sexual exploitation. If you see a situation that makes you wonder, please call. You could help someone regain their freedom.