Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1                             CITY OF SEATTLE 
2                       ORDINANCE __________________ 
3                         COUNCIL BILL __________________ 
4   ..title 
5   An ORDINANCE related to special permits for the limited movement of vehicles carrying
6         sealed ocean-going containers in excess of the legal weight limits; adopting a new
7         chapter 11.61 to the Seattle Municipal Code establishing such a special permit system;
8         authorizing the Department of Transportation to execute agreements with the Port of
9         Seattle to accept funds; creating a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer position to
10        monitor and enforce the heavy haul network and ratifying and confirming certain prior
11        acts. 
12   ..body 
13   WHEREAS, import containers that are shipped by rail from the Port of Seattle can exceed
14        weight limits allowed on state highways and local streets; and 
15   WHEREAS, the Port of Seattle is served by two intermodal rail hubsthe Burlington Northern's 
16        Railway's SIG (Seattle International Gateway) and Union Pacific's Argo Yardthat
17        require containers to be trucked (drayed) on local streets from the Port's marine
18        terminals; and 
19   WHEREAS, local transload businesses that reconsolidate container loads may also receive heavy
20        import containers that must be trucked from the marine or rail terminals; and 
21 
22   WHEREAS, to address this conflict, other West Coast ports, including Los Angeles, Long Beach
23        and Tacoma, have created heavy haul networks to move cargo over short distances at low
24        speeds within their harbor areas on standard marine chassis; and
25   WHEREAS, Seattle's existing load limits put the Port of Seattle at a competitive disadvantage
26        with other West Coast ports; and 


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SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
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Version #14 
1   WHEREAS, Chapter 46.44 of the Revised Code of Washington authorizes the City to issue a
2         special permit authorizing the applicant to operate or move a vehicle or combination of
3         vehicles of a load exceeding the maximum weight upon City streets; and 
4   WHEREAS, a heavy haul network will create a better working environment for truck owners
5         and shippers by enabling them to compete more effectively for cargo by reducing costs
6         and expediting the movement of goods, without compromising safety; and 
7   WHEREAS, shippers, truck owner-operators, trucking companies, railroads and the Port of
8         Seattle ("Port") have an interest in increasing cargo volumes through the city and are
9         requesting the establishment of a heavy haul network linking marine terminals to local
10        railheads and nearby transshipment facilities; and 
11   WHEREAS, the City of Seattle ("City"), Port, and State have made significant investments to
12        maintain and improve access to and from the marine port with new bridges and road
13        connections; and 
14   WHEREAS, the City supports the Port's efforts to enhance its competiveness in international
15        and national trade; and 
16   WHEREAS, the City wants to implement transportation related measures that will enhance the
17        economy and support living wage jobs; and 
18   WHEREAS, implementing a heavy haul network will require changes to the Seattle Municipal
19        Code; 
20   WHEREAS, implementing a heavy haul network will require an enforcement officer to monitor
21        the network and ensure the safety for all roadway users; 
22   NOW, THEREFORE, 
23   BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY OF SEATTLE AS FOLLOWS: 

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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1         Section 1. A new Chapter 11.61 HEAVY HAUL INDUSTRIAL NETWORK is added to
2   the Seattle Municipal Code as follows. 
3 
4   Chapter 11.61 
5   HEAVY HAUL INDUSTRIAL NETWORK 
6   Sections: 
7   11.61.010    Purpose 
8   11.61.020    Defined terms 
9   11.61.030    Heavy Haul Network Routes 
10   11.61.040   Special Permits  Application 
11   11.61.050   Special Permits  Requirements 
12   11.61.060   Special Permit to Be Carried 
13   11.61.070   Containers to be Sealed 
14   11.61.080   Certification of Container Chassis 
15   11.61.090   Fees 
16   11.61.100   Enforcement Procedures  Penalties  Rules 
17   11.61.110   Confiscation and Revocation of Special Permit  Hearing 
18 
19   11.61.010 Purpose. 
20   The purpose of this chapter is to authorize issuance of special permits for movement and
21   operation of vehicles in excess of the legal weight limits within the heavy haul industrial network 
22   in such circumstances wherein the load is a sealed ocean-going container and an applicant can


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SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   show good cause for such movements as provided in Chapter 11.61 of the Seattle Municipal
2   Code. 
3 
4   11.61.020 Defined terms. 
5   For purposes of Chapter 11.61, the terms and phrases shall have the following meaning: "City
6   street" or "street" means every highway, or part thereof located within the corporate limits of
7   Seattle, except alleys. (RCW 46.04.120) 

8   "Container Chassis" means a semitrailer of skeleton construction limited to a bottom frame, one
9   or more axles, specially built and fitted with locking devices for the transport of cargo
10   containers, so that when the container chassis and container are assembled, the units serve the
11   same function as an over-the-road trailer. 
12    "Director" means the Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation or successor
13   department or his or her designee. 
14    "Heavy Haul Network" means such sections of city streets as provided in SMC 11.61.030. 
15    "Permittee" means any company or person to whom a special permit is issued. 
16   "Sealed Ocean-Going Container" means a fully enclosed and sealed reusable cargo-carrying unit,
17   equipment, or receptacle-carrying cargo of many types for continuous transportation and
18   designed to be unitized or otherwise packed or stowed for transportation in or on an ocean-going
19   vessel. 
20    "Special Permit" means a special permit issued pursuant to Chapter 11.61 for operation or
21   movement upon public streets within the heavy haul network of a combination of truck tractor
22   and container chassis of a weight up to the amount allowed by state law under special permit. 

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SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
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1    "Transload Facility" means a consolidation and distribution point for outbound and inbound
2   commodities. 
3 
4   11.61.030 Heavy Haul Network Routes 
5   The heavy haul network routes are set forth below.
6 
Street                     From                      To 
South Atlantic Street         Alaskan Way South          1st Avenue South 
Colorado Avenue South      South Atlantic Street        South Massachusetts Street 
South Massachusetts Street    Colorado Avenue South      1st Avenue South 
1st Avenue South          South Atlantic Street        South Holgate Street 
Alaskan Way South        South Atlantic Street        South Holgate Street 
East Marginal Way South     South Holgate Street        Diagonal Avenue South 
South Holgate Street         1st Avenue South           6th Avenue South 
6th Avenue South          South Massachusetts Street    South Holgate Street 
South Hanford Street        East Marginal Way South     Occidental Avenue South 
1st Avenue South          South Hanford Street        South Spokane Street 
Occidental Avenue South     South Hanford Street        South Horton Street 
South Horton Street         1st Avenue South          3rd Avenue South 
13th Avenue SW          SW Florida Street         North to street end 
SW Florida Street          16th Avenue SW           11th Avenue SW 
11th Avenue SW          SW Florida Street         SW Lander Street 
16th Avenue SW          SW Florida Street         Klickitat Avenue SW 
Klickitat East Roadway       16th Avenue SW           13th Avenue SW 
Avenue SW 
Klickitat West Roadway      16th Avenue SW          13th Avenue SW 
Avenue SW 
SW Spokane North Roadway   13th Avenue SW          SW Spokane Street 
Street 
SW Klickitat South Roadway   13th Avenue SW          SW Spokane Street 
Way 
South Spokane Street Ramp    East Marginal Way South     South Spokane Street 
West Marginal Way SW     26th Avenue SW          SW Spokane Street 
SW Spokane Street         Chelan Avenue SW         East Marginal Way South 
South Spokane SR Street      South Spokane Street        East Marginal Way South 
Spokane Duwamish Bridge   South Spokane Street       Duwamish Avenue South
RP                                   Bridge 

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SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
Duwamish Avenue South    Spokane Duwamish Bridge   East Marginal Way South 
Bridge                 RP 
Diagonal Avenue South      East Marginal Way South     South Oregon Street 
South Oregon Street         Diagonal Avenue South      Denver Avenue South 
Denver Avenue South       South Oregon Street        Utah Avenue South 
South Spokane Street        East Marginal Way South     Airport Way South 
Airport Way South         South Spokane Street       South Edmunds Street 
South Edmunds Street       Airport Way South         7th Avenue South 
1 
2   11.61.040 Special Permits  Application 
3   A. Who May Apply. The owner or operator of a transload facility or authorized agent on behalf
4   of such owner or operator may apply for a special permit. A trucking company which owns or
5   leases trucks which serves the Port of Seattle may apply for a special permit. An owner-operator
6   of a truck which serves the Port of Seattle may apply for a special permit. 
7   B. Forms. Application shall be made in writing on forms provided by the Director. Special
8   permit applications may be obtained from the Seattle Department of Transportation Traffic
9   Permits Counter and at such other locations established by the Director. No special permit
10   application shall be accepted unless made using such forms and completed in full. 
11   C. Term. The special permit shall have a term of one year from the date of issuance unless
12   sooner revoked. 
13   D. Assignment. The special permit when issued to the permittee shall be assigned to the truck
14   tractor described in the application and to which the special permit refers. The special permit
15   shall not be assignable to another truck tractor except as provided herein. A special permit may
16   be assigned to another truck tractor for the remainder of the term of the special permit only upon
17   the following: (a) if a complete application is submitted to the Department for such assignment,
18   (b) the Director finds good cause for such assignment, (c) a replacement special permit is issued
19   by the Director, and (d) payment is made for a replacement special permit. 

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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1 
2   11.61.050 Special Permits  Requirements 
3 
4   The Director may issue a special permit when the Director has determined that all of the
5   following requirements have been met: 
6   A. General Requirements.
7   1. The applicant has submitted a complete application to the Director on a form approved by the
8   Director; 
9   2. The applicant affirms the container chassis loads will be limited to sealed ocean-going
10   containers; 
11   3. The truck tractor to be permitted (the "permitted truck tractor") has been thoroughly described
12   and identified; 
13   4. The applicant has shown proof of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars liability insurance for
14   the cost of any accident, damage, or injury to any person or property resulting from the operation
15   of the truck tractor and container chassis combination of vehicles covered by the special permit
16   upon the public highways: Provided, that a noncommercial operator shall have at least three
17   hundred thousand dollars liability insurance; 
18   5. The truck tractor has undergone a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) inspection 
19   within the last six months, displays a current CVSA decal, and the Director is satisfied that, at
20   the time of issuance of the special permit, the truck tractor meets the CVSA safety requirements;
21   provided that, for purpose of issuance of the special permit, the Director may rely upon proof of
22   CVSA inspection that the truck tractor meets the CVSA safety requirements; and further that


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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   through the permit the applicant affirms the truck tractor will undergo a second CVSA inspection
2   within six months of permit issuance; 
3   6. Through application for a heavy haul permit, the applicant acknowledges and affirms that: 
4   a. The truck tractor and container chassis combination of vehicles is properly licensed to make
5   the proposed moves and carry sealed ocean-going container loads, in accordance with the
6   provisions of Washington state law; 
7   b. All operators of the truck tractor for which the special permit is issued are and will be properly
8   licensed to operate during the 1-year permit period in the manner proposed in the special permit; 
9   c. Each container chassis will be loaded only with sealed ocean-going containers; 
10   d. The applicant will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the
11   issuance of any special permit; 
12   e. The applicant will maintain a current CVSA certification for the permitted truck tractor and a
13   current certification for each container chassis used in combination therewith, for each
14   movement made under the special permit; 
15   f. That the operator or driver of the permitted truck tractor will be, at all times when moving a
16   load within the heavy haul network, an agent of the applicant or the applicant themselves and
17   authorized to accept service of a citation on behalf of the applicant for any violations of this
18   Chapter or the provisions of Title 11 of the Seattle Municipal Code of the City; 
19   g. The special permit is granted with the specific understanding that the applicant, or truck
20   tractor owner, lessor, or operator, shall be responsible and liable for accidents, damage or injury
21   to any person or property resulting from the operation of the permitted truck tractor and
22   container chassis combination carrying over legal weight loads within and upon the heavy haul
23   network and the applicant shall hold harmless and shall indemnify the City of Seattle, its officers

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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   (elected or appointed), agents and employees against any and all claims, demands, loss, injury,
2   damage, actions and costs of actions whatsoever, which any of them may have sustained by
3   reason of unlawful acts, conduct or operations of the applicant or operator of the permitted truck
4   tractor in connection with such operations; and 
5   h. That the agent filing the application on behalf of the applicant has the authority and is
6   authorized to bind the applicant to the terms and conditions of the special permit. 
7   B. Minimum Axle Requirements. To obtain the special permit, the truck tractor and container
8   chassis combination of vehicles shall have a minimum of two consecutive sets of tandem axles
9   with a minimum overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of
10   tandem axles of thirty-six feet; provided further that the truck tractor's steering axle shall not
11   exceed 600 pounds per inch of tire width, as determined by the tire manufacturer's sidewall
12   markings. 
13   C. Maximum Gross Loads for Combinations. To obtain the special permit, the maximum gross
14   load for the permitted truck tractor and container chassis combination of vehicles shall be as
15   follows: 
16   1. A truck tractor and container chassis combination of vehicles meeting the minimum axle
17   requirements as provided in Section 11.61.050.B herein shall be authorized to carry a gross load
18   of forty thousand pounds on the container chassis tandem axles and forty-three thousand pounds
19   on the truck tractor drive tandem axles; 
20   2. A truck tractor and container chassis combination of vehicles with five axles shall not exceed
21   a gross load of ninety-eight thousand pounds; 


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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   3. The maximum gross load weight limit for truck tractors equipped with a drop axle ahead of
2   the tandem drive axles shall be the greater of 43,000 pounds or the maximum gross load weight
3   limits established pursuant to RCW 46.44.041 as now or hereafter amended; and 
4   4. In no circumstances shall any gross load exceed the manufacturer's equipment weight limits
5   as displayed by the manufacturer on the equipment, including without limitation, the truck
6   tractor, the container chassis and the tires. 
7   D. Exception to weight limits. Obtaining a special heavy haul route network special permit
8   authorized under Chapter 11.61 serves as an exception to the weight limits set forth in Sections
9   11.60.340 and 11.60.370.
10 
11   11.61.060 Special Permit to Be Carried. 
12   The original special permit or a copy therefor shall be carried in the truck tractor to which it
13   refers and shall be open to inspection by any law enforcement officer or authorized agent of the
14   City. 
15 
16   11.61.070 Containers to be Sealed. 
17   All sealed ocean-going containers shall be accompanied with shipping papers carried in the truck
18   tractor showing origin, destination and commodity contained within the sealed ocean-going
19   container. The seal shall be unbroken and affixed with a seal number matching the seal number
20   for the shipping papers. 
21 
22   11.61.080 Certification of Container Chassis. 


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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   The container chassis being moved or operated in combination with the permitted truck tractor
2   under a special permit shall be certified by the Federal Highway Administration and shall display
3   such current certification at the time of movement or operation of the truck tractor and container
4   chassis combination of vehicles. 
5 
6   11.61.090 Fees. 
7   A. All fees obtained pursuant to Chapter 11.61 shall be deposited in the Transportation Operating
8   Fund and shall be subject to appropriation for expenditures related to the public costs associated
9   with the activities authorized hereby including, the cost of administration, inspection, and
10   policing of such activities. 
11   B. The following special permit fees shall be paid: 
12   1. Annual special permit: $200.00 
13   2. Renewal of a special permit: $200.00 
14   3. Replacement special permit: $25.00 
15   C. All fees shall be due and owing at the time the Director approves the issuance of the special
16   permit. No special permit or renewal shall be issued or valid except upon receipt of payment of
17   the fee in full. 
18 
19   11.61.100 Enforcement Procedures  Penalties  Rules. 
20   A. Violation. In addition to any other penalties that may be imposed under City ordinance for
21   violation of over legal weight limits, it shall be a traffic infraction for any of the following: 


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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   (i) for any person to move or operate or cause to be moved or operated, a permitted truck tractor
2   and container chassis combination of vehicles within the heavy haul industrial network in
3   violation of a term or condition of the special permit; 
4   (ii) for any person to direct the loading of a permitted truck tractor and container chassis
5   combination of vehicles with knowledge that it violates the requirements of this Chapter or the
6   special permit and that such combination of vehicles is to be operated within the heavy haul
7   industrial network. For purposes of this Section, knowledge shall mean to know of a fact, action
8   or condition that violates a term or condition of the special permit or this Chapter. A person
9   knows a fact, action or condition in circumstances in which a reasonable person in the same
10   position would have such knowledge; or 
11   (iii) for any person to move a truck tractor container chassis combination of vehicles within the
12   heavy haul network that is in excess of the over legal weight permits unless such person is fully
13   in compliance with the special permit. 
14   B. The penalties imposed pursuant to Section 11.61.090 shall be in addition to any penalties that
15   may be imposed for violation of the over legal weight provisions under city ordinance. 
16 
17   11.61.100 Confiscation and Revocation of Special Permit. 
18   1. Confiscation. Any commercial vehicle enforcement officer or other law enforcement officer
19   who finds any person operating or moving a permitted truck tractor and container chassis
20   combination of vehicles in violation of the conditions of the special permit issued therefore may
21   confiscate the special permit and forward it to the Director who may return it to the permittee or,
22   for good cause, revoke or suspend it without refund. 


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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   2. Revocation or Suspension. The Director may revoke or suspend a special permit for good
2   cause. Good cause includes but is not limited to violation of the requirements or conditions of a
3   special permit.
4   3. Eligibility upon Revocation. If a special permit is revoked by the Director, the truck tractor
5   covered by the permit is not eligible for issuance of a special permit for a period of thirty days
6   after the date of revocation. 
7   4. Hearing. Any permittee whose special permit is suspended or revoked may, upon request
8   made in writing within five days of the action taken, receive a hearing before the Director or
9   their designee to determine if such action was arbitrary and capricious. Upon filing of the hearing
10   request with the Director and until a further order is issued by the Director, such suspension or
11   revocation shall be stayed. After the hearing, the Director or their designee may affirm the
12   previous action taken, reinstate any special permit, or revise the previous action taken. 
13 

14        Section 2. This ordinance authorizes the creation of one full-time equivalent position at
15   the title of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer, which is not exempt from Civil Service
16   and Public Safety Civil Service rules and laws, to monitor and enforce the heavy haul network. 

Item     Department       Position Title           Position Status     Positions 
2.1    Department of     Commercial Vehicle  Full-time                    1.0 
Transportation    Enforcement Officer 
(SDOT) 
17 

18        Section 3. The Director of Seattle Department of Transportation is hereby authorized to
19   execute agreements and accept funds on behalf of the City of Seattle with the Port of Seattle to

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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1   accept up to $250,000 in revenue for costs and expenses to be incurred by the City to fund a
2   portion of the heavy haul network program not covered by permit fees. The funds when received
3   shall be deposited into Transportation Operating Fund and will be used to reimburse the City for 
4   program costs and expenses incurred. 
5 
6         Section 4. Any act consistent with the authority of this ordinance after its passage and
7   prior to its effective date is ratified and confirmed. 
8 
9         Section 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days from and after its
10   approval by the Mayor, but if not approved and returned by the Mayor within ten days after
11   presentation, it shall take effect as provided by Seattle Municipal Code Section 1.04.020. 
12        Passed by a three-fourths vote by all members of the City Council the ____ day of
13   ________________________, 2015, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its
14   passage this 
15    _____ day of ___________________, 2015. 
16 
17                            _________________________________ 
18                                President __________of the City Council 
19 
20        Approved by me this ____ day of _____________________, 2015. 
21 
22                            _________________________________ 
23                                Edward B. Murray, Mayor 

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Mike Estey 
SDOT Heavy Haul Code Revision ORD 
September 2, 2015 
Version #14 
1 
2         Filed by me this ____ day of __________________________, 2015. 
3 
4                               ____________________________________ 
5                                   Monica Martinez Simmons, City Clerk 
6   (Seal) 
7 
8 












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