Wyoming Highway Patrol - Commercial Carrier

This past week Cheyenne area Ports of Entry celebrated the 29th Annual Wyoming Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Our officers wanted to honor truck drivers and the vital role they play in everyday life in Wyoming. Drivers were treated to soft drinks and water as well as donuts, cookies and fruit. The I-25 Port even had an impressive 1955 International pull in with an oversize load. A big thank you to our professional drivers and the workload they provide 365 days a year.

Today we are celebrating our truck drivers in Cheyenne at the I-80 and US85 Ports of Entry. Come join the festivities for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week between 12pm and 2pm. Big thank you to our professional drivers!

WYDOT, WHP announce transition to electronic permit system.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Department of Transportation, through the Commercial Carrier Section of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, will soon begin transitioning to an electronic system for all carriers and Wyoming Self-Issuing Permit Program holders.

The ProMiles e-permitting system is already in use in several neighboring states and will begin its rollout in Wyoming on Oct. 1, 2024. The new system will improve administration of self-issued permits related to all oversized and overweight loads on Wyoming highways.

While the guidelines for obtaining permits will not change, the new system will streamline the process, making it more efficient and user-friendly.

As e-permitting launches, the Wyoming Highway Patrol set up a one-year transition period to answer questions from commercial carriers and provide ample training and support for those who are currently enrolled in the Wyoming Self-Issuing Permit Program.

Patrol believes that the year-long conversion will allow sufficient time for all users to become familiar with the program.

“We value all of the Wyoming Self-Issuing Permit Program holders,” said Troy McAlpine of the Wyoming Highway Patrol. “We understand the connectivity challenges that carriers may face, especially in rural Wyoming, and they will still be able to obtain clearances and permits by phone through a Port of Entry. We want everyone to be successful in this transition.”

McAlpine added that in the rare event that the website or phones are experiencing technical outages, Ports of Entry will still be able to issue permits.

Carriers with questions about the new e-permitting system are encouraged to reach out to Troy McAlpine (307-777-4876) or Dustin Bumbaca (307-777-3958) of the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Commercial Carrier Section.

Top 10 Thursday! Proof of periodic inspection was by far the number one violation again. In second place is false report of drivers record of duty status. Failing to add shipping document number was a distant third. A little over one third of the drivers inspected had clean inspections. A big thank to those drivers and their diligence in keeping the highways safe.

Loads requiring escorts will not be allowed to travel from 30 minutes after sunset tonight to 30 minutes before sunrise September 3rd.

The Evanston Port entry will be undergoing construction on the entrance ramp August 19th through the 22nd. The ramp will be closed 8am August 19th to 5pm that evening. Starting 8am August 20 through 5pm on August 22 the ramp will be closed for additional construction.
The port will still be staffed between the hours of 6am to 9pm. Officers will be available to complete fax and email permits during that time. Any questions please call 307-789-3538 or email [email protected]

Top 10 Thursday! (Delayed one week for our Industry Day event last Friday)
Proof of periodic inspection is the clear number one violation again this past month. In second place up from 3rd place in June, No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher. We are down from June with 350 clean inspections in July. We would like to recognize the 133 drivers who earned a sticker for clean Level 1 inspections. Thank you for doing your part in keeping the highways safe.

Transportation Research and Education for Driving Safety (TREDS) is one the organizations that will be in attendance at our Industry Day event on Friday. They will be there provide information about their free new program called Just Drive: Deliver Distraction Free. For more information please check out their website. https://treds.ucsd.edu/programs/commercial-drivers/distracted-driving/index.html

Don't forget to join us Friday for the first Wyoming Industry Day in Cheyenne. Events start at 9am at Laramie County Community College.

Are you a commercial carrier, driver, or just interested in the commercial carrier industry?
Please join us for the inaugural Wyoming Industry Day at Laramie County Community College, August 9th from 9:00am-1:00pm.
Meet your Federal Partners, Regional State Partners, and Local Industry Members. Join us for information sharing and learn about concerns that impact the commercial carrier industry!

**UPDATE 7/24/24 930am The Port has re-opened to traffic.**

The Sheridan Port of Entry has been closed to traffic since Monday July 22nd and will be closed through Wednesday July 24th at 5pm. This is for installation of new hardware. Officers will be in the building during normal operating hours (5am-10pm) to take calls and issue email permits. Any questions please call the Sheridan POE directly at 307-674-2350.

Starting Saturday July 20th the Evanston Port of Entry will have a change in hours. The new temporary hours of operation will be from 6am to 9pm. The Port's email is [email protected] or call (307) 789-3538 with any questions.

Starting Monday July 15th thru Friday the 19th the Evanston Port of Entry will close to all traffic. This is so new equipment can be installed. The Port will be staffed as normal to accommodate carriers and issue email/fax permits. The Port's email is [email protected]

Top 10 Friday! (Delayed one day for Independence Day)
Proof of periodic inspection continues as the number one violation this past month. In second place again is Clamp or Roto type brake out of adjustment. No/discharged/unsecured fire extinguisher jumps up to third place. We were just shy of 400 clean inspections in June. We would like to thank the 120 drivers who earned a sticker for clean Level 1 inspections. They are doing their part in keeping the highways safe.

All offices and Ports of Entry will be closed on Thursday July 4th for Independence Day.

All escorted oversize loads will be restricted from travel, between 30mins after sunset on Wednesday 7/3/24 to 30mins before sunrise on Friday 7/5/24.

Please have a safe 4th of July holiday.

***UPDATE 8/19/24 Construction is complete***

Heads up for CMV drivers, US 30 will be having construction near the Kemmerer Port of Entry MP 52.4. A new access ramp entryway will be paved. Drivers can expect reduced speeds with traffic control, please use caution while traversing this section of US30.

WY22 re-opened Friday. No vehicles over 60,000LBS GVW are allowed on this section of highway.

WYDOT Teton County reopened Wyoming Highway 22/Teton Pass to live traffic at noon today, just three weeks after the Big Fill landslide severed the Teton Valley.

“While temporary, this detour safely reconnects communities and gives commuting families their valuable personal time back,” said WYDOT Director Darin Westby. “This process underscores the vital importance of infrastructure like mountain passes that connect people to work, family, medical care, affordable housing and other necessities.”

WYDOT wants to reassure highway users that the slide area will be continually monitored as engineers and other professionals now look to designing and planning the reconstruction of the section of highway impacted by the slide. The goal is to have Teton Pass completely rebuilt before the worst of winter arrives.

“Together with our stakeholders, partners, contractors and community advocates, we were able to accomplish this major feat in a matter of weeks – despite expectations that it would take months, or even years - all while keeping safety paramount,” said John Eddins, WYDOT District 3 Engineer. “Of course, we have so many to thank for this achievement.”

Evans Construction and its subcontractors worked around the clock, even through Father’s Day weekend, to build the temporary detour. WYDOT commends Evans for their dedication, responsiveness and efficiency as their crews accomplished this massive undertaking.

Avail Valley Construction also deserves a hearty thanks for the quick work on the mudslide cleanup and culvert installation at mile marker 15. Understanding the need to relieve commuters from the strain of a nearly four-hour commute, Avail has agreed to continue work with live traffic to allow the detour to open. WYDOT thanks Avail for their flexibility and responsiveness.

You can see more of our thank yous here: https://www.dot.state.wy.us/news/teton-pass-reopens-to-commuter-tourist-traffic

“I think every Wyoming resident or regional commuter can be proud of their transportation department,” Westby said. “WYDOT staff from a variety of departments and areas of expertise rolled up their sleeves and got to work for the people – a master level class in public service.”

Mark your calendars!

📅 Save the Date! 🚔 🚚

Join us for a thrilling day as we support the Wyoming Special Olympics!

We are partnering with the Wyoming Law Enforcement Torch Run to host an exciting Truck Convoy with the goal of having 100 trucks this year to raise awareness and funds for this incredible cause.

Carriers come out and show your support for our athletes!

Top 10 Thursday!
Proof of periodic inspection repeats as the number one violation this past month. In second place is Clamp or Roto type brake out of adjustment. There were nearly 600 clean inspections in May. We would like to thank the drivers who had clean inspections. You are doing your part in keeping the highways safe.

An important safety message for all drivers.
June 6th is Secure Your Load Day
Seattle, Washington, May 30, 2024 as Founder of Secure Your Load, Robin Abel wishes to share a personal message this year. This year marks 20 years since my daughter Maria was critically injured by an unsecured load, driving home from work. That event changed our lives forever.
https://secureyourload.com/Documents/Robin%27s%20Story.mp4

I want to remind everyone that it is imperative to “never forget the stories” behind this safety campaign.
These people are the reason we push to educate the public on the importance of good load securement.
Paul Reif’s son Matthew left his heavy equipment operator job on June 6 th 2006 and never made it home that day. He was killed by a heavy piece of metal that went through his windshield.
https://www.azfamily.com/2024/05/16/junk-arizona-roads-leads-hundreds-crashes-every-year/
Jason Fields, of Alabama died last month because a metal beam went through his windshield. He too never made it home that day. https://www.wvtm13.com/article/gardendale-man-killed-in-crash-
involving-road-debris-monday/60573139

Do you feel safe driving behind that truck ahead of you…. you know the one with the load of items not securely fastened to the vehicle? I too often hear that these are freak accidents but in truth they are frequent incidents, deadly and totally preventable. What is a secured load? Bottomline, all loads need
to be securely fastened to the vehicle at all times. You do not get to say, it is below the truck bed or it is heavy or light or crammed in, or you only secure what you think needs to be secured, those are not secured loads. You must secure all loads at all times. Use good nets, tarps and/or straps. The re are no “do overs” in the world of safety!
National companies; Are you requiring all your trucks to secure their loads? How about your smaller company trucks? Doing business in multiple states, are you keeping to the highest standard of load securement as your trucks travel or work in multiple states? Best practice, adhere to the highest standard of load securement at all times.
While this is a personal message, we have to talk about “data.” In 2022, there were 895 deaths, 17,203 injuries and 98,502 property damage crashes caused by unsecured loads. Sadly, the numbers have increased as they have in all other sectors of road safety. All of these people had stories.
As my daughter Maria said, it only takes a few minutes, a few dollars and compassion for others to secure your load. So, as you get in your car and pull out of your driveway today think about Maria, Matthew, Jason and thousands of other family and community members who have been killed or injured by unsecured loads and road debris. Do not ever forget the stories behind Secure Your Load.
These people are our family members, our neighbors who left their home or work one day when they were confronted by an unsecured load. A weapon on the road.
There is power in numbers and last year 46 states participated in Secure Your Load Day safety campaign educating thousands of drivers on the importance of good load securement. Thank you to all of you who support this campaign, together we are saving lives! “Button it up America…..Secure Your Loads” “Secure Your Load as if everyone you love is driving in the car behind you!”

Robin Abel, Founder Secure Your Load
www.secureyourload.com

Just a reminder for the Memorial Day weekend. Loads requiring escorts will not be allowed to travel from 1/2 hour after sunset May 24th to 1/2 hour before sunrise May 28th, 2024.

This past week from May 14th to 16th our Port Officers and Commercial Carrier Troopers participated in the CVSA Road Check. During that time 548 inspections were conducted statewide. The break down are as follows, 322 Level 1 inspections, 32 Level 2 inspections and 194 Level 3 inspections.
128 vehicles were found to be out of service while inspectors were able to sticker 132 vehicles with no critical safety issues.
We want to thank our Troopers and Officers that participated in this annual effort. We also want to thank the 132 professional drivers that earned a sticker for their truck. They are doing their part to keep the highways safe.