Trucking news and briefs for Monday, March 3, 2025:
Michigan ‘frost law’ weight restrictions begin
The Michigan DOT is enacting spring weight restrictions for the southern half of the state beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, March 3.Michigan DOT
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and local agencies are enacting spring weight restrictions, an annual move to protect roads also enforced in other northern states as the ground thaws begins to thaw substantially.
Effective 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all Michigan state trunkline highways from the Indiana/Ohio border north to and including U.S. 10 in Ludington in Mason County from the M-116 intersection, then east to U.S. 127 in Clare County, then north on U.S. 127 to M-61, then east on M-61 ending at the intersection of U.S. 23 in the City of Standish, Arenac County.
All state trunklines will have weight restrictions imposed and enforced. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.
Michigan and other northern states institute these “frost law” restrictions when roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, causing melting snow and ice to saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage. This contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter's numerous freeze-thaw cycles.
In Michigan’s restricted areas, the following will apply:
- On routes designated as "all-season" (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.
- All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles, and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.
- On routes designated as "seasonal" (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25% for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35% for flexible (asphalt) pavements, and maximum speed of 35 mph for some vehicles.
Drivers must follow the speed limits for weight restricted roads, per state law. Go online for speed restrictions for trucks and the rules for propane fuel delivery and public utility vehicles.
MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.
County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually but not always coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.
[Related: How to navigate 'frost laws' in northern states]
Small number of new Volvos recalled
Volvo Trucks North America is recalling a small number of 2023-‘25 VN trucks in which the brakes may take longer than expected to activate. Delayed brake activation can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents, this causes the trucks to fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 121, "Air Brake Systems."
Dealers will install a new pneumatic circuit, free of charge, on the eight affected units. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18. Owners can contact Volvo Trucks' customer service at 800-528-6586 with recall number RVXX2502. NHTSA’s recall number is 25V-102.
[Related: Paccar, Daimler, Volvo: Latest truck recalls]
Morgan Truck Body launches new online parts store
Morgan Truck Body, a manufacturer of light- and medium-duty dry freight and refrigerated van and truck bodies, launched a new online parts store during NTEA Work Truck Week 2025.
Morgan’s online parts store is dedicated to delivering reliable, high-quality parts for box truck owners, operators, and fleets across the country, the company said.
The store will offer a wide selection of box truck components, including Morgan OEM parts, cargo doors, rollup doors, corner caps, lighting and more. The website will allow customers to find the parts they need and make quick, secure purchases.
“We understand the demands placed on those who rely on Morgan truck bodies to help move their business,” said Ken Axe, Morgan Truck Body Senior Director of Parts & Service. “Our goal is to provide a reliable, one-stop online shop for box truck parts, backed by the same quality and service people come to expect from Morgan. Whether you are a small business owner or a fleet manager, we are committed to helping you keep your trucks running smoothly.”
