TRENTON, N.J. -- If you need an overweight permit in New Jersey, you might face some delays while the state moves to an automated online application process.

According to the New Jersey Motor Truck Association, New Jersey is moving towards implementation of an online overweight permit application process that will streamline the issuance of these permits, while ensuring that overweight vehicles are properly routed on Interstate and State highways in the State. The system is currently in use in 22 other states and is expected to be fully operational for New Jersey by mid-2009.

As an interim step in moving towards full automation of this process, New Jersey began routing of overweight single trip permits earlier this month.

In addition to the vehicle information normally supplied for an overweight permit application, critical information regarding axle spacing and weights configuration, along with a description of the route that the overweight vehicle will be taking on the New Jersey Interstate or State highway system, will be required. Once the route has been approved it will become part of the permit issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

New Jersey's goal is to review the route and axle configuration and weight information and provide an approval of the route, or an indication of the portion of the route that cannot be approved, as quickly as possible, however, it is recommended that applicants allow two to three business days for routing approval, to ensure that deliveries of overweight shipments are not potentially delayed.

-- via Truckinginfo.com