The Minnesota Department of Transportation's - Office of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations is responsible for administering and enforcing safety and economic regulations that govern for-hire and private motor carriers operating in or through Minnesota. It is also responsible for managing activities that impact multi-modal freight movements and the use of private rail systems for passenger service in Minnesota.
This section is responsible for managing activities that impact multi-modal freight movements, and the use of private rail systems for passenger service in Minnesota. It is also responsible for a variety of planning activities such as the development of rail and waterway plans and freight movement studies. Activities and programs include:
- Activities that impact freight rail service and safety
- Commercial navigation and environmental impacts
- Data and analysis to support multi-modal freight planning
- Minnesota Rail Service Improvement Program
- Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Safety Improvement Program
- Port Development Program
- Minnesota Freight Advisory Committee
- Truck size and weight policy
This section administers and enforces safety and economic regulations that govern for-hire and private motor carriers operating in or through Minnesota. It also accepts and investigates all complaints made against carriers and service providers under its jurisdiction. They review and issue transportation permits for oversize and/or overweight load movements which meet appropriate requirements and restrictions for travel on MN Trunk HIghways. Comprehensive programs help ensure carrier compliance with federal and state regulations, including but not limited to:
- Driver's hours of service
- Driver qualifications
- Drug and alcohol testing procedures
- Proper hazardous materials (Hazmat) packaging and transportation
- Repair and maintenance requirements
- Safe operation of vehicles
- Vehicle inspection and vehicle safety standards
- Issuance of Oversize and Overweight Transportation Permits
- Carrier liability insurance
- Operating authority and tariffs for household goods movers
- Exempt commodities carriers (primarily agriculture and construction)
- Luxury limousine services
- Regular route bus services
- Special transportation services (STS) for the elderly and disabled
Comments or questions can be directed to motorcarrier@dot.state.mn.us
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