Tampa Bay Regional Goods Movement

The Local Truck Route system provides an extensive network of state, county and city roadways, and serves an important role in enabling truck operators the ability to effectively ship and deliver goods and services to the consumer. Local truck routes also facilitate the efficient movement of goods in each county to and from Freight Activity Centers and the Regional Freight Network.

The majority of counties and municipalities in the FDOT District Seven Region have truck route ordinances and plans which regulate travel by large trucks on the local roadway network. The impacts of trucks on a community’s roadways depend in large part on the local truck route ordinance, and the specific designations and/or restrictions for the use of local roads, and state and national highways by commercial vehicles (based on axle size). The local ordinances for truck routes vary from community to community. Some communities define truck routes based on the functionality of a roadway, thereby restricting through truck traffic on all other roads. The intent is to curtail or prevent trucks from driving through residential neighborhoods, sensitive activity centers, and to maintain the condition of roadway pavement not designed to handle significant truck traffic. Some communities also determine the permissible vehicle weight on a roadway, leaving the remaining roads of the transportation network unrestricted from through trucks. Truck routes are also typically signed accordingly based on designation or restriction, especially near major intersections.

One of the most important aspects of local truck route planning involves regional coordination. Since major truck routes are typically located in multiple jurisdictions, each community must work cooperatively to ensure continuity regarding truck route ordinances, plans, routes and existing and future land uses. A regional partnership is essential to preserve local truck routes, ultimately ensuring an efficient transportation system and a prosperous economy.