Commercial Transport Procedures Manual

Extraordinary Load Approval Process - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I apply for an Extraordinary Load Approval?
   • First step in the process is complete the Request Form
     Form CVSE0026 Extraordinary Load Approval Request
   • Email your request form to extraordloads.dc@gov.bc.ca
     (or Fax your request to 250-784-2280)
2. What can I do to expedite the process?
   • Be thorough when you complete the request form
   • Ensure your diagrams are clearly legible
   • Use the electronic communications process
3. What are your operating hours?
   • Monday to Friday,  8:30 am to 4:30 pm
   • Emails or faxes can be sent 24/7
4. What is the turnaround time for us to receive a response on our approval?
   • Oversize approval (T61) is completed at the Commercial Transport Advisor level: our standard for turnaround is 48 hours.
   • Identical overload approval: our standard is 1 to 3 business days.
   • Bridge Approval: our standard is an average of 11 calendar days and 95% of approvals within 19 calendar days. This does not include loads for which applicants are required to undertake their own bridge engineering.
   • Vehicle engineer: our standard is a maximum 7 business days
   • Other engineer approvals i.e. federal: our standard is 7 business days
   • Commercial Transport Procedures Manual
     
     Note: he complexity of your request determines the amount of time we require to process your application: distance, number of structures that need to be crossed,  proposed route, temporary obstructions,  type of configurations,  weight and safety are all factors that are taken into consideration prior to your approval or non-approval.
     
5. If I reference a previous overload number, will that expedite the process?
   • Yes, if your load is identical to the previous overload number, meaning:
     • Same truck configuration, including axle groups and spacing
     • All axle weights are the same or less than the previous approval
     • Same roads being travelled in the same direction
     • Same start and end locations
     • Provide previous Bridge Approval (Overload) number i.e. OL1111
     • Approval within the last 5 years
   • If you say your load is similar, please clarify what you mean, i.e. the route is the same, weight is less and configuration is different.  If your weight is higher, you need to submit a new request.  This type of request can actually slow the process down if you are not clear in your submission, as we will need to contact you for clarification.
     
     
     Note: The turnaround time of 1 to 3 days for an identical approval does not apply to similar requests; however, information about similar approvals may still help speed analysis of your request and assist the program as a whole.
6. Why can’t I leave a voice message?
   • You can leave a voice message, however we prefer you use the electronic system, as it is the quickest, most efficient and most reliable.
   • The PPC uses a team approach to processing your requests, if someone is not available, another staff member will deal with your request or questions. We have up to 5 people who are reviewing the inbox and can respond to your emails daily.
   • When we receive your request, we create a file with your company name and the commodity you are moving. Everything we receive or send to you is kept in this file, so that if you are making an enquiry a response can be provided and you don’t have to wait for a specific staff person to return your call.
   • Our main concern is service delivery and we operate out of different locations across the province. A phone message left on one phone will not be picked up in another location, so your call may not be returned promptly.
7. How do I know if I need to apply for a special approval?
   • In BC, there are three ‘levels’ of permits that are heavier and/or larger than legal weights and dimensions: term permits, single trip permits and permits requiring extraordinary load approvals. See Chapter 6 of the Commercial Transport Procedures Manual for information about extraordinary loads
   • For more information on Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement visit our main website at cvse.ca or contact your nearest inspection station.
     
8. Can you clarify the 90-day approval process?
   • The 90-day approval process was implemented to save you time. Previously approvals were only valid for 30 days and if you were unable to make the trip, you needed to reapply for an extension.
     
     Note: this does not mean the approval is valid for additional loads; a new request must go through the process.
9. Can you clarify the process for multiple loads on one request?
   • Add the number of identical loads you are making and include information about your proposed timeline to complete the moves. If the commodities, vehicle configurations or routes are different, please provide specific information for each trip.
     
     Note: If you are returning empty, request approval on your original request.
10. What is the process if we are a sub-contractor?
    • You can make the request as the sub-contractor
    • The company you have contracted with submits the request and your company is included, if approved either company can obtain the permit.
      
      Note: If you are making the request as the sub-contractor you are doing this independently, do not cross-reference with the main contractor as each request is treated as a separate request. The most efficient process is: the main contractor submits the request with your company included.