S.C. Boosts Container-Weight Allowance to 100,000 Pounds

South Carolina is issuing special weight permits under a new state policy that allows international shipping containers weighing up to 100,000 pounds to run on the state’s roads, up from the previous 90,000-pound limit.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation began issuing the designated-route-permits Nov. 1 at a cost of $30 for a single trip and $100 for a multi-trip permit with up to five designated routes.

The change to higher weight permits was initiated by the DOT in conjunction with the South Carolina Ports Authority. Until this month, the state’s legal limit for special weight permits was 90,000 pounds.

Byron Miller, director of public relations for the authority, said the higher weight allowances will boost the state’s agricultural and forestry export markets and make the Port of Charleston more competitive with ports on the Southern Atlantic seaboard that allow containers of more than 90,000 pounds.