Texas wins ITS America award for TxPROS trucking system

ITS America has honored the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) with a ‘Smart Solution Spotlight Award’ for a new internet-based tool that allows motor carriers to self-issue the permits and routes they need to move oversize and overweight loads on the state’s highway system. The organization’s Smart Solution Spotlight awards honors companies and organizations for using innovative ITS technology to create a safer, cleaner, more efficient and sustainable transportation system. The Texas Permitting and Routing Optimization System (TxPROS) earned its award in recognition of its use of ‘smart’ technology to improve service, save time and resources and keep loads and motorists safe.

Trucks moving loads that are taller, longer, wider or heavier than legal limits must get a permit and – for many loads – a route from the TxDMV. An accurate route avoids obstacles, such as overpasses that are too low, or bridges and pavements that could be damaged by the load. TxPROS is the first system to generate a route, along with a map and turn-by-turn driving instructions, customized to the size and weight of the load in ‘real-time’ using GIS. TxPROS allows trucking companies to apply for oversize/overweight permits, pay the fees, and route their trucks on the best roads for a load’s size and weight – all online, 24/7. The system is the first of its kind in the USA and has proved to be so easy to use that customers have self-issued more than half of all permits since its launch in August 2011. TxPROS cost US$1.6 million and took four years of work with a software developer and coordination with the motor carrier industry. A recent survey shows that 96% of customers say TxPROS has benefitted their business.

“TxPROS perfects the use of the latest in database and web technology, GIS data and real-time information, to totally streamline a manual process that was labor intensive and not very cost effective,” acknowledged ITS America’s president and CEO, Scott Belcher, when announcing the award. “This investment in technology is already yielding remarkable results for the state and its customers – we hope to see it replicated throughout the country.” Phil Wilson, TxDOT executive director, commented: “TxPROS is an innovative tool that promotes safety and efficiency for people moving goods through Texas. It reflects the strong partnership and collaborative effort between state government and the motor carrier industry that benefits all Texans.”

7 September 2012