OTA Dispatch Issue 4 2017

31 www.ortrucking.org Issue 4 | 2017 ODOT staff recognize when a situation is urgent and there is a need to prioritize incoming permitting requests. There’s also an after-hours phone number for emergencies, and in those circumstances, ODOT can give verbal authorization to proceed along a safe route and will issue the paperwork the next business day. Get Involved with Emergency Relief In situations such as snow storms or a damaged road, ODOT will partner with local contractors depending if they have the resources and expertise required for the specific job. Towing companies, construction contractors, and businesses that operate heavy equipment for road repairs are always desired because getting a road re-opened is always a priority. You can join the Emergency Registry via ODOT’s website to become an on-call contractor. Not a construction or towing company? The Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) is another way to get involved. All carriers that are registered contractors in the state can register in ORPIN to provide services, such as deliveries of supplies, during emergency situations. The registry is not just limited to trailer/tractor supplies—anyone in the state of Oregon can register to provide different kinds of services. Non-Oregon based carriers can register if they are licensed in Oregon. If you’re interested in volunteering trucks and drivers for emergency deliveries, providing other services, or making a donation for disaster relief, the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) is a great resource. You can also check out the Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (ORVOAD) , an organization that works closely with the Office of Emergency Management. FAQ’s to ODOT When is the road going to be open/what are the detour routes? Believe it or not, ODOT usually doesn’t have super-secret information! ODOT is pretty good about knowing or determining detour routes, but you can also rely on TripCheck and other external ODOT communications for when roads are actually going to open. Do I need tire chains? Be sure to visit TripCheck for chain restrictions and check road conditions and weather before your trip. Districts can set up a chain restriction anywhere on the highway, so even in low snow events, signs may not be posted. If you are traveling through Oregon, especially November-May and through mountain pass areas, you should carry chains. Otherwise, you may get caught in a bottleneck area with a line of trucks that can’t get over a hill or be forced to turn around.  Article Contributors: Amy Ramsdell, Audrey Lawson, Greg Ek-Collins, Charlie Hutto, and Darren Neavoll with ODOT.