Export containers pose a more serious problem than do import containers. About 24 percent of export containers moving through Washington's seaports, and 12 percent of import containers exceed maximum weight limits. The study concludes that resolution of this problem would require a uniform federal policy at the national level. The availability of accurate container weight information throughout any given journey is critical. Such information can be used by ports or the Electronic Interchange System to identify violators.
Most overweight containers can meet legal requirements with the use of special chassis.
Encouragement of the use of such equipment should be a policy priority. Special corridors that are not subject to weighing requirements in the vicinity of ports should eliminate some of the problem, particularly for rail containers. Any enforcement measures should, however, consider the impact on the efficiency of the transport system, the competitiveness of the state's seaports, and the impact on the trade. This document is available to the public through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22616.