PHOENIX – With more than 70 permit options for commercial drivers, the Arizona Department of Transportation’s new online tool allows for quick, accurate information in one stop.

The ADOT Enforcement and Compliance Division implemented this new system, Electronic Permit and Routing Online – known as ePRO.

“The efficient and safe movement of freight is a keystone to improve Arizona’s economic foundation,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “To stay competitive, Arizona must provide our business partners with solid information about safe, reliable routes to support travel decisions. Systems like ePRO support that mission.”

The online system creates a one-stop, self-service tool to obtain the necessary permits and also receive up-to-date validation of routing information and roadway travel restrictions. Each year, ADOT issues more than 250,000 permits for 3,000 commercial carriers operating in Arizona.

ADOT began working with the commercial vehicle carriers three years ago to develop an online permit system that meets the needs of the industry.

“The safe and efficient movement of freight is crucial to Arizona’s economic success. The ePRO permitting system is an important step in ensuring Arizona does not become an unnecessary bottleneck in delivering goods and products,” said Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association.

Previously, permits were issued at Arizona ports of entry and at central permitting offices. This process did not allow for the customer to receive timely routing or roadway travel restrictions, which had to be provided by an ADOT employee to complete the permit process.

“The new ePRO system provides better service, reduces costs and provides critical support to the professional driving community,” Halikowski said.

The new ePRO system expedites the permit issuance process through self-service convenience, allowing 24/7 access to obtain most permits, along with those for typical oversize and overweight loads.

Carriers and drivers desiring to use ePRO will be required to obtain a user sign-in and password. The online system is a secure environment using the latest encryption technology and will accept major credit cards for the purchase of permits.

The ePRO system, along with finding locations where permits can be obtained, can be found on the ADOT Website at www.azdot.gov/permits.