Freight Management and Commercial Vehicle Operations
The District Department of Transportation’s mission is to ensure efficient and safe mobility of commercial vehicles traveling in the District of Columbia while mitigating community impacts and preserving transportation infrastructure. Trucks and commercial vehicles are essential to the District of Columbia, providing goods and services to thousands of District residents and businesses every day. The city’s diverse mixture of land uses, dense urban environment and extensive transportation infrastructure require a distinct set of rules and regulations to govern the operation of trucks and commercial vehicles. In order for this system to function efficiently, it is important that drivers observe these rules and regulations.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding truck and commercial vehicle operation in the District of Columbia please contact the Freight and Motor Carrier Program at (202) 671-2226.
For information about Freight Rail, click here.
Industry Updates
Memo for Freight Operators 2012 This memo provides important 2012 information for freight operators in Washington, DC. Read more.
District of Columbia "Freight Forum" This newsletter serves as a resource for up-to-date information for freight movement in the District of Columbia. Read more.
Click links below to read the most recent updates.
Idle Reduction Campaign
Definition of a Commercial Vehicle
In the District of Columbia a commercial vehicle (truck) is defined as any vehicle with more than three wheels that is greater than twenty-two feet in length, or that is used or maintained for transporting freight, merchandise, or other commercial loads or property.
Truck Routes
The District Department of Transportation is in the process of establishing an official truck route system. Click here to download a pdf with more information about the process.
Draft Truck Route Map for the District of Columbia
To download a pdf map of suggested truck routes, click here. Additional information about truck restriction can be found under Routing in the D.C. Traffic Rules for Commercial Vehicles section below.
Commercial Vehicle Curbside Loading Regulations
The District Department of Transportation is developing a commercial curbside loading zone management plan, as supported by the “Commercial Curbside Loading Zone Implementation Act of 2009”. To download a pdf of the Act click here.
The District Department of Transportation has performed a survey to identify all loading zones within the central business district including Adams Morgan/Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill. Click here to download a pdf map of the loading zones.
Locations of the loading zones are also available through Google Earth (coming soon!).
* Note: You will need Google Earth to be able to view this document. To download Google earth click here.
D.C. Traffic Rules for Commercial Vehicles
It is important to know and follow the traffic and parking regulations when operating in the city. Be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists, and follow all posted traffic regulations and requirements. District regulations are strictly enforced by the Metropolitan Police Department and violations will result in a ticket and a fine.
General Rules
Please refer to the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations, Title 18 for the most current traffic regulations governing trucks and commercial vehicles.
*To view DC Driving 101 – 10 simple rules for driving in the District – click here.
Routing
It is important to know your destination and review your routes before coming to the District of Columbia. Unless making a delivery, any vehicles traveling on a restricted street will be subject to a fine.To download a pdf list of the restricted streets in the District click here.
Parking
There are many events occurring throughout the city on a daily basis and parking for commercial vehicles is limited. It is important to read all parking and traffic signs before you park. All traffic and vehicle activity is governed by Title 18 of the D.C. Municipal Regulations. Commercial vehicles can be ticketed for:
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Double parking.
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Stopping and loading at unauthorized areas.
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Parking at meters.
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Stopping, loading or parking on streets with rush hour prohibitions.
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Parking in any area posted “No Parking” or “No Standing”.
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Parking in a commercial vehicle zone for longer than the posted time limit.
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Parking in a residential neighborhood.
Idling
Please show consideration for our environment and the District’s anti-idling law. Commercial vehicles may idle for up to three minutes in the District of Columbia, and may idle for up to five minutes if the temperature is 32oF or below.
To download a pdf of the regulation click here.
Oversize and Overweight Vehicles
The District of Columbia has size and weight restrictions that limit the size of the vehicles that can legally operate on District roadways. To find out the legal size and weight limits for all vehicles as well as information on permitting click here.
To view a list of frequently asked questions about the permitting process for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles in the District, click here.
Reports, Studies and Presentations