Oregon backs out of Norpass

SALEM, Ore. (Feb. 8, 2000) — Oregon has withdrawn from the Norpass weigh station preclearance system in protest against an operating agreement between Norpass and its competitor, PrePass.

Oregon said its action was triggered by a partial “interoperability” agreement between the two organizations. Under the agreement, which takes effect Feb. 15, Norpass carriers may use PrePass provided they meet PrePass safety criteria, have the right transponder and pay the fee.

State officials object to a provision of the agreement that in effect requires Norpass users to get permission from the organization that administers PrePass, HELP Inc., before they can use PrePass.

The interoperability agreement “invite(s) HELP Inc. to dictate further terms of use,” says a letter from the Oregon Dept. of Transportation to Tim Erickson, president of North American Preclearance and Safety Systems (Norpass). This sets the stage for HELP Inc. “to impose elements of the PrePass business model on independent states,” the letter says.

Oregon was the only Norpass state to vote against the agreement. It said it would co-operate with other states that want to make their pre-clearance systems interoperable with its Green Light preclearance system.

Norpass carriers can learn if their transponder will work with PrePass by calling 877-229-7277. To apply for PrePass clearance, call 800-773-7277.