Each spring, as temperatures rise and the ground begins to thaw, Michigan enacts seasonal weight restrictions known as “frost laws.” While these regulations serve an important purpose in protecting public infrastructure, they also create significant operational and financial challenges—especially for independent truckers and small fleet owners.
Understanding the purpose behind frost laws, how they are enforced, and their impact on daily operations is essential for navigating this seasonal disruption effectively.
Frost laws are seasonal weight restrictions placed on certain roads during the spring thaw, typically from late February through April in Michigan. These laws are enforced by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and various county road commissions to prevent costly damage to roadways during a period when the underlying soil is especially vulnerable.
During the winter months, the ground beneath Michigan’s roads freezes solid. As spring approaches, the top layer of soil begins to thaw while the layers below remain frozen. This creates a saturated, unstable base that can be severely damaged by heavy truck traffic. Without seasonal restrictions, fully loaded trucks could cause pavement cracking, deep ruts, or even total road failure.
Frost laws temporarily lower axle weight limits on certain roads, especially those not built to all-season standards. Roads designated as “all-season” can handle legal weight limits year-round, but many local and county roads are not built to the same standard and are subject to frost restrictions.
During frost law season, law enforcement and state agencies increase monitoring efforts to ensure compliance. The Michigan State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED), along with local agencies, regularly deploy portable scales at weigh stations and roadside checkpoints. These mobile enforcement efforts can appear without notice and are intended to prevent premature road deterioration.
Officers use portable axle scales to determine whether trucks are operating within the seasonal weight limits. The thresholds during frost law season are lower than standard legal limits and can vary depending on the road classification and axle configuration. Violations can result in substantial fines and may require immediate offloading or rerouting.
The heightened enforcement—while critical for protecting infrastructure—often leads to delays and added stress for trucking professionals who must constantly monitor routes and load limits.
Frost laws introduce multiple layers of complexity for independent truckers and small logistics operations. Reduced weight limits translate directly into reduced hauling capacity. For example, a truck that typically hauls 25 tons of materials may be limited to 16 or 18 tons during the restricted period, depending on the route and axle configuration.
This reduction in payload means more trips are required to deliver the same volume of goods. More trips result in higher fuel consumption, increased driver hours, and added wear and tear on equipment. However, fixed costs such as insurance, vehicle payments, and maintenance do not decrease with lighter loads.
Additionally, trucking companies often face delays due to route restrictions or weigh station inspections. Re-routing to avoid frost-restricted roads can add significant time to deliveries. This unpredictability may strain relationships with customers, especially if delivery windows are missed or rates need to be adjusted.
Overall, the seasonal nature of frost laws can lead to a measurable decline in revenue and profitability, particularly for smaller operations without the resources to easily absorb the additional costs.
While frost laws are unavoidable, trucking businesses can take proactive steps to minimize their impact. The following strategies can help operators stay compliant while protecting their bottom line:
1. Monitor Real-Time Updates
MDOT and county road commissions publish regular updates on seasonal weight restrictions. Trucking companies should subscribe to email alerts or use MDOT’s Truck Operators Map to stay informed about which roads are currently under restriction.
Get real-time updates from MDOT here.
Plan routes with MDOT’s interactive truck map.
2. Understand Road Classifications
Knowing which roads are designated as all-season versus frost-restricted is critical. All-season roads allow for full legal axle weights, while restricted roads require operators to reduce their loads in accordance with posted limits.
3. Adjust Load Sizes
Hauling lighter loads during frost law season ensures compliance and avoids costly fines. While this may impact profitability, it is often less expensive than the penalties associated with overweight violations.
4. Reroute When Possible
Use commercial-grade GPS systems or routing software that includes weight-restricted road data. Detouring around restricted routes may take more time but can help avoid enforcement zones and possible violations.
5. Schedule Maintenance During Peak Restriction
Many trucking companies use this time to conduct scheduled maintenance, equipment upgrades, or vehicle inspections. This is the perfect time to schedule that brake job, Annual Inspection, and wheel polishing appointment with any of the SIX Royal Truck and Utility Trailer locations across Michigan! This approach allows them to make the most of a slower hauling season.
Schedule service at one of Royal’s six Michigan locations.
6. Plan Ahead Financially
Because frost law season is predictable, businesses should incorporate it into their annual financial planning. Budgeting for reduced income and higher operational costs during this time can prevent cash flow issues.
7. Communicate with Clients
Clear communication with shippers and customers about delays, route adjustments, or temporary rate changes is essential. Transparency helps preserve business relationships and can open the door for flexible scheduling or compensation.
While trucking professionals can take steps to mitigate the effects of frost laws, systemic improvements would further reduce the burden on independent operators.
One potential solution is increased investment in all-season road infrastructure. Roads built to handle full legal axle loads year-round reduce the need for seasonal restrictions, benefiting both the public and the transportation industry.
Additionally, better coordination and transparency among state and local agencies could improve how frost law data is distributed. A centralized, mobile-friendly platform with up-to-date information across all counties would make route planning more efficient and reduce compliance risks.
There is also an opportunity for policymakers to consider seasonal relief programs for independent truckers, such as fuel tax credits or permit flexibility. Such initiatives could help level the playing field for small businesses disproportionately affected by seasonal restrictions.
Michigan’s frost laws serve an important purpose by preserving roads during a vulnerable period. However, for the state’s independent truckers and small transportation companies, these laws present serious operational and financial challenges each spring.
The key to weathering frost law season lies in preparation: staying informed, planning strategically, and budgeting appropriately. While the burden is real, effective planning and advocacy can help the industry adapt—and eventually drive improvements in how these laws are managed.
As the state continues to invest in infrastructure and digital tools, it is critical that the voices of independent operators remain part of the conversation. Ensuring a balance between road preservation and economic vitality is in everyone’s best interest.
Chief Legal Officer
Anthony Sciara is our Chief Legal Officer, Corporate Secretary, and a Member of our Board of Directors. He has been a licensed attorney for nearly 15 years. Anthony earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2002 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School in 2006. Anthony represented the company for eight years as outside counsel before formally joining the team in October of 2019. Anthony handles and/or supervises all legal and compliance matters for the company, including executive strategy, corporate transactions, and dispute resolution. In addition to his responsibilities with the company, Anthony serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Northville Educational Foundation, participates in the Association of Corporate Counsel, and was previously an Adjunct Professor of Lawyering Skills at the University of Illinois (Chicago) Law School. Anthony is most proud that his position allows him the opportunity to solve problems for us in creative ways, which minimizes risk and maximizes success. The thing Anthony loves most about being part of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer is the sincere and uncommon passion that ownership, leadership, and other employees share for the success of the company.
Chief Financial Officer
Julie Igielski is the Chief Financial Officer at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Julie attended Michigan State University and earned her Bachelor’s in Merchandise Management in 2004 before attending Eastern Michigan University to get a Master’s degree in Accounting. After graduating with her MSA, she received her Certified Public Accountant license. Prior to joining the Royal team in 2013, Julie held various accounting positions at both publicly and privately owned companies. Since deciding to continue on in the family business nearly 8 years ago, she has helped us accomplish so much. Julie is in charge of all of our finances, creates all of our financial statements, works closely with our CEO and COO when making executive decisions, and works with the bank when acquiring new properties and companies. She is most proud of her CPA license and all of the growth and success she has helped Royal achieve. The thing she loves most about her job is being able to work with her family and her co-workers who have become her family over the years. We are so happy that Julie decided to join the team, we are so appreciative of all she does for us every day.
Chief Operating Officer
Adam Pigeon is the Chief Operating Officer here at Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Adam joined the team in 2009 after graduating from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in 2008. He first joined us as a Parts Counter Representative and advanced to Parts Purchasing Manager. Adam was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in January of 2015 and under his leadership we have seen such tremendous growth. Adam is tasked with overseeing all of our day to day operations between all four facilities and works closely with Corporate Officers, Department VPs, and Directors to implement the company’s strategic plan. When asked about his favorite part about being a part of Royal Truck & Trailer, he shared that he loves the people he works with every day. Something Adam takes pride in is all of the company growth that he has helped achieve over his time at Royal. With over 10 years experience, he has become knowledgeable about the industry and strengthened his skills in operations management, leadership, team building, and contract negotiation. Adam has served on multiple industry advisory and councils and boards. Adam is such an asset to our company and we are so proud of everything he has accomplished during his time with us at Royal Truck & Trailer.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.
Chief Executive Officer
Ken Bumgardner is the CEO of Royal Truck & Utility Trailer. Ken is an extremely hardworking individual with interpersonal and problem-solving skills. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Business Management in 2001. Ken has been with the company since he was 12 years old, he was always helping out at the shop to spend time with his dad before joining the team full time in 2001. Before becoming our current CEO, he has held various positions working his way up in the company, such as: cleaner, parts runner, parts counter, parts manager, trailer salesman, office manager, vice president, and president. Ken wanted to join the family business because of his very close relationship with his family, and he loved working with and spending time with his dad. On a daily basis, he is in charge of merger and acquisitions and overseeing our C-level executives. In addition to these responsibilities, Ken also makes sure everyone at Royal is happy in their roles; he thoroughly enjoys working with all of the members of our team. Something he is very proud of is the acquisition of East Michigan Trailer Sales in 2017 because of how it has impacted the dynamic of Royal. He is on the Board of The National Trailer Association and formerly was on the Board of The Michigan Trucking Association. Under Ken’s leadership, we have accomplished great new highs and cannot wait to see what else we can accomplish in the future.