I dont think you all have anything to worry about, I think they are talking about the 8' wide being the width of the body.If that wasn't the case, look at how many hundreds of straight trucks would be in violation in NYC that run local to begin with.And just think how narrow a cargo box would have to be to allow for the mirrors being at 8' wide total to make them effective in seeing what is around, behind you also.Personally, I dont do nyc anymore, did it dedicated for a 3 year stretch and had enough of it. It just isnt worth it, just the roads and bridges tearing a truck up is enough to stay out of there.
True, exempt items in the width (but with limitations) include mirrors, aerodynamic enhancements (non structual) etc. However the NYC chart as provided by NYC plainly shows length @ 35' and width @ 8', see below. As to the Atlas stating 40', (in another post) since it is not an official government document, I would follow the NYC doc instead.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/vehdimen.pdf
TRUCK DIMENSIONS AND ACCESS INFORMATION SHEET
Vehicle Dimensions and Type PERMIT REQUIRED
Access Allowed Within NYC on Special Restrictions
Vehicle Type
(See Notes Local Truck Through 3
Length Height Width Below) Interstate Routes Truck Routes See Below re: where to obtain Permit
48' Trailer Moving For vehicles exceeding any of these
Household Goods; Up to 13' 6" Up to 8'6" Federal STAA1 Yes Yes Yes Vehicle cannot exceed the lower of dimensions or not meeting the special
Regardless of Total Bridge Formula weight or 80,000 lbs. restrictions, Daily Overdimensional
Length Up to 1-mile access from exit. permits are issued for NONDIVISIBLE
loads only.
48' Trailer NOT For vehicles exceeding any of these
Moving Household Up to 13'6" Up to 8'6" Federal STAA1 Yes Vehicle cannot exceed the lower of dimensions or not meeting the special
Goods; Regardless of Combination Up to I mile access from exit Bridge Formula weights OR 80,000 lbs.
Total Length Trailer/Cab permit shall not be issued as
"household goods" is considered
Divisible Loads
Only on I95 from Bronx Westchester 53-ft. trailers with non-divisible
53' Trailer; Limited County line to I-695; On I-695 from I-95 loads must apply for NYC Permit.
Regardless of Total Up to 13' 6" Up to 8' NYS SDV2 Route No No to I-295; On I-295 from I-695 to I-495 via
Length Throgs Neck Bridge; On I-495 from I-295
to Queens-Nassau County Line
For vehicles exceeding any of these
dimensions, Daily Overdimensional
Permits FOR NON-DIVISIBLE
LOADS
Up to 55' Total
Length
Up to 13' 6" Up to 8' Combination Yes Yes Yes only are issued. EXCEPTION: IF
Trailer/Cab 4 hauling poles, girders, columns or
other similar loads, permit required if
total length exceeds 60'.
Up to 35' Total length Up to 13' 6" Up to 8' Single 5 Yes Yes Yes For vehicles exceeding any of these
dimensions, Daily Overdimensional
Permits (for Non-Divisible Loads
ONLY) are issued.
Notes:
1. STAA Vehicle: Any vehicle authorized by Federal Surface Transport Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), as amended, when such vehicle is operating pursuant to such Act.
STAA Vehicle includes 48' L x102" W trailers. Twin 28'-6" tandem trailers, maxicubes, triple saddlemounts, conventional auto carriers and stinger steered auto carriers
2. NY State defines Special Dimension Vehicles (SDV) as having a 53 ft. trailer with a" 41 ft kingpin" (distance between the kingpin of the semi-trailer and the centerline of the rear axle or rear
Sorry it didn't copy in its chart format.