(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, and subject to subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the Secretary, by regulation, may determine that a combination of vehicles carrying manifested international freight as the only load of the vehicle in a sealed, seagoing container on a semitrailer is carrying an indivisible load provided that:

(1) A vehicle issued a permit under this section may not exceed 22,400 pounds gross maximum weight for a single axle, 44,000 pounds gross maximum weight for 2 consecutive axles, or 90,000 pounds gross maximum weight; and

(2) A vehicle issued a permit under this section may be operated only on:

(i) Those parts of the interstate and State systems of highways that are designated by the Secretary in conjunction with the United States Department of Transportation;

(ii) Any other highway, authorized by the Secretary, that is the shortest practical route between a highway designated pursuant to subparagraph (i) of this paragraph and:

1. A truck terminal;

2. A port or other point of origin or destination; or

3. For a distance not to exceed one mile, facilities for food, fuel, repairs, or rest.

(b) (1) The Secretary shall adopt regulations, consistent with the provisions of this section, for the issuance of permits for vehicles described under subsection (a) of this section.

(2) The regulations adopted under this subsection may set fees and shall establish maximum axle and gross weight limits, routes, and other necessary criteria.

(c) The authority granted under the provisions of this section may not be exercised unless and until the Secretary determines in writing that its exercise:

(1) Is required to provide access to or egress from the Port of Baltimore for international freight;

(2) Will not cause extraordinary damage to roads and bridges in the State or require extraordinary expense for the maintenance of those roads and bridges;

(3) Will not cause undue adverse environmental impact upon or unduly disrupt residential neighborhoods; and

(4) Will not impair highway safety.