Transport vehicles carrying heavy loads impose wear and tear on roads, and the cost of their repair and maintenance falls on various authorities. Therefore, there are DOT oversize load regulations and monetary fees imposed on transport companies or private carriers.
If you plan to transport an indivisible load that exceeds state, county, or municipal weight restrictions, you will need an overweight permit. However, these restrictions vary depending on jurisdiction, and accordingly, the expenses associated with obtaining necessary permits differ.
Therefore, understanding the nuances of obtaining an oversize permit specific to your case is crucial. The easiest way is to consult with us for detailed guidance and assistance in obtaining all required permits. It's important to familiarize yourself with the information below to better understand how to transport oversized loads within the United States.
While the U.S. Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Administration) does not issue oversize or overweight permits, it has established maximum weight limits for vehicles using the National Network of Interstate and Defense Highways. By the way, it's important to remember What to know about oversize permit costs in TX, FL, and NM to plan transportation routes as thoroughly and efficiently as possible.
A vehicle is considered overweight if it meets any of the following criteria:
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) — 80,000 pounds.
Maximum Weight on a Single Axle — 20,000 pounds.
Maximum Weight on Tandem Axles — 34,000 pounds.
To ensure compliance with federal and state regulations regarding oversize trucking, it's crucial to consider that the federally mandated limit of 80,000 pounds serves as a baseline. However, these parameters vary significantly across different states, which must be taken into account. Ensuring compliance with weight requirements also involves considering the number of axles and their spacing.
For organized oversize trucking operations to meet all legal requirements, a special formula based on these factors must be applied. It's important to note that different states issue permits not only for exceeding weight limits but also for vehicles exceeding width limits (up to 102 inches).
Once transport permits for weight and/or size exceedance are obtained, the truck can legally operate within the specific jurisdiction. For instance, a permit issued by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) applies to roads under its jurisdiction where the vehicle may travel legally.
If you also plan to travel on local highways, you'll need a separate permit from the local authority, whether it's a county or township. There are some exceptions to this rule in certain cases. For example, you cannot use a NYSDOT overweight permit on New York state highways.
When transporting an oversized load that exceeds the weight limits set by the state, county, or township through which you are traveling, you'll need a weight exemption permit from each jurisdiction. Despite most states adhering to federal rules, they have their own internal regulations. That's why it's crucial to check this information in advance.
Transporting overweight loads without the necessary permits can lead to even greater expenses in the form of fines.
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When obtaining permits for oversize loads, there are specific time restrictions that apply, especially in major cities such as Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Lubbock, San Antonio, Beaumont, Wichita Falls, and others.
Typically, the permitted travel times are:
From 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
From 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
Additionally, within city limits, there may be further restrictions:
Trucks are allowed to travel from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
On Saturdays, travel may be restricted until 12:00 PM.
These hours are specified in the permits issued by state and local authorities. Special allowances may apply during major holidays, but restrictions based on the dimensions of the load could still be enforced. It's crucial to adhere to these time restrictions to ensure compliance and avoid penalties when transporting oversized loads.
When it comes to oversize load permits, there are exceptions for holidays such as Independence Day, New Year's Day, Labor Day, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. During these holidays, special allowances may be made for transporting oversize loads, but it's important to check specific restrictions that may still apply based on the dimensions of the load.
Outside of holidays, the operation of trucks may be permitted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, including Saturdays and Sundays. However, trucks exceeding dimensions of 10 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and 100 feet in length (within permissible front and rear overhang limits) are typically restricted to nighttime travel only on interstate highways. Continuous movement during night hours is usually limited to vehicles with overweight permits.
These regulations ensure safety and minimize disruption to regular traffic flow while accommodating the transportation needs of oversized loads under controlled conditions. It's crucial for transporters to comply with these guidelines to avoid penalties and ensure safe operations.
Movement is prohibited in dangerous road conditions (such as due to weather), as well as when visibility is less than 2/10 of a mile. All these points should be clarified in advance — contact us for detailed route selection consultation and assistance with obtaining DOT permits and all other types of permits.
In addition, different states have different laws regarding vehicle marking elements. Therefore, it may be necessary to additionally obtain DOT truck permits.
Oversize vehicle — any vehicle that meets the definition in Section 670 of the state vehicle code. Or a combination of connected vehicles with:
width — 8'6''
height — 14'
length — 73'
weight — 80,000 gross, single — 20,000, tandem — 34,000, tridem — 42,000, quad — 50,000
Exceptions — projecting lights or devices permitted under the current version of the state vehicle code (or amendments that may be made in the future). An oversize vehicle does not include a pickup truck with a length of less than 25 feet and a height of 82 inches.
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