Most operators who regularly transport oversize (OS) or overweight (OW) loads are familiar with the requirements for an oversize permit. An operator transporting an OS/OW load across multiple states must first obtain permits for each state along the route. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to 10 days, depending on the state, cargo, and route.
Each state sets its own fees. Not all OS/OW loads are the same, meaning there can be super loads that are subject to special higher rates. A single trip permit will generally cost more than the fee for an annual permit for the same cargo.
If your company's truck drivers regularly transport loads along the same route (e.g., oversized concrete beams for a major construction site) within a state or across several states, an annual permit will save both time and money.
Individual trip permits, according to trucking regulations, can take several days or longer to process, especially if a route survey is required. However, if you regularly transport similar-sized and weight loads along the same routes, the cost per trip will be significantly lower with an annual permit.
For precise and efficient planning, considering the specifics of each state’s requirements and the nature of the load can optimize operations and reduce costs. Consulting with experts in the field can further streamline the process, ensuring that all necessary permits are obtained timely and accurately.
Oversize permits are required for indivisible loads whose dimensions exceed the legal limits set by the states, counties, and towns they pass through during transit.
These limits are not standardized across all jurisdictions. Size thresholds vary significantly from one state, county, and city to another.
Even the method of calculating permit fees—whether by load dimensions, tons of weight, weight increments, per mile, or a combination of these factors—varies greatly from state to state.
This variability makes transporting oversize loads particularly challenging. Therefore, during the route planning stage, it is crucial to understand the parameters under which a load is considered oversize in the states you are transiting through. Let's examine three of the most popular states in terms of routes:
Texas has specific regulations for oversize and overweight loads, with permits required for vehicles exceeding certain dimensions and weight limits. The fees and requirements can vary depending on the type of load and route.
In Florida, the Department of Transportation issues oversize permits based on load dimensions and weight. The state has different fee structures and regulations, making it important to check the specific requirements for each route.
New Mexico's regulations for oversize loads include detailed criteria for weight and dimensions. The state also requires permits for specific routes and cargo types, with fees calculated based on various factors.
Understanding the specific regulations and permit requirements for these states can help streamline the transportation process and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Consulting with experts and utilizing online resources provided by state transportation departments can provide further guidance and support in obtaining the necessary permits.
Maximum Load Dimensions in Florida Without a Permit:
Length: 75 feet
Width: 8 feet 6 inches
Height: 13 feet 6 inches
Weight: 80,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
If these dimensions are exceeded, a permit is required. The cost of a Florida oversize permit depends on the dimensions of the load:
Standard Oversize Load Permit Costs
Width up to 12 feet, Height up to 13 feet, Length up to 85 feet. Cost: $5 (valid for 7 days)
Width up to 14 feet, Height up to 14 feet, Length up to 95 feet. Cost: $15 (valid for 7 days)
Width up to 14 feet, Height up to 18 feet, Length up to 120 feet. Cost: $25 (valid for 7 days)
Width over 14 feet, Height 18 feet, Length 120 feet. Cost: $25 (valid for 7 days)
Permit Costs for Trailers or Towed Equipment with Specific Dimensions
Length from 53 feet to 57 feet 6 inches or a hitch device length over 41 feet. Cost: $10 (valid for 7 days)
Width up to 10 feet, Height up to 13 feet 6 inches, Length up to 80 feet. Cost: $5 (valid for 7 days)
Width up to 12 feet, Height up to 13 feet 6 inches, Length up to 105 feet. Cost: $5 (valid for 7 days)
Width up to 10 feet, Height up to 13 feet 6 inches, Length up to 80 feet. Cost: $5 (valid for 7 days)
Width up to 14 feet, Height up to 14 feet, Length up to 105 feet. Cost: $15 (valid for 7 days)
Width over 14 feet, Height 14 feet 6 inches, Length 105 feet. Cost: $25 (valid for 7 days)
These figures and rules can vary, so for the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to contact the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or consult with a logistics expert.
Overweight Permit Fees in Florida:
Up to 95,000 pounds — $0.27 per mile (7 days) and $240 (12 months)
Up to 112,000 pounds — $0.32 per mile (7 days) and $280 (12 months)
Up to 122,000 pounds — $0.36 per mile (7 days) and $310 (12 months)
Up to 132,000 pounds — $0.38 per mile (7 days) and $330 (12 months)
Up to 142,000 pounds — $0.42 per mile (7 days) and $360 (12 months)
Up to 152,000 pounds — $0.45 per mile (7 days) and $380 (12 months)
Up to 162,000 pounds — $0.47 per mile (7 days) and $400 (12 months)
Up to 199,000 pounds — $0.003 per 1,000 pounds per mile (7 days) and $500 (12 months)
Other Oversize Permit Costs:
Permits for transporting overweight loads over 199,000 pounds — $0.003 per 1,000 pounds per mile (7 days)
Overweight containerized cargo — $0.27 per mile (7 days) and $500 (12 months)
Internal or external bridge crossing permits — $10 (7 days) and $35 (12 months)
Agricultural equipment, agricultural implements, agricultural trailers/products, or logging equipment permits — $5 (7 days) and $17 (12 months)
An oversize permit is required in New Mexico if the load has the following dimensions:
Width: 8 feet 6 inches.
Height: 14 feet.
Trailer length: 57 feet 6 inches.
A single trip permit for an oversize load in New Mexico costs $25 (an additional $300 per day if State Police escort is used). A single trip overweight permit costs $25, and for loads over 86,400 pounds, $0.025 per ton/mile.
A multiple trip permit for combination vehicles with a width not exceeding 14 feet, height not exceeding 15 feet, front overhang of 15 feet, rear overhang of 25 feet, and weight of 140,000 pounds costs $250.
Get Your Permit Today
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The cost of an oversize permit in Texas depends on its type:
Single trip oversize load: $61.61
From 80,001 to 120,000 pounds: $210
From 120,001 to 160,000 pounds: $285
From 160,001 to 200,000 pounds: $360
Over 210,000 pounds: $435
30-day permit: $120
60-day permit: $180
90-day permit: $240
Annual permit: $4000
In addition to the base and administrative fee, there is a fee based on the number of counties selected for the trip:
1-5 counties: $175
6-20 counties: $250
21-40 counties: $450
41-60 counties: $625
61-80 counties: $800
81-100 counties: $900
101-254 counties: $1000
When transporting oversize loads in Texas, specific rules apply. For example, vehicles and loads with a gross weight exceeding 200,000 pounds must have a total axle spacing of at least 95 feet.
In addition to the permit fee and the highway maintenance fee, there is a vehicle supervision fee of $35 for loads exceeding 200,000 pounds.
Before starting the transportation of oversize loads, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the permit acquisition process and how it affects your transportation costs and timelines.
The process of obtaining oversize load permits consists of three main steps:
Understand the route of your load.
Determine which permits you will need.
Actually obtain the necessary permits.
The efficiency of your daily broker and ways to check their credibility
