When transporting goods across the United States, understanding the need for freight permits is crucial for any shipper or carrier. Freight permits are essential documents required for moving overweight and oversized loads on public roads — and driving without permits results in fines, the inability to ship until permits are obtained, and unnecessary delays.
Heavy Weight Transport dives into the details of when you might need a freight permit, what factors to consider, and how we can help transport your loads safely and efficiently, no matter the size.
Understanding Permitted Loads
Permitted loads are typically classified as overweight (heavy haul) or oversized (over-dimensional or OD) loads. These are shipments that exceed the standard legal size and weight limits set for public roads.
Federal Guidelines
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), freight requires a permit if it exceeds any of the following dimensions:
- Width: 8.6 feet
- Height: 13.6 feet
- Length: 48 to 53 feet
- Gross weight: 80,000 pounds
It’s important to note these are federal guidelines, and individual states may have their own regulations for oversized and overweight shipments.
When Do You Need a Freight Permit?
You’ll need to obtain a freight permit when your shipment falls into the category of an oversized or overweight load. Here are some specific scenarios:
- Non-Divisible Loads: Superloads, which are extremely heavy or large equipment that can’t be broken down, always require special permits.
- Local Jurisdictions: Even if you’re not crossing state lines, you may need city or county permits when traveling on local roads.
Types of Freight Permits
Depending on your specific needs, you may encounter various types of permits:
- Single Trip Permits: These are for one-time oversize or overweight loads
- Annual or Blanket Permits: Issued for 12 months, these are suitable for companies frequently transporting similar oversized loads
- Superload Permits: Required for exceptionally large or heavy loads that exceed standard permit limitations
- Trip and Fuel Permits: Necessary for out-of-state travel of commercial vehicles not registered in specific states
The Permit Application Process
Obtaining a freight permit involves several steps:
- Gather Information: You’ll need details about your load, including dimensions, weight, and the nature of the freight.
- Vehicle Details: Provide information about the truck and trailer, including make, model, and license plate.
- Route Planning: Determine the starting and ending points of your journey, deciding what states you will pass through and the specifics of your route.
- Submit Application: Apply to the relevant state departments, which may include the Department of Transportation or each state’s Department of Revenue. You may also be able to purchase your permits from agencies that offer faster service for a higher fee.It’s important to note the specific departments responsible for issuing permits can vary by state and the type of permit required. Always check with your state’s official government websites or contact the relevant departments directly to ensure you’re applying through the correct channels.
- Pay Fees: Permit costs vary by state and can range from $15 to over $70, with additional processing fees.
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Even if not directly involved in permit acquisition, shippers should be aware of permit requirements to ensure proper planning and compliance.
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Additional Considerations
When transporting permitted loads, keep in mind:
- Safety Equipment: Oversized load banners, flags, and special lighting may be required.
- Escort Vehicles: Depending on the load size, pilot cars or police escorts might be necessary to ensure the safety of the load and other vehicles on the road. Based on the state, there are different requirements for how many pilot cars your vehicle must have in proportion to your load size. It is important to know what the rules of the states you are driving through are so that you are compliant with regulations.
- Travel Restrictions: Permits often include specific routes, operating hours, and seasonal restrictions. Many states restrict oversized driving at night and on holidays, so it is important to review what your permit allows for.
Heavy Weight Transport: Your Heavy & Standard Weight Shipping Partner
Determining whether you need a freight permit is a crucial step in the transportation process. If your load exceeds standard dimensions or weight limits, it’s likely you’ll need to obtain the appropriate permits. Working with experienced carriers or logistics providers can simplify this process, as they often handle permitting as part of their services.
Compliance with freight permit regulations is not just a legal requirement — it’s essential for ensuring the safety of your cargo, the drivers, and other road users. When in doubt, always consult with transportation authorities or professional logistics services to ensure you’re meeting all necessary requirements for your shipment.
At Heavy Weight Transport, we are experts in shipping both heavy and standard weight commodities. With locations from coast to coast, we are ready to do the heavy lifting for you — including ensuring you are permit-compliant!
We are your reliable resource for safely trucking and warehousing heavy and standard-weight shipping containers.
