Heavy haul
Oversize & Overweight Permits
When a load exceeds a state's legal limits, it needs a permit before it moves. We help you figure out which permits apply to your route and get them filed.
When do you need an oversize or overweight permit?
Every state sets legal maximums for width, height, length, gross weight, and axle weight. A load that exceeds any one of those limits generally needs a permit from each state it travels through — permits are not transferable between states.
- Width beyond the state's legal limit (commonly 8'6" on most highways).
- Height above the posted state limit, with bridge and tunnel clearances as the real constraint.
- Length that exceeds trailer or overall combination limits.
- Gross or axle weight above legal limits, including bridge formula considerations.
- Non-divisible loads that cannot be reduced without damaging the item or destroying its value.
Single-trip vs. annual permits
A single-trip permit covers one specific move, on a specific route, within a set window. It is the usual choice for one-off heavy haul.
Annual or blanket permits can cover repeated moves of the same configuration up to defined limits. They can lower cost per move for regular runs, but they usually cap dimensions and may exclude superload-level movements.
Routing, escorts, and travel restrictions
- States may assign or approve a specific route based on bridges, construction, and clearances — the shortest route is often not the permitted one.
- Pilot cars or police escorts are typically required once width, height, or length crosses set thresholds.
- Curfews, holiday restrictions, night-movement limits, and weather or seasonal load restrictions all affect scheduling.
- Signage, flags, and lighting requirements vary and are enforced at roadside.
- Superloads usually require engineering review and longer lead times.
What we do
Send your dimensions, weight, route, and deadline. We identify the states and permit types your move likely needs, flag escort and routing issues early, and connect you with an independent permit service that files on your behalf.
State permit fees are set by the state and paid to the state. Any service fee is quoted separately and up front.
Accuracy notice
Official government resources
Related permits and filings
More permit & compliance services
- Temporary Fuel PermitsShort-term fuel tax permits for trips into states where you don't hold IFTA credentials.
- Annual Oversize PermitsRecurring permits for repeat oversize configurations, and when single-trip still makes sense.
- Superload PermitsState-defined permits for unusually large or heavy moves that need extra route and engineering review.
- Pilot Car & Escort RequirementsWhat can trigger escorts, route surveys, or height poles, and how the rules differ by state.
- Motor Carrier AuthorityUSDOT numbers vs. operating authority, and the filings that usually come with getting started.
- Trucking Compliance ServicesUCR, BOC-3, IFTA, IRP, authority, and recurring compliance and audit-prep referrals in one place.
Request permit help
Send the details and an independent provider will follow up with what is required, timing, and pricing.
Who we are — and who we are not
DOT-Permits.com is an independent commercial information and referral service. We are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation, FMCSA, or any state DOT.
Any service fee we or a partner provider charge is separate from, and in addition to, government permit fees, taxes, and filing fees charged by state or federal agencies.
Permit requirements, fees, routing rules, and processing times change frequently and vary by state, route, load, and season. Information on this site is general in nature, may not be current, and is not legal or regulatory advice. Always confirm details with the issuing state agency before moving a load.