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Who Needs An Oversize Load Permit?

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Posted: 13th April 2022 by
Lawyer Monthly
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If you are opening a trucking company, you are probably up to your ears in permit applications. Trucking is a highly regulated industry, and managing all the permits you will need is a full-time job in itself. According to Simplex Group, there are certain circumstances where you will need an oversized load permit. A load may be considered oversized based on the size of the vehicle or the load itself.

An oversize load has a specific set of challenges. They are more expensive than other types of loads, and when you have an oversized load, you may need escort vehicles and drivers. In addition to the USDOT regulating wide loads, each state has its own set of rules, permits, and fees for oversize loads.

What Is An Oversize Load?

An oversize load is larger than the maximum height, length, and width of a standard semi-truck. Legally, the maximum width is 8.5 feet, and the maximum height is 13.5 to 14.5 feet. Things get a little more confusing when it comes to length because the legal length of a truck varies from state to state. 

Wide Loads

Each state has specific regulations for width and length. However, the width is generally 8.5 to fit into lanes on US Highways. Certain states contain exceptionally narrow lanes. In this case, you may be limited to driving trucks that are only 8 feet wide. You will need a special permit if you want to drive a truck on those roads.

One solution to the issue of wide loads has been to widen traffic lanes to 12 feet. This is considered controversial, and you are unlikely to see many of those lanes in the US. If your company carries a load that is over 16 feet wide, your load will be considered “super” and may require road closures or a police escort. 

Escort Permits

Not only does an oversize truck need a permit to operate, it sometimes needs escort vehicles, and those vehicles require permits. There are many states that require two escort drivers for an oversized load. You are likely to need one driver in the front and another one in the back. 

There are 12 states that require certification for escort drivers. Training includes professionalism, proper use of a CB radio, and training in various state laws. In addition to driving an escort vehicle, the driver will need to keep in contact with your company's managers, clients, and regulators. An escort driver should be a defensive driver and be observant enough to notice problems as they arise.

The states that require escort permits include: 

  • Arizona 
  • Colorado 
  • Florida
  • Georgia 
  • Louisiana 
  • Minnesota 
  • Nevada 
  • New Mexico 
  • New York
  • Oklahoma 
  • Utah 
  • Virginia and Washington

How much will I pay for an oversize permit?

Each state has its own laws for when an oversized permit is required. Generally speaking, you will be able to obtain a permit for between $13 and $70. You should know that some states will require you to pay an application fee in addition to other fees. This can add up in a hurry if you are passing through multiple states. When you plan your journey, it is important to take the amount of money you will need to pay for permits into consideration.

How can I save money on permits?

It may seem the easiest way to avoid paying too much for permits is to route yourself through states with loose regulations and low fees. Unfortunately, there are many other things to consider when choosing a route. 

It is best to hire a company that handles logistics for trucks. They will be well versed in oversized load requirements for trucks in every state. They will also be able to get you better rates based on the number of runs you make through each state.

If you plan your loads in advance, use well-written contracts, and consider permit costs, oversized loads can be well worth all the trouble you will go through to haul them. 

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