Oversize Transport Permits, It is Time to Talk About It

Each state has its own Oversize Transport Permits and a Department of Transportation that serves of the governing body when it comes to the rules and regulations of transporting. Each state also has requirements for permitting when certain transports are larger than what is considered permissible as outlined in the Department of Transportation policies for transporting.

Keep in mind that all states are pretty close to similar requirements for permitting restrictions, but because the rules and regulations are different in every state, you will need to make sure that you are working with a company that has knowledge of the permitting requirements for each state. The basic rule is that a legal limit for a transport trailer including the cargo being transported is 80,000lbs, 53 feet long, 13.6 feet tall and 8.6 feet wide.

If your load exceeds 8.6 feet in width but does not exceed 12 feet you will need a permit for width. If the width exceeds 12 feet, depending on what state you are in, you may be required to have additional escorts for your load.

Keep in mind that because permits are issued by each state and are only good for the state of an issue if you are traveling through multiple states then you will be required to get permits from each state. We cannot stress this point enough. Your permits are only good for the state in which they were issued. Some states can require you to also use State Police as escorts if the width of the unit exceeds a certain width.

Other permitting requirements include weight permits. These permits are issued for loads that exceed 80,000lbs. This includes the weight of the load, the trailer, the truck and any additional equipment on the truck. Keep in mind that when you start transporting loads that exceed legal weight, you will need specialized trailers with multiple axles in order to support the weight of the load. Keep in mind that because permits are issued by each state and are only good for the state of an issue if you are traveling through multiple states then you will be required to get permits from each state. We cannot stress this point enough. Your permits are only good for the state in which they were issued.

Also, if your load exceeds 53 feet in length, there is a requirement for a permit for length. These loads may also require a route survey. A route survey is an approved route for a transport company based on the specs of the load that they are carrying. These are especially important for loads that require length permits.

Clearly loads this long need special consideration for turning radiuses during transport. Keep in mind that because permits are issued by each state and are only good for the state of an issue if you are traveling through multiple states then you will be required to get permits from each state. We cannot stress this point enough. Your permits are only good for the state in which they were issued.

The same thing holds true for loads that are taller than 13.6 feet tall. These loads will require a specialized trailer to accommodate the height. You will need a trailer that is very low to the ground so the height of the load does not present an issue. Also, loads that are this tall will require additional escorts.

These specialized escorts are called pole cars and they travel ahead of the transport vehicle to make sure that there are no issues with overhead bridges during the travel route. Keep in mind that because each state has its own requirements for pole cars you will need to make sure that you are following the laws for each state that you are traveling through.

There are times that a single load can require more than one type of escort. These loads are known as Super Loads.

This is just a term that notifies all that are involved that the load requires multiple permits and should be handled as such. Once again, the Department of Transportation handles these loads as well and the requirements for these loads are different from state to state.

As a customer, the best thing for you to do is to find a company that has the experience to handle permitted loads. These companies are very well versed in the policies and procedures for transporting loads that require permitting. Loads that require permitting cannot be legally transported until those permits have been issued by the Department of Transportation of the affected state.

If a transport company tries to transport a load that requires permitting without actually obtaining the permits, will be subject to fines and the load that is being transported can be impounded as an illegal load. This is the last thing you want to happen. This can cost you time and money. Any reputable company will never transport a permitted load without obtaining the proper permits.

How much is an oversize permit in Florida?

Because permitting costs are always changing, the best thing to do is to call our company so that we can inform you of the most recent prices. We can discuss with you the pricing for all types of permits for the State of Florida and get you a price to transport your permitted load.

What is the widest load without a permit?

In Florida, the widest load that can be transported without a permit is 8.6 feet wide. Any load wider than that may be subject to permits and/or escorts during the transport.

What is considered an oversized load?

The basic rule is that a legal limit for a transport trailer including the cargo being transported is 80,000lbs, 53 feet long, 13.6 feet tall and 8.6 feet wide. Any load that exceeds these limits is considered an oversize load.

What is considered wide load in Florida?

In Florida, any load that is wider than 8.6 feet wide is considered a wide load.

Oversize Transport Permits, It is Time to Talk About It