When loads are oversize or overweight, oversize permits become an important part of hauling it legally and safely. The states, counties, and cities all have their own steps, costs, and restrictions to ordering oversize permits. This article will address many of the steps taken and things to keep in mind on oversize permits. Although this article will focus on permits, you must keep in mind pilot car requirements as well as on shipments exceeding the legal dimension and weight limits.
Heavyhaul.net has links to state permit guidelines for permits, pilot car, and super loads.
Most drivers will either have a permit company or permit department that handles the ordering of permits on their oversize loads. It is typical to have to pay a fee for this service, but can often be worth the cost to make sure permits are ordered accurately and quickly while the driver focuses on what they do best and that is driving, loading, unloading, etc.
States now days have website access where you can login and enter the permit required information on the state's online form. Once completed, approved, etc the permits are emailed to the driver as a PDF document. It is recommended that the driver have access to a printer in order to print a physical copy of the permit for their travels to show at weigh stations or if pulled over by police for any reason.
Ideally, you should try to load the oversize piece, so you know exactly what the dimensions are of the commodity and while loaded on the trailer. Once you have confirmed the dimensions you can then order your state permits. Here are some exceptions that might require you to order permits before physically loading the shipment.
City & County permits can take longer to order permits than state permit offices.
State permit office hours are typically business hours like Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm, but can vary.
You no longer have to worry only about state permits for oversize loads. More and more cities and counties are requiring their own permits. These can add additional unforeseen costs, and some cities can charge a couple hundred dollars for a permit, so you have to be prepared.
Every state is different, not to mention cities and counties again. If you are using a permit service you are going to add the cost of the permit for each state permit cost as well. Some people will take an average cost per state and multiply it be the number of states the load will travel. This is not all that accurate, but gives a swag figure to estimate a total permit cost for the load. Oversize permits can be estimated in this way, but overweight permits are a different animal and cost can increase substantially.
HeavyHaul.net has a map of estimated state permits cost to give someone an idea on what to expect.
You must have the physical address of the pickup origin and drop off destination of the load. Any stops in route are also going to be required. There are some typical exceptions to the route as follows:
Most permits have a valid duration of 5 days, if you have a change in the permit required, you can amend the permit from the state free of charge or for a small fee. If you have to re-order a permit for some reason, you will have to pay the full price of the permit again.
There are many permit service companies out there with knowledgeable people who work day in and day out on ordering permits. It is highly recommend to work with a permit service for your oversize permits information and needs.
