When understanding trucking permit and escort information, you need to break it down into two categories. The first one is to understand the basic lingo for requirements and dimensions. The second is to know the individual states specific requirements and dimensions. Because states can vary regarding this information, it is best to have access to resources to the information, so you can look up what each state's requirements and dimensions are on any given shipment.
HeavyHaul.net has all the state requirements organized by state for your review. This article will focus on the first category, which is to understand the basic fundamentals of the requirements and dimensions you will need to understand.
State regulations can change or update and you should always contact the states directly for the most current information.
A permit is generally valid for only a set number of dates. It's important that the driver stick to a schedule as best as they can to avoid having to reapply and order new permits if they miss the eligable dates of travel.
There are several restrictions to travel and vary between states. Here are a few things to keep in mind when discussing operating time.
The driver must be aware when travel is restricted in a state. These can be because of holidays, dimensions, or routes.
Legal dimensions refer to the overall dimensions allowed, that do not require a permit or escort. These do vary, but most states have the following common dimensions:
When discussing a load, you want to be familiar with the overall dimensions to ensure the it can operate legally on the route the driver will take. When the dimensions exceed these limits, permits will be required.
When a load requires permits, there is usually a range in which only a permit is required. Beyond this range, then other requirements might be imposed like escorts, super load status, or no travel allowed.
Be sure you review each state for their allowable permit limits.
Escorts can be a lead vehicle, follow vehicle, both a lead and follow vehicle, pole car, or police. Typically the bigger the load the more likely you are going to need escorts. A load that requires escorts will cost more, travel slower, and take more miles depending on routing. All these items mean that the cost and complexity of the load goes up. An experienced driver, dispatcher, and company should be used with these types of loads.
