2018 Texas State Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 20, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / 3 Comments

Tags: apply, DOT, heavy haul, highway, laws, legal, length, limitations, loads, maximum, overhang, overweight, permits, regulations, road, rules, shipping, State, Texas, trailer, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

2018 Texas state shipping laws, rules, regulations and limitations for oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits. Pilot car requirements.

Texas oversize and overweight shipping regulations and DOT trucking permit limitations.

The great state of Texas official seal.

Texas heavy-haul trucking permit information.
Texas oversize trucking permits information.
Texas pilot car and escort vehicle requirements.

Locate oversize, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars.

Texas oversize, heavy-haul trucking and pilot car companies for hire:

Texas pilot car company directory.
Texas heavy-haul trucking company directory.

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Texas maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required:

Legal Loads:
Length: Trailer length maximum is 59 feet. Overall length is 65 feet.
Width: 8 feet and 6 inches wide max.
Height: 14 feet tall max.
Weight: 80,000 pounds overall GVW, 20,000 pounds on single axles, 34,000 pounds on tandem axles and 42,000 pounds on tridem axles.
Overhang: 4 feet in the rear and 2 feet in the front maximum.

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Texas:

Length: up to 180 feet long or see superload section.
Width: 20 feet wide on “routine” permits (Go Texas!) however only 16 feet wide on the interstates.
Height: again Texas has it all together with the height set at 18 feet and 11 inches maximum for routine oversize trucking permits. Anything over this height is going to require a route survey.
Weight: up to 240,000 pounds for routine heavy haul trucking permits however if the shipment is in excess of 200,000 pounds with less that 95 feet of axle spacings you will have to apply for a heavy haul superload trucking permit. On single axles: 25,000 pounds. Tandem axles: 46,000 pounds. Tridum axles: 60,000 pounds and quadem axles: 63,000 pounds (confirmed May 31, 2018). 5 axles 73,260 pounds. Trunnion axles 54,000 pounds. On restricted routes: Single: 22,500 pounds, tandem: 41,400 pounds, tridum: 54,000 pounds, quad: 63,000 pounds, 5 axles 73,260 pounds, trunnion: 54,000 pounds. 5 axels gross weight 105,000, 6 axels: 119,000, 7 axles: 129,000 lbs, 8 axles depends on your axle configurations.
Overhang: Go again Texas DOT! Front overhang is 25′ and rear overhang is 30′ in length for routine Texas oversize trucking permits. Nice job folks!
Notes: If over 125 feet in length, 20 feet wide or 18 feet and 11 inches tall you will be required to have a route inspection. A flatbed trailer can not be used for a shipment that is considered a “wideload” and a “over-height” load. Your permit will be rejected and you will loose your payment. If a shipment has 2 different oversize dimensions (ie; long and wide or wide and tall), then it automatically will be required to have 2 pilot cars or escort vehicles.

Texas superloads.

To keep this simple any shipment that exceeds the above dimensions/weights in the “Routine” section above will more thank likely be classified as a superload shipment in the state of Texas. Superload permits issued in the state of Texas usually take at minimum 2 weeks time to be approved.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy-haul loads.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

One half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset is considered daylight time. Night time travel is permitted in the state of Texas if the shipment is less than 100 feet long or 10 wide on the Interstate highways only. If the shipment is ONLY overweight it may travel at night on any roads. Weekend travel is permitted. You can travel on some holidays but there are some limits; if the length is in excess of 110′ long, height is in excess of 16′ or width is excess of 14′ you may NOT travel on the following holidays: New Years day, Memorial day, Independence day, Labor day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. The Texas state DOT permit office is closed on these days as well. Texas does have quite a few travel time curfews in high density traffic areas so be sure to refer to your permit. These typically range from 6-9 am and 3-6 pm (example only). Each permit issued by the Texas DOT will specifically state exactly what the curfew law is. No Texas state heavy haul or oversize trucking permit is valid without the specific curfew restrictions attached to it.

Lights, safety flags and warning signs for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Required marking, safety flags, warning signs for heavy haul and oversize loads:

When transporting heavy haul and oversize loads the tractor trailer unit must have their low beam headlights turned on at all times. Any shipment that extends from either side of the actual trailer width requires red or orange florescent warning flags that are no less than 16 inches square as well as red lights/lamps. If you are transporting anything that has rear overhang in excess of 4 feet from the rear of the trailer you will be required to place two red lamps at each rear extreme corner. Red lights must be visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet. Any shipment over 8 feet and 6 inches wide will require a strobe and red lighting is addition or warning flags. Trucks must have either 1 strobing amber light with a minimum base size of 8 inches or 2 simultaneous flashing amber lights mounted on the roof of power unit. Signs must be applicable to the shipment being moved such as “oversize load”, “long load”, etc. Signs must be a minimum of 5 feet in width but no wider than 7 feet with a yellow background and black letters a minimum of 8 inches tall.

When pilot cars or escort vehciles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

Length: If shipment is over 110′ in length and up to 125′ you will need 1 pilot car in the rear. Over 125′ in length requires 1 pilot car or escort vehicle in the front and 1 on the rear.
Width: Shipments 14 feet to 16 feet wide will require 1 pilot car vehicle in front on a 2 lane road and 1 on the rear on a 4 lane road. If shipment is in excess of 16 feet, 1 front and 1 rear pilot car or escort vehicle will be required on all shipments on all roads and highways.
Height: If height of load exceeds 17′ a front high pole car is required. If the shipment is over 18′ in height you will be required to have 1 high pole and 1 rear escort.
Weight: If the shipment is able to maintain minimum speeds no escort vehicle is required.
Overhang: Front overhang up to 20 feet on some 2 land roads will require 1 pilot car or escort vehicle in the front. On a 4 lane front overhang up to 25 feet requires 1 pilot car (escort) on the rear. Rear overhang; over 20 feet but not more than 30 feet requires one pilot car (escort) on the rear of shipment. If over 30 feet of overhang 2 pilot cars or escort vehicles will be required and you will need to get special approval for the permit to be issued.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

Pilot car or escort vehicle mandatory operator certifications and vehicle requirements:

At the date of this publish (06/20/18) there are no certifications required by the state of Texas for pilot car or escort vehicle operators. Vehicle requirements: All pilot cars/escort vehicles must display either both bumpers or 1 roof mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDELOAD” sign (which ever is applicable) visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle and only displayed while working. Sign must be at least 5′ long but no greater than 7′ and 12″ in height but no greater than 18″ in height, yellow in color with black letters no less than 8″ in height but no more than 10″ in height and lettering must be a minimum of 1.4″ in width. Vehicle must be equipped with 2 horizontally mounted rotating (if rotating 8″ base is required) (or strobe) amber colored flashing or strobe light which must be visible from a 360 degree angle from a minimum of 500 feet. Vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device and be in constant communication with all parties assigned to the movement.

It is only our express opinion that pilot cars also have a minimum of the additional items but not required: 2 – 5 pound fire extinguishers type A, B and C, a paddle sign with the word “STOP” on one side and “SLOW” on the other with dimensions of no less than 18″ in diameter with a minimum of 6″ letters. A red safety colored flag with a handle no less than 18″ square, 3 reflective emergency road triangles or 18″ traffic cones, 8 burning road flares, 2 OVERSIZE LOAD banners (yellow with black lettering) and a safety colored (red, orange, yellow or lime green) vest, jacket or shirt (used while directing traffic).

Texas DOT contact information and notes.

Texas DOT office and permit contact information:

Physical address:
Texas State Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Division
125 East 11th Street
Austin, TX 78701

Email: SizeWeight@txdmv.gov
Help telephone line: 800-299-1700 – option 1 or 5.
Hours: Monday – Friday 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday’s from 6 AM until 2 PM.
Central Time Zone

Texas road & highway conditions.

Click here for the Texas state DOT website for oversize and over-weight hauling permits.

Texas cities serviced.

We service oversize, heavy-haul and wideload trucking in the following Texas cities:

Texas cities we ship to and from:

Abbott, Abernathy, Abilene, Abram-Perezville, Ackerly, Addison, Adrian, Agua Dulce, Agua Dulce, Airport Road Addition, Alamo, Alamo Heights, Alba, Albany, Aldine, Aledo, Alfred-South La Paloma, Alice, Alice Acres, Allen, Alma, Alpine, Alto, Alto Bonito, Alton, Alton North, Alvarado, Alvin, Alvord, Amarillo, Ames, Amherst, Anahuac, Anderson, Anderson Mill, Andrews, Angleton, Angus, Anna, Annetta, Annetta North, Annetta South, Annona, Anson, Anthony, Anton, Appleby, Aquilla, Aransas Pass, Archer City, Arcola, Argyle, Arlington, Arp, Arroyo Alto, Arroyo Colorado Estates, Arroyo Gardens-La Tina Ranch, Asherton, Aspermont, Atascocita, Athens, Atlanta, Aubrey, Aurora, Austin, Austwell, Avery, Avinger, Azle, Bacliff, Bailey, Bailey’s Prairie village, Baird, Balch Springs, Balcones Heights, Ballinger, Balmorhea, Bandera, Bangs, Bardwell, Barrett, Barry, Barstow, Bartlett, Barton Creek, Bartonville, Bastrop, Batesville, Bausell and Ellis, Bay City, Bayou Vista, Bayside, Baytown, Bayview, Beach City, Bear Creek village, Beasley, Beaumont, Beckville, Bedford, Bee Cave village, Beeville, Bellaire, Bellevue, Bellmead, Bells, Bellville, Belton, Benavides, Benbrook, Benjamin, Berryville, Bertram, Beverly Hills, Bevil Oaks, Bigfoot, Big Lake, Big Sandy, Big Spring, Big Wells, Bishop, Bishop Hills, Bixby, Blackwell, Blanco, Blanket, Blessing, Bloomburg, Blooming Grove, Bloomington, Blossom, Blue Berry Hill, Blue Mound, Blue Ridge, Bluetown-Iglesia Antigua, Blum, Boerne, Bogata, Boling-Iago, Bolivar Peninsula, Bonham, Bonney village, Booker, Borger, Botines, Bovina, Bowie, Box Canyon-Amistad, Boyd, Brackettville, Brady, Brazoria, Breckenridge, Bremond, Brenham, Briar, Briarcliff village, Briaroaks, Bridge City, Bridgeport, Broaddus, Bronte, Brookshire, Brookside Village, Browndell, Brownfield, Brownsboro, Brownsville, Brownwood, Bruceville-Eddy, Brundage, Bruni, Brushy Creek, Bryan, Bryson, Buchanan Dam, Buckholts, Buda, Buffalo, Buffalo Gap, Buffalo Springs village, Bullard, Bulverde, Buna, Bunker Hill Village, Burkburnett, Burke, Burleson, Burnet, Burton, Butterfield, Byers, Bynum, Cactus, Caddo Mills, Caldwell, Callisburg, Calvert, Cameron, Cameron Park, Campbell, Camp Swift, Camp Wood, Canadian, Caney City, Canton, Cantu Addition, Canutillo, Canyon, Canyon Lake, Carbon, Carl’s Corner, Carmine, Carrizo Hill, Carrizo Springs, Carrollton, Carthage, Castle Hills, Castroville, Catarina, Cedar Hill, Cedar Park, Celeste, Celina, Center, Centerville, Central Gardens, Cesar Chavez, Chandler, Channelview, Channing, Charlotte, Chester, Chico, Childress, Chillicothe, China, China Grove, Chireno, Christine, Christoval, Chula Vista-Orason, Chula Vista-River Spur, Cibolo, Cienegas Terrace, Cinco Ranch, Circle D-KC Estates, Cisco, Citrus City, Clarendon, Clarksville, Clarksville City, Claude, Clear Lake Shores, Cleburne, Cleveland, Clifton, Clint, Cloverleaf, Clute, Clyde, Coahoma, Cockrell Hill, Coffee City, Coldspring, Coleman, College Station, Colleyville, Collinsville, Colmesneil, Colorado City, Columbus, Comanche, Combes, Combine, Comfort, Commerce, Como, Concepcion, Conroe, Converse, Cool, Coolidge, Cooper, Coppell, Copperas Cove, Copper Canyon, Corinth, Corpus Christi, Corral City, Corrigan, Corsicana, Cottonwood, Cottonwood Shores, Cotulla, Cove, Covington, Coyanosa, Coyote Acres, Crandall, Crane, Cranfills Gap, Crawford, Creedmoor, Crockett, Crosby, Crosbyton, Cross Mountain, Cross Plains, Cross Roads, Cross Timber, Crowell, Crowley, Crystal City, Cuero, Cuevitas, Cumby, Cumings, Cuney, Cushing, Cut and Shoot, Daingerfield, Daisetta, Dalhart, Dallas, Dalworthington Gardens, Damon, Danbury, Darrouzett, Dawson, Dayton, Dayton Lakes, Dean, Decatur, Deer Park, De Kalb, De Leon, Dell City, Del Mar Heights, Del Rio, Del Sol-Loma Linda, Denison, Denton, Denver City, Deport, DeSoto, Detroit, Devers, Devine, Deweyville, Diboll, Dickens, Dickinson, Dilley, Dimmitt, Dodd City, Dodson, Doffing, Domino, Donna, Doolittle, Dorchester, Double Oak, Douglassville, Doyle, Dripping Springs, Driscoll, Dublin, Dumas, Duncanville, Eagle Lake, Eagle Mountain, Eagle Pass, Early, Earth, East Bernard, Eastland, East Mountain, Easton, East Tawakoni, Ector, Edcouch, Eden, Edgecliff Village, Edgewater-Paisano, Edgewood, Edinburg, Edmonson, Edna, Edom, Edroy, Eidson Road, Elbert, El Camino Angosto, El Campo, El Cenizo, Eldorado, Electra, Elgin, El Indio, Elkhart, El Lago, Elm Creek, Elmendorf, El Paso, El Refugio, Elsa, Emhouse, Emory, Encantada-Ranchito El Calaboz, Enchanted Oaks, Encinal, Encino, Ennis, Escobares, Estelline, Euless, Eureka, Eustace, Evadale, Evant, Everman, Fabens, Fairchilds village, Fairfield, Fair Oaks Ranch, Fairview, Falcon Heights, Falcon Lake Estates, Falcon Mesa, Falcon Village, Falfurrias, Falls City, Falman-County Acres, Farmers Branch, Farmersville, Farwell, Fate, Fayetteville, Faysville, Ferris, Fifth Street, Flatonia, Florence, Floresville, Flowella, Flower Mound, Floydada, Follett, Forest Hill, Forney, Forsan, Fort Bliss, Fort Davis, Fort Hancock, Fort Hood, Fort Stockton, Fort Worth, Four Corners, Fowlerton, Franklin, Frankston, Fredericksburg, Freeport, Freer, Fresno, Friendswood, Friona, Frisco, Fritch, Fronton, Frost, Fruitvale, Fulshear, Fulton, Gainesville, Galena Park, Gallatin, Galveston, Ganado, Garceno, Gardendale, Garden Ridge, Garfield, Garland, Garrett, Garrison, Gary City, Gatesville, Georgetown, George West, Geronimo, Gholson, Giddings, Gilmer, Girard, Gladewater, Glenn Heights, Glen Rose, Godley, Goldsmith, Goldthwaite, Goliad, Golinda, Gonzales, Goodlow, Goodrich, Gordon, Goree, Gorman, Graford, Graham, Granbury, Grand Acres, Grandfalls, Grand Prairie, Grand Saline, Grandview, Granger, Granite Shoals, Granjeno, Grape Creek, Grapeland, Grapevine, Grays Prairie village, Greatwood, Green Valley Farms, Greenville, Gregory, Grey Forest, Groesbeck, Groom, Groves, Groveton, Gruver, Guerra, Gun Barrel City, Gunter, Gustine, Hackberry, Hale Center, Hallettsville, Hallsburg, Hallsville, Haltom City, Hamilton, Hamlin, Happy, Hardin, Harker Heights, Harlingen, Harper, Hart, Hartley, Haskell, Haslet, Havana, Hawk Cove, Hawkins, Hawley, Hays, Hearne, Heath, Hebbronville, Hebron, Hedley, Hedwig Village, Heidelberg, Helotes, Hemphill, Hempstead, Henderson, Henrietta, Hereford, Hermleigh, Hewitt, Hickory Creek, Hico, Hidalgo, Higgins, Highland Haven, Highland Park, Highlands, Highland Village, Hill Country Village, Hillcrest village, Hillsboro, Hilltop, Hilshire Village, Hitchcock, Holiday Lakes, Holland, Holliday, Hollywood Park, Homestead Meadows North, Homestead Meadows South, Hondo, Honey Grove, Hooks, Horizon City, Horseshoe Bay, Houston, Howardwick, Howe, Hubbard, Hudson, Hudson Bend, Hudson Oaks, Hughes Springs, Humble, Hungerford, Hunters Creek Village, Huntington, Huntsville, Hurst, Hutchins, Hutto, Huxley, Idalou, Impact, Imperial, Indian Hills, Indian Lake, Industry, Inez, Ingleside, Ingleside on the Bay, Ingram, Iowa Colony village, Iowa Park, Iraan, Iredell, Irving, Italy, Itasca, Jacinto City, Jacksboro, Jacksonville, Jamaica Beach, Jasper, Jayton, Jefferson, Jersey Village, Jewett, Joaquin, Johnson City, Jolly, Jollyville, Jones Creek village, Jonestown, Josephine, Joshua, Jourdanton, Junction, Justin, Karnes City, Katy, Kaufman, K-Bar Ranch, Keene, Keller, Kemah, Kemp, Kempner, Kendleton, Kenedy, Kenefick, Kennard, Kennedale, Kerens, Kermit, Kerrville, Kilgore, Killeen, Kingsbury, Kingsland, Kingsville, Kirby, Kirbyville, Kirvin, Knippa, Knollwood village, Knox City, Kosse, Kountze, Kress, Krugerville, Krum, Kyle, La Blanca, La Casita-Garciasville, Lackland AFB, LaCoste, Lacy-Lakeview, Ladonia, La Feria, La Feria North, Lago, Lago Vista, La Grange, La Grulla, Laguna Heights, Laguna Seca, Laguna Vista, La Homa, La Joya, Lake Bridgeport, Lake Brownwood, Lake City, Lake Dallas, Lakehills, Lake Jackson, Lake Kiowa, Lakeport, Lakeshore Gardens-Hidden Acres, Lakeside town (San Patricio County), Lakeside town (Tarrant County), Lakeside City, Lake Tanglewood village, Lakeview, Lake View, Lakeway, Lakewood Village, Lake Worth, La Marque, Lamesa, Lampasas, Lancaster, La Paloma, La Paloma-Lost Creek, La Porte, La Presa, La Pryor, La Puerta, Laredo, Laredo Ranchettes, Larga Vista, La Rosita, Lasana, Lasara, Las Colonias, Las Lomas, Las Lomitas, Las Palmas-Juarez, Las Quintas Fronterizas, Latexo, Laughlin AFB, Laureles, La Vernia, La Victoria, La Villa, Lavon, La Ward, Lawn, League City, Leakey, Leander, Leary, Lefors, Leona, Leonard, Leon Valley, Leroy, Levelland, Lewisville, Lexington, Liberty, Liberty City, Liberty Hill, Lincoln Park, Lindale, Linden, Lindsay, Lindsay, Lipan, Lipscomb, Little Elm, Littlefield, Little River-Academy, Live Oak, Liverpool, Livingston, Llano, Llano Grande, Lockhart, Lockney, Log Cabin, Lolita, Loma Linda East, Lometa, Lone Oak, Lone Star, Longview, Lopeno, Lopezville, Loraine, Lorena, Lorenzo, Los Alvarez, Los Angeles Subdivision, Los Ebanos, Los Fresnos, Los Indios, Lost Creek, Los Villareales, Los Ybanez, Lott, Louise, Lovelady, Lowry Crossing, Lozano, Lubbock, Lucas, Lueders, Lufkin, Luling, Lumberton, Lyford, Lyford South, Lytle, Mabank, McAllen, McCamey, McGregor, McKinney, McLean, McLendon-Chisholm, McQueeney, Madisonville, Magnolia, Malakoff, Malone, Manor, Mansfield, Manvel, Marathon, Marble Falls, Marfa, Marietta, Marion, Markham, Marlin, Marquez, Marshall, Marshall Creek, Mart, Martindale, Mason, Matador, Mathis, Maud, Mauriceville, Maypearl, Meadow, Meadowlakes, Meadows Place, Medina, Megargel, Melissa, Melvin, Memphis, Menard, Mercedes, Meridian, Merkel, Mertens, Mertzon, Mesquite, Mexia, Miami, Midland, Midlothian, Midway, Midway North, Midway South, Mila Doce, Milam, Milano, Mildred, Miles, Milford, Miller’s Cove, Millican, Millsap, Mineola, Mineral Wells, Mingus, Mirando City, Mission, Mission Bend, Missouri City, Mobeetie, Mobile City, Monahans, Mont Belvieu, Monte Alto, Montgomery, Moody, Moore, Moore Station, Morales-Sanchez, Moran, Morgan, Morgan Farm Area, Morgan’s Point, Morgan’s Point Resort, Morning Glory, Morse, Morton, Moulton, Mountain City, Mount Calm, Mount Enterprise, Mount Pleasant, Mount Vernon, Muenster, Muleshoe, Mullin, Munday, Muniz, Murchison, Murphy, Mustang, Mustang Ridge, Nacogdoches, Naples, Nash, Nassau Bay, Natalia, Navarro, Navasota, Nazareth, Nederland, Needville, Nesbitt, Nevada, Newark, New Berlin, New Boston, New Braunfels, Newcastle, New Chapel Hill, New Deal, New Fairview, New Falcon, New Home, New Hope, New London, New Summerfield, New Territory, Newton, New Waverly, Neylandville, Niederwald, Nixon, Nocona, Nolanville, Nome, Noonday, Nordheim, Normangee, Normanna, North Alamo, North Cleveland, Northcliff, North Escobares, Northlake, North Pearsall, North Richland Hills, North San Pedro, Novice, Nurillo, Oak Grove, Oakhurst, Oak Leaf, Oak Point, Oak Ridge town (Cooke County), Oak Ridge town (Kaufman County), Oak Ridge North, Oak Trail Shores, Oak Valley, Oakwood, O’Brien, Odem, Odessa, O’Donnell, Oglesby, Oilton, Old River-Winfree, Olivarez, Olmito, Olmos Park, Olney, Olton, Omaha, Onalaska, Onion Creek, Opdyke West, Orange, Orange Grove, Orchard, Ore City, Overton, Ovilla, Owl Ranch-Amargosa, Oyster Creek, Ozona, Paducah, Paint Rock, Palacios, Palestine, Palisades village, Palmer, Palmhurst, Palm Valley, Palmview, Palmview South, Pampa, Panhandle, Panorama Village, Pantego, Paradise, Paris, Parker, Pasadena, Pattison, Patton Village, Pawnee, Payne Springs, Pearland, Pearsall, Pecan Acres, Pecan Gap, Pecan Grove, Pecan Hill, Pecan Plantation, Pecos, Pelican Bay, Penelope, Penitas, Pernitas Point village, Perryton, Petersburg, Petrolia, Petronila, Pettus, Pflugerville, Pharr, Pilot Point, Pine Forest, Pinehurst, Pinehurst, Pine Island, Pineland, Pinewood Estates, Piney Point Village, Pittsburg, Plains, Plainview, Plano, Pleak village, Pleasanton, Pleasant Valley, Plum Grove, Point, Point Blank, Point Comfort, Ponder, Port Aransas, Port Arthur, Porter Heights, Port Isabel, Portland, Port Lavaca, Port Mansfield, Port Neches, Post, Post Oak Bend City, Poteet, Poth, Potosi, Pottsboro, Powell, Poynor, Prado Verde, Prairie View, Premont, Presidio, Primera, Princeton, Progreso, Progreso Lakes, Prosper, Putnam, Pyote, Quail, Quanah, Queen City, Quemado, Quinlan, Quintana, Quitaque, Quitman, Radar Base, Ralls, Ranchette Estates, Ranchitos Las Lomas, Rancho Alegre, Rancho Banquete, Rancho Chico, Ranchos Penitas West, Rancho Viejo, Ranger, Rangerville village, Rankin, Ransom Canyon, Ratamosa, Ravenna, Raymondville, Realitos, Redford, Red Lick, Red Oak, Redwater, Redwood, Reese Center, Refugio, Reid Hope King, Reklaw, Relampago, Rendon, Reno city (Lamar County), Reno city (Parker County), Retreat, Rhome, Rice, Richardson, Richland, Richland Hills, Richland Springs, Richmond, Richwood, Riesel, Rio Bravo, Rio Grande City, Rio Hondo, Rio Vista, Rising Star, River Oaks, Riverside, Roanoke, Roaring Springs, Robert Lee, Robinson, Robstown, Roby, Rochester, Rockdale, Rockport, Rocksprings, Rockwall, Rocky Mound, Rogers, Rollingwood, Roma, Roma Creek, Roman Forest, Ropesville, Roscoe, Rosebud, Rose City, Rose Hill Acres, Rosenberg, Rosita North, Rosita South, Ross, Rosser village, Rotan, Round Mountain, Round Rock, Round Top, Rowlett, Roxton, Royse City, Rule, Runaway Bay, Runge, Rusk, Sabinal, Sachse, Sadler, Saginaw, St. Hedwig, St. Jo, St. Paul, St. Paul, Salado, Salineno, Samnorwood, San Angelo, San Antonio, San Augustine, San Benito, San Carlos, Sanctuary, Sanderson, Sandia, San Diego, Sandy Hollow-Escondidas, San Elizario, San Felipe, Sanford, Sanger, San Ignacio, San Isidro, San Juan, San Leanna village, San Leon, San Manuel-Linn, San Marcos, San Patricio, San Pedro, San Perlita, San Saba, Sansom Park, Santa Anna, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Santa Fe, Santa Maria, Santa Monica, Santa Rosa, Savoy, Scenic Oaks, Schertz, Schulenburg, Scissors, Scotland, Scottsville, Seabrook, Seadrift, Seagoville, Seagraves, Sealy, Sebastian, Seguin, Selma, Seminole, Serenada, Seth Ward, Seven Oaks, Seven Points, Seymour, Shady Hollow, Shady Shores, Shallowater, Shamrock, Shavano Park, Sheldon, Shenandoah, Shepherd, Sherman, Shiner, Shoreacres, Sienna Plantation, Sierra Blanca, Siesta Shores, Silsbee, Silverton, Simonton, Sinton, Skellytown, Skidmore, Slaton, Smiley, Smithville, Smyer, Snook, Snyder, Socorro, Solis, Somerset, Somerville, Sonora, Sour Lake, South Alamo, South Fork Estates, South Houston, Southlake, Southmayd, South Mountain, South Padre Island, South Point, Southside Place, South Toledo Bend, Spade, Sparks, Spearman, Splendora, Spofford, Spring, Spring Garden-Terra Verde, Springlake, Springtown, Spring Valley, Spur, Stafford, Stagecoach, Stamford, Stanton, Star Harbor, Stephenville, Sterling City, Stinnett, Stockdale, Stonewall, Stowell, Stratford, Strawn, Streetman, Study Butte-Terlingua, Sudan, Sugar Land, Sullivan City, Sulphur Springs, Sundown, Sunnyvale, Sunray, Sunrise Beach Village, Sunset, Sunset Valley, Sun Valley, Surfside Beach, Sweeny, Sweetwater, Taft, Taft Southwest, Tahoka, Talco, Talty, Tatum, Taylor, Taylor Lake Village, Teague, Tehuacana, Temple, Tenaha, Terrell, Terrell Hills, Texarkana, Texas City, Texhoma, Texline, The Colony, The Hills village, The Woodlands, Thompsons, Thorndale, Thornton, Thorntonville, Thrall, Three Rivers, Throckmorton, Tierra Bonita, Tierra Grande, Tiki Island village, Timbercreek Canyon village, Timberwood Park, Timpson, Tioga, Tira, Toco, Todd Mission, Tolar, Tomball, Tom Bean, Tool, Tornillo, Toyah, Tradewinds, Trent, Trenton, Trinidad, Trinity, Trophy Club, Troup, Troy, Tuleta, Tulia, Tulsita, Turkey, Tuscola, Tye, Tyler, Tynan, Uhland, Uncertain, Union Grove, Universal City, University Park, Utopia, Uvalde, Uvalde Estates, Valentine, Valley Mills, Valley View, Val Verde Park, Van, Van Alstyne, Vanderbilt, Van Horn, Van Vleck, Vega, Venus, Vernon, Victoria, Vidor, Villa del Sol, Villa Pancho, Villa Verde, Vinton village, Waco, Waelder, Wake Village, Waller, Wallis, Walnut Springs, Warren City, Waskom, Watauga, Waxahachie, Weatherford, Webster, Weimar, Weinert, Weir, Wellington, Wellman, Wells, Wells Branch, Weslaco, West, Westbrook, West Columbia, Westdale, Westlake, West Lake Hills, West Livingston, Westminster, West Odessa, Weston, West Orange, Westover Hills, West Pearsall, West Sharyland, West Tawakoni, West University Place, Westway, Westworth Village, Wharton, Wheeler, White Deer, Whiteface, Whitehouse, White Oak, Whitesboro, White Settlement, Whitewright, Whitney, Wichita Falls, Wickett, Wild Peach Village, Willamar, Willis, Willow Park, Wills Point, Wilmer, Wilson, Wimberley, Windcrest, Windemere, Windom, Windthorst, Winfield, Wink, Winnie, Winnsboro, Winona, Winters, Wixon Valley, Wolfe City, Wolfforth, Woodbranch, Woodcreek, Woodloch, Woodsboro, Woodson, Woodville, Woodway, Wortham, Wyldwood, Wylie, Yantis, Yoakum, Yorktown, Yznaga, Zapata, Zapata Ranch, Zavalla, Zuehl.

Additional info on oversize/weight loads.

Heavy haul trucking and oversize load permit limitations.

Maximum weight on a single axle 25,000 pounds. On tandem axles 46,000 pounds. On tridum axles 60,000 pounds. On quad axles 70,000 pounds. On five axle trailers 81,400 pounds. On trunnion axles 60,000 pounds. If you’re axle is 10 feet wide you will be permitted the following weights on restricted routes: single axle 22,500 pounds, tandem axles 41,400 pounds, tridum axles 54,000 pounds, quad axles 63,000 pounds five axles 73,260 pounds: trunnion 54,000 pounds: gross weight five axles 105,000 pounds, six axles 119,000 pounds, seven axles 129,000 pounds, eight axles depends on axle configuration: length to 180 feet maximum overhang is 30 feet maximum width is 20 feet to 16 feet usual maximum on interstate: height is 18’11”. Any load that exceeds these dimensions or weights may be referred to as a super load. If over 125 feet long or 20 feet wide or 11 feet and 8 inches tall and it requires a route inspection please refer to Texas state form number MCD 306a.

Oversize and heavy haul trucking signs, flags and required lights.

Signs are required on all pilot car and escort vehicles. Any vehicle transporting a load that extends to the rear at least 4 feet beyond the bad of the trailers shall display on the extreme end of the load to read Lance visible in the distance of a minimum of 500 feet from the rear. To read reflectors that indicate the maximum width of the shipment that are visible at night time at all directions from the side and the rear of the shipment are required. So my trucks are required to have their low beam headlamps on when ever transporting any type of oversize or heavy haul shipment. Any load or shipment that has overhang that extends more than 4 feet beyond the rear of the trailers shall display red flags that are at least 16 inches in a square shape on all extremities of the actual load and are to be placed where the red light is required on all extremities. Also my trucks will need to be equipped with either two simultaneous Lee flashing amber lights or one rotating amber beacon light that has a base of no less than 8 inches affixed to the top of the power unit. Power unit lights must be visible from both the front and the rear of the power unit and the power unit is required to have the same 16 inch warning flags mounted on the very most forward part of the vehicle. All power units are required to have a wide load sign mounted on the front and the rear of the vehicle as well as the shipment and tow and the sign is required to have a yellow background with black letters the are at least 8 inches tall. This sign must be a minimum of 5 feet in width but no more than 7 feet and width.

Pilot car and escort vehicle requirements for oversize and heavy haul loads.

If your shipment is in excess of 14 feet wide or 17 feet tall or 110 feet and linked one escort or pilot car is required. If you will be traveling on a 2 Lane Hwy. then the pilot car or escort vehicle must be in the front of the power unit. If you will be traveling on a highway with four or more lanes than the escort vehicle or pilot car must be in the rear. When the load is in excess of 17 feet in height your pilot car or escort must travel in the front of the load as well as be a equipped with a high pole. If your shipment is in excess of 16 feet wide or 18 feet tall or 125 feet long, both a front and rear pilot car or escort vehicle is required. Whenever the shipment or load exceeds 18 feet in height, your front escort must be equipped with a high pole.

Police escorts for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Official law enforcement vehicles or motorcycles may be used as a primary escort or pilot car vehicle for a permitted shipment traveling within the limits seven Inc. city if a Highway Patrol officer, Sheriff, or duly authorized deputy, or and the noticeable police officer operates on a motorcycle or car. A pilot/escort car/motorcycle must maintain two-way radio communications with the permitted vehicle and other pilot cars or escort vehicles involved with the movement of the permitted vehicle.

Convoys or multiple shipments of oversize or heavy haul loads escort vehicle requirements.

On shipments that are 110 feet long to 125 foot long one escort per load or convoy is permitted or to for four loads with one front and one rear pilot car or escort vehicle up to 125 feet. From 125 feet and 1 inch to 150 feet and linked a front and rear escort per load, or per convoy of 22 a maximum of four loads with one front and one rear pilot car or escort vehicle is required. From 150 feet and 1 inch and linked to 180 feet long one front and one rear escort is required per load or per convoy of up to two loads with one front and one rear escort. The spacing and lighting of a load is exactly as described above however each permitted load in a convoy must travel at least 1000 feet but no more than 2000 feet from any other permitted load in the convoy. Having a rotating amber beacon or and amber pulsating light no less than 8 inches in diameter mounted at the top rear of the actual load or shipment being shipped.

Manufactured housing transport regulations.

If a manufactured home is in excess of 16 feet wide but does not exceed 18 feet wide then one pilot car or escort vehicle is required. If traveling on a 2 Lane Hwy. the pilot car or escort vehicle must be in the front of the load. On a highway with four or more lanes a escort vehicle must be in the rear. If the load exceeds 18 feet wide then to escorts are required with one in the front and one in the rear.

Escort vehicles should be equipped with the following equipment.

All escort vehicles or pilot cars will need to be a clip with two flashing amber lights or one rotating amber beacon with a base no less than 8 inches in diameter affixed to the top of the pilot car or escort vehicle which must be visible from the sides of front and the rear of the pilot car or escort vehicle while actively engaged in duty as a pilot car or escort vehicle. All signs of and escort vehicle must display on both sides of the rough of the pilot car or escort vehicle towards the front and towards the rear the words “oversize load” or “wide load”. These required signs must be visible from both the front and the rear of the vehicle while piloting or escorting any shipment. The sign must meet the following size specifications. It must be a minimum of 5 feet wide but no more than 7 feet in width. It must be a minimum of 12 inches tall but no more than 18 inches tall. The color of the sign must be yellow with black lettering. The size of the lettering on the sign must be a minimum of 8 inches tall but no more than 12 inches tall with a thickness of no less than 1.41 inches wide. The visibility of the sign must be from the front and the rear of your pilot car or escort vehicle and must never be used if you are not on duty. All pilot car and escort vehicles shall be equipped with a two-way radio communication device which clearly communicates with the permitted vehicle as well as all other pilot cars and escort vehicles involved with the shipment of the permitted vehicle. All pilot cars and escort vehicles need to be a minimum of 1000 pounds and not more than 10,000 pounds in weight.

Travel times of escort vehicles and pilot cars that are working with oversize and heavy haul trucking companies.

If your job dimensions are restricted under daytime movement then your work hours are from one half hour before sunset and ending at one half hour after sunset. As far as holiday restrictions are concerned the maximum dimensions or weights that you can work on a shipment up to 14 feet in width or up to 16 feet in height or 110 feet long (manufactured housing) then none of them may be transported on either of the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. There are no weekend restrictions. To view curfews you may use the above links to go to the Texas Department of Transportation website at www.txdot.gov for more info. If the load does not exceed 10 feet wide or 100 hundred feet long you may travel at night on the Interstate highways only. A load that is only overweight may travel at night on any Texas Highway. The Texas state permit office will be closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. Travel will not be restricted on these days and less on noted on your permit. Permit is not valid without the curfews sheet attached.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and heavy-haul trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Texas State DOT Permits office before commencing any transport of oversize or heavy haul loads.

Texas oversize and overweight regulations for DOT trucking permits.

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Missouri State Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 17, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / 1 Comment

Tags: axles, DOT, escort, heavy haul, highway, information, laws, legal, length, loads, maximum, Missouri, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, pilot cars, road, rules, shipping, spacing, State, trailer, Transportation, travel, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

2018 Missouri state DOT shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations, for oversize and heavy-haul the trucking.

Missouri State DOT (MODOT) Trucking Information website:

Legal Loads

Length: It appears no max length is set but after 90’ requires a rear/chase escort.

Weight: 80,000 lbs. GVW

Width: 8’ 6”

Height: 13’ 6”

Missouri routine heavy haul, oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits.

Length: Over 90’ requires rear escort. We assume routine would be up to 120’.

Weight: Single 29,000 lbs., 36,000 lbs. on Tandem, Tridem axles 47,000 lbs., Quad axles. This state is complicated on weight. See State website above or contact for clarification.

Width: Figure up to 14’ as a routine permit.

Height: 14’ 6” depending on routing.

How to apply for heavy haul, wideload and oversize trucking permits.

Missouri Department of Transportation, Motor Carriers, Special Permit Office
PO Box 270, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: 573-751-2871
The normal hours of operation are Monday thru Friday 7:30 am until 3:45 pm.

Pilot Car – Escort vehicle requirements.

Length: Anything over 90’ requires one rear/chase vehicle.
Width: Two lanes total over 12” 4”’ wide needs one front up to 14’. Four lanes total over 12’ 4” wide requires one rear.
Height: If over 15’ 6” you need a high pole and a rear/chase vehicle and can only move from 6:30 -9:00 am and 3:30 – 6:00 pm on all routes. Over 17’ 5” needs route survey and bucket truck.

Travel Restrictions

Travel is restricted if over 12’ 4” wide in most areas to 6:30 am (or a half hour after sunrise) until 9:00 am then resume at 3:30 pm until 6:00 pm (or a half hour before sunset). If over 14’ wide no movement on Saturday or Sunday at all. You may move Monday thru Friday but only. For now, consider this info as a basic guideline for estimates only. Please call the State of Missouri for exact laws. And always be sure to read the instructions on your permit(s).

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Missouri State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

2018 British Columbia shipping regulations

WLSADMIN On June 9, 2018 / Canada Shipping Regulations. / 21 Comments

Tags: axles, British Columbia, DOT, escort, frost, heavy haul, highway, information, laws, legal, length, limits, loads, maximum, night travel, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, pilot cars, regulations, road, rules, shipping, spacing, State, superload, thaw, time, trailer, Transportation, travel, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

2018 British Columbia shipping regulations

2018 British Columbia DOT shipping regulations. Laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize/heavy-haul trucking in the Province of British Columbia.

British Columbia DOT regulations for oversize shipping.

British Columbia. The official Coat of Arms.

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Heavy-haul trucking & pilot car directory.
Locate trucking companies and pilot cars in British Columbia:

British Columbia heavy-haul trucking company directory.
British Columbia pilot car/truck escort company directory.

Legal load limits.
British Columbia legal load limits:

Length: 14.65 meters (48.06′) from the kingpin to the rear most portion of the trailer. No combinations in length over 23 meters (75.45′) overall without a permit. A 53 foot semi-trailer is allowed provided the lift axle is raised.
Width: No shipment may travel if in excess of 2.6 meters in width (without a permit) unless it is a shipment of hay which is limited to 3.1 meters (122″) or rear view mirrors which are limited to 30 cm (11.81 inches)on each side, additional auxiliary devices are allowed 30 cm (11.81 inches) and tires are allowed an additional 10 cm.
Height: No shipment may travel if larger than 4.15 meters (163″) in height without a permit.
Weight: Single axle: 9,100 kg (20,062 lbs) and the same for tandem and tridum axles. A tridem pole trailer: gross weight on any two adjacent axles in a tridum axle group must not exceed 17,000 kg (37,478 lbs). The maximum licensed gross vehicle weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles must not exceed 63,500 kg* (139,994 lbs) without a permit (see; en B.C Regulation 95/2006, s. 3.)* THIS AMOUNT SEEMS EXCESSIVE. THIS IS THE NUMBER OUR RESEARCH PRODUCED. See; reference link below in “notes” under “maximum gross weight”.
Notes: Not matter what a permit states if there is a sign posted on a highway or road that contradicts your permit the sign will take precedence over the permit so you must immediately stop traveling and get clarification. Section reference: Copyright Queens Printer Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Overhang: 1m in front and .061 – which seems a little odd to us as the rear maximum seems short. Please contact the BC DOT to verify.

Routine trucking permits.
Oversize and overweight trucking permits that are routinely issued by the British Columbia DOT routinely:

Length: 27.5 meters (90 feet, 2 and 43/64 fourths on an inch) in the maximum length for a routine permit in B. C.
Width: 4.4 meters (14 feet, 5 and 15/64 fourths of an inch) is the maximum with you will get from BC DOT on a routine permit.
Height: There is no number provided. The British Columbia DOT permit office wants to assess every load that is over height based on intended routing.
Weight: This is the same as height. They will not give you a solid number for routine. We are going to suggest 63,500 kg (134,994 lbs) since we had trouble locating what we feel was a reasonable maximum limit above for “legal loads limits”. we sure welcome your comments below.
Overhang: 6.5 meters (21 feet, 3 and 29/32 seconds of an inch) for routine permits for overhang.

NOTES: If your shipment is oversize AND overweight you will be required to have two separate permits. Oversize loads are required to have safety flags no less than 16″ x 16″ (46.64 cm) square and be red in color.

Superload information- extraordinary loads.
British Columbia superload information:

Superloads in British Columbia or “extraordinary loads” are defined by the DOT any shipment that is in excess of 85,000 kilograms GVW in weight, 4.4 meters (14 feet, 5 and 15/64ths of an inch) in width, 4.88 meters (16 feet and 1/8th inches) in overall height. Depending on your route you may not be classified as a “Superload” as the British Columbia DOT has pre-approved designated routes. You can find more (limited) information on super or extraordinary loads here.

Permitted travel times & restrictions.
British Columbia DOT travel times and restrictions for oversize and overweight trucking:

The rule of daylight is defined as 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset in B. C. No travel is allowed after 2 PM on Friday until 12:01 AM on Monday for any load in excess of 3.8 meters (12′ 6″) in width. If your shipment is over 3.5 meters (11′ 6″) in width you are only allowed to travel during daylight hours only with the exception of the Peace River region. For holiday travel restrictions you may not travel after 2 PM on the day before the holiday and after 12:01 on the day after the holiday. Holidays are New Years day, Provincial day, Good Friday, Victoria day, Canada day, Family day, Labour day, Thanksgiving day, Remembrance day, Christmas day and Boxing day.

When pilot cars are required.
British Columbia DOT requires a pilot car (escort vehicle) to accompany your shipment if you are in excess of any of the following dimensions or weights:

Length: For shipments in excess of 27.5 meters (90′) in length you will be required to have 1 rear pilot car (escort vehicle) on all roads. For shipments over 27.5 meters (90′) in length 1 front pilot car/escort and 1 rear pilot car/escort is required.
Width: Shipments in excess of 3.5 meters (11′ 6″) wide you will be required to have 1 front pilot car on two lane roads or 1 rear pilot car/escort on multiple lane roads. In some cases a beacon light may be substituted. In many cases night travel is granted at 304.8 cm (10′ wide). If granted night travel you may be required to have 1 pilot car/escort in the front if your shipment is over 3.2 meters (10′ 5 and 63/64 fourths of an inch”) in width. Shipments that are over 3.5 meters (11′ 5 and 51/64 fourths of an inch”) wide up to 4.4 meters (14′ 5 and 15/64 fourths of an inch) require 1 front pilot car/escort vehicle. Shipments that are over 3.5 meters (11′ 5 and 51/64 fourths of an inch”) wide are permitted to travel at night only.
Height: Depending on your route the BC DOT permit office will determine if you are required to have a pilot car/escort vehicle.
Weight: Weight is on a case by case basis. As long as your shipment can maintain the minimum required speed limit you will probably not be required to have a pilot car/escort by the British Columbia DOT permits office.
Overhang: If you are have more than 6.5 meters (21′ 3 and 29/32 seconds of an inch) of overhang you will be required to have 1 rear pilot car/escort.

Pilot car certifications.
Pilot car (escort vehicle) certifications and requirements for operating in British Columbia:

Pilot car/escort vehicle operators at this time are only required to: 1.) have a valid drivers license and 2.) be over 18 years of age. We are getting reports that a certification program is in the works but at the time of this update (March 2, 2014) these above 3 requirements are all that is needed to operate a “pilot car” or “escort vehicle” within the Province of British Columbia (see comments below for more information). Also see; British Columbia Pilot Cars laws. Your vehicle is required to have a lighted sign box that is a minimum of 180 cm x 35 cm x 10 cm (72″ x 14″ x 4″), have 2 – flashing lights mounted on the top of the sign box on each side with 2 amber strobe or rotating lights a minimum of 203 mm (8″) mounted between the flashing lights on top of the box as well.

The minimum acceptable size for a rotating amber light is 15 cm in diameter and for strobe lights 11 cm in diameter. Either type of lamp must emit light flashes in 360 degrees.

The sign box must light up and be visible from a minimum distance of 200 meters. The sign box must have either a red and white D sign or a yellow with black lettering stating “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “WIDE LOAD”, OR “LONG LOAD”. If you have the “D” sign your letter must be no less than 20 cm (8″) in height with a 4 cm (1 5/8″) line thickness. If you have the yellow sign your lettering must be no less than 20 cm (8″) with a 4 cm (1 5/8″) line thickness. The sign box must be mounted on the top of the vehicle and covered when not in operation. You are also expected to have the following items inside of the vehicle: CB radio or high powered 2-way radio, first aid kit, fire extinguisher type A, B & C of at least a 2 liters, 3 reflective road triangles, 3 traffic cones, reflective vest (worn while working), slow/stop sign, 3 red or orange safety colored flags no less than 40 x 40 cm (16″ x 16″), nose cone flashlight and a hard hat.

Shipment, truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags:

All trucks that are hauling oversize or overweight loads must have a strobe, flashing or rotating amber light mounted to the roof that is visible from 360 degrees at a minimum distance of 200 meters (656′). All 4 outermost corners of the overall shipment and any obtrusive points must have flags mounted to them that are safety red or orange in color no less than 40 cm x 40 cm (16″ x 16″) and have the flags exchanged for lighting if moving during the night. A sign stating the nature of the load; “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “WIDE LOAD” or “LONG LOAD” must be mounted to the front and rear of the overall shipment. Signs must be a minimum of 12′ in height and 6′ in width with a yellow background and black letting with lettering thickness no less than 4 cm (1 5/8″) thick.

British Columbia DOT & other information.
British Columbia DOT contact and other useful information:

British Columbia DOT – Central Permit Office
Telephone help line: 800-559-9688 or the have districts so click on area for phone and info.
Hours: 5 AM until 10 PM including all holidays – PACIFIC TIME ZONE.

British Columbia DOT oversize and overweight permit applications online.
British Columbia DOT oversize and overweight permits manuals.
British Columbia Province road conditions and closures.
British Columbia HOS or hours of service rules and regulations -.pdf document.
British Columbia DOT spring thaw and frost laws.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the British Columbia Province DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

Alaska Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 8, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / Leave a comment

Tags: Alaska, axles, bridge, DOT, escort, federal, formula, frost, heavy haul, highway, laws, legal, length, loads, maximum, overhang, oversize, overweight, permit, permits, pilot cars, regulations, road, rules, shipping, spacing, State, temporaroy, trailer, Transportation, travel, trip permit, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

2018 Alaska DOT shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits for pilot cars and trucking companies.

Alaska shipping regulations for oversize and overweight trucking and DOT permit information.

The great state of Alaska official seal.

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Heavy haul trucking, pilot cars and permits.

Locate heavy haul, oversize equipment shipping companies, pilot cars and ordering trucking permits in Alaska:

Alaska heavy haul and oversize trucking company list.
Alaska pilot cars.
Alaska oversize trucking permits.

Legal load limits.

Length: 53’ Trailer Length
Width: 8’6”
Height: 14’
Weight: Depending on route 80,000 lbs GVW.
Overhang: 3’ in the front, 4’ in the rear.

Kenworth double trailers in compliance with 80,000 pounds GVW laws.

Alaska requires any shipment over the weight of 80,000 pounds to have a special trip permit.

Routine trucking permits.

Trucking oversize and overweight permit limits:

Length: Shipping varies due to routing and season.
Width: Shipping rules vary depending on route and seaason.
Height: Over 14′ and once again everything varies depending on routing and season.
Weight: Single; 30,000 lbs, tandem; 56,000 lbs, tridem; 70,000 lbs, quadem 80,000 lbs, gross weight; 150,000 lbs. Depends on the route you wish to travel, distance and the bridges you intend on crossing.
Overhang: 20′ is a safe number but once again everything up here is seasonal as roads are closed or combined with weight frost laws may be in effect and limit you. For the most part there is no such thing as a “routing” shipment in Alaska.

Notes: When between the months of October 1 and March 31 for 1, 2 & 3 drive axle groups on truck tractors intending to travel the Dalton, Elliott or Steese highways between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay you can shift your legal axle weights to make them legal. The following weights on these routes apply: single; 22,000 lbs with 8′ 1″ minimum spacing between axles, tandem; 42,000 lbs, tridem; 48,000 lbs maximum.

When a pilot car is required.

Pilot car (escort vehicle) requirements:

Length: if overall length exceeds 85′ you are required to have 1 pilot car (escort). If overall length exceeds 100′ you are required to have 1 front and 1 read pilot car (escort).

Width: If 10′ to 12′ wide you will be required to have 1 pilot car (escort vehicle). If width exceeds 12′ and up to 14′ you are required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort vehicle). From 14′ to 18′ in width you will be required to have 3 pilot cars. 2 front on 4 lane and 2 rear on 2 lane roads with the additional at either end. 18′ up to 22′ in width will require 4 pilot cars (escorts); 2 in front and 2 on the rear. If over 22′ in width you will be required to “close and roll” (closing the road as you move) requiring you to have 5 pilot cars as well as a minimum of 1 police escort.

Weight: You may be required to have a pilot car/cars if you are not able to maintain the minimum speed limit and on some designated bridge crossings depending on your weight class.

Overhang: If overhang is greater than 20′ you will be required to have 1 pilot car vehicle. If over 35′ you will be required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot car.

Required shipment markings & flags.

Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners & flags:

For loads that are over 8′ 6″ in width you will be required to have a “OVERSIZE LOAD” banner on the front or your truck and on the rear of your truck or load, whichever is most practical. Flags must be a minimum length of 16″ and be safety orange or red in color.

Pilot car certifications & requirements.

Pilot car (escort vehicle) certifications & requirements:

A pilot car must be manufactured as a passenger vehicle (car, truck, van, etc.) with a manufacturers weight of less than 10,000 lbs. All pilot car drivers must be wearing a safety colored vest, jacket or shirt. All pilot cars must be equipped with a rotating, strobe or flashing amber light visible from 360 degrees from a distance of no less than 500′. Vehicle must have a regulations sized hand help SLOW – STOP sign, safety colored flags of no less than 18″ in either direction, 8 road safety flares, 3 reflective road triangles, a 2-way communication device capable of transmitting at least 10 miles and a type A, B and C fire extinguisher.

Travel times and restrictions.

Travel times and restrictions:

Approved permits are valid for 3-5 days unless otherwise stated. Travel times are from Monday through Saturday at noon during daylight hours – the one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset rule applies. However, vehicles not exceeding 85′ in length, 16’in width or 16′ in height can travel Monday through Sunday during daylight hours only. Travel is NOT permitted on the following holiday weekends: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Areas of high traffic densities are restricted from 7:00-8 AM and 4:30-6:00 PM in certain areas (refer to your permit for documentation). Movement is NOT permitted on Kalifornsky Beach Rd, Kenai Spur highway or the Sterling highway from 6:45-9:00 AM and 2:15-4:30 PM during the school months for shipments in excess of 14′ in width. Ketchikan has restricted movement from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 12 noon – 1 PM and from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Glenn and Parks Highways to Palmer and Wasilla between the hours of 6:00-8:00 AM and from 11:30-1:00 PM and from 4:30 until 6:00 PM if over 14′ in width.

Frost and thaw laws.

Frost and thaw laws:

Frost and thaw laws are in effect usually from March 1 until mid June on major routes, southern central and the interior. There are so many roads that have different regulations on thaw laws and frost laws. You absolutely will want to call the Alaska State DOT office at the number below for more information. Example: A particular highway may have a set of regulations until you reach a certain mile post, then after that has a whole different set of regulations. There are hundreds of them similar.

Alaska DOT & information.

Alaska state DOT trucking permit contact information:

Division of Measurement Standards Phones: 907-365-1200 or below within Alaska.
Commercial Vehicle Customer Service Center: 800-478-7636
Huffman Business Park
11900 Industrial Way
Anchorage, AK 99515

Phone help line: 907-365-1200
Toll free within Alaska: 800-478-7636
Fax: 907-365-1204
Permit office hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
PACIFIC STANDARD TIME

Alaska state DOT website with all kinds of permit info, forms, manuals, etc here. Alaska heavy-haul and oversize trucking laws.
Road closures and highway conditions here.
Alaska road closure information.

Cities in Alaska: Adak, Akhiok, Akiachak, Akiak, Akutan, Alakanuk, Alatna, Alcan Border, Aleknagik, Aleneva, Allakaket, Alpine, Ambler, Anaktuvuk Pass, Anchorage municipality, Anchor Point, Anderson, Angoon, Aniak, Anvik, Arctic Village, Atka, Atmautluak, Atqasuk, Attu Station, Barrow, Bear Creek, Beaver, Beluga, Bethel, Bettles, Big Delta, Big Lake, Birch Creek, Brevig Mission, Buckland, Buffalo Soapstone, Butte, Cantwell, Central, Chalkyitsik, Chase, Chefornak, Chenega, Chevak, Chickaloon, Chicken, Chignik, Chignik Lagoon, Chignik Lake, Chiniak, Chisana, Chistochina, Chitina, Chuathbaluk, Circle, Clam Gulch, Clark’s Point, Coffman Cove, Cohoe, Cold Bay, Coldfoot, College, Cooper Landing, Copper Center, Copperville, Cordova, Covenant Life, Craig, Crooked Creek, Crown Point, Cube Cove, Deering, Delta Junction, Deltana, Diamond Ridge, Dillingham, Diomede, Dot Lake, Dot Lake Village, Dry Creek, Eagle, Eagle Village, Edna Bay, Eek, Egegik, Eielson AFB, Ekwok, Elfin Cove, Elim, Emmonak, Ester, Evansville, Excursion Inlet, Fairbanks, False Pass, Farm Loop, Ferry, Fishhook, Flat, Fort Greely, Fort Yukon, Four Mile Road, Fox, Fox River, Fritz Creek, Funny River, Gakona, Galena, Gambell, Game Creek, Gateway, Glacier View, Glennallen, Golovin, Goodnews Bay, Grayling, Gulkana, Gustavus, Haines, Halibut Cove, Happy Valley, Harding-Birch Lakes, Healy, Healy Lake, Hobart Bay, Hollis, Holy Cross, Homer, Hoonah, Hooper Bay, Hope, Houston, Hughes, Huslia, Hydaburg, Hyder, Igiugig, Iliamna, Ivanof Bay, Juneau city and borough, Kachemak, Kake, Kaktovik, Kalifornsky, Kaltag, Karluk, Kasaan, Kasigluk, Kasilof, Kenai, Kenny Lake, Ketchikan, Kiana, King Cove, King Salmon, Kipnuk, Kivalina, Klawock, Klukwan, Knik-Fairview, Knik River, Kobuk, Kodiak, Kodiak Station, Kokhanok, Koliganek, Kongiganak, Kotlik, Kotzebue, Koyuk, Koyukuk, Kupreanof, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Lake Louise, Lake Minchumina, Lakes, Larsen Bay, Lazy Mountain, Levelock, Lime Village, Livengood, Lowell Point, Lower Kalskag, Lutak, McCarthy, McGrath, McKinley Park, Manley Hot Springs, Manokotak, Marshall, Meadow Lakes, Mekoryuk, Mendeltna, Mentasta Lake, Metlakatla, Meyers Chuck, Miller Landing, Minto, Moose Creek, Moose Pass, Mosquito Lake, Mountain Village, Mud Bay, Naknek, Nanwalek, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Naukati Bay, Nelchina, Nelson Lagoon, Nenana, New Allakaket, Newhalen, New Stuyahok, Newtok, Nightmute, Nikiski, Nikolaevsk, Nikolai, Nikolski, Ninilchik, Noatak, Nome, Nondalton, Noorvik, North Pole, Northway, Northway Junction, Northway Village, Nuiqsut, Nulato, Nunapitchuk, Old Harbor, Oscarville, Ouzinkie, Palmer, Paxson, Pedro Bay, Pelican, Perryville, Petersburg, Petersville, Pilot Point, Pilot Station, Pitkas Point, Platinum, Pleasant Valley, Point Baker, Point Hope, Point Lay, Point MacKenzie, Pope-Vannoy Landing, Portage Creek, Port Alexander, Port Alsworth, Port Clarence, Port Graham, Port Heiden, Port Lions, Port Protection, Primrose, Prudhoe Bay, Quinhagak, Rampart, Red Devil, Red Dog Mine, Ridgeway, Ruby, Russian Mission, St. George, St. Mary’s, St. Michael, St. Paul, Salamatof, Salcha, Sand Point, Savoonga, Saxman, Scammon Bay, Selawik, Seldovia, Seldovia Village, Seward, Shageluk, Shaktoolik, Sheldon Point (Nunam Iqua), Shishmaref, Shungnak, Silver Springs, Sitka city and borough, Skagway, Skwentna, Slana, Sleetmute, Soldotna, South Naknek, Stebbins, Sterling, Stevens Village, Stony River, Sunrise, Susitna, Sutton-Alpine, Takotna, Talkeetna, Tanacross, Tanaina, Tanana, Tatitlek, Tazlina, Teller, Tenakee Springs, Tetlin, Thoms Place, Thorne Bay, Togiak, Tok, Toksook Bay, Tolsona, Tonsina, Trapper Creek, Tuluksak, Tuntutuliak, Tununak, Twin Hills, Two Rivers, Tyonek, Ugashik, Unalakleet, Unalaska, Upper Kalskag, Valdez, Venetie, Wainwright, Wales, Wasilla, Whale Pass, White Mountain, Whitestone Logging Camp, Whittier, Willow, Willow Creek, Wiseman, Womens Bay, Wrangell, Y, Yakutat.

Additional information:

Heavy haul and oversize trucking permit limitations.

Maximum weights; on a single axle with dual tires 30,000 pounds. With tandem axles 56,000 pounds, with tridem axles 70,000 pounds, with quadem axles 80,000 pounds. Gross maximum is 150,000 pounds. All of this depends entirely on the route you choose to travel as well as distance and any bridges that you intend to cross. It also depends upon the length, height and width of the shipment. Between the months of October 1st and March 31st for one, two and three drive axle groupings on trucks and truck tractors traveling the Elliott, Steese and Dalton highways between Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay you can shift legal axle weights in the following weights on these routes in applicable: single axles 22,000 pounds (with 8’1″ minimum axle spacing). Tandem axles 42,000 pounds, tridem axles 48,000 pounds. The maximum height allowed is 15’3″. Shipments over 14 feet wide or 150 feet long or 16’6″ in height must supply to the permitting department the exact route they wish to travel.

Heavy haul and oversize truck signs and flags.

A standard oversize load sign is required on the front of the tractor and the rear of the shipment if it exceeds 8’6″ and width. The sign must be yellow and have a minimum of 48 inches in width with black letters that are 10 inches tall and 2 inches wide. Acceptable signs when specified shall read “oversize”, “oversize load” or “wide load” for over width vehicles and/or shipments “oversize”, “oversize load” or “long load” for over length vehicles must be affixed to the rear of shipment when overall load exceeds 60 feet in length. Vehicles and loads with rear overhang exceeding 10 feet are subject to the following: must have “oversize” or “oversize load” signs and a amber high intensity rotating, flashing, oscillating or strobe type beacon which must be visible for a minimum of 500 feet from the end of the shipment. You must have either an extended light-bar or a rear pilot car or escort vehicle. All flags must be a minimum of 16” square and must be red. Flags are required to be on vehicles with loads wider than 10 feet and if overhang exceeds the legal limits in any direction.

Pilot car and escort vehicle requirements.

If the width of the shipment is over 10’6″ and up to 12 feet one pilot car or escort vehicle is required. For lengths over 85 feet and up to 100 feet one pilot car is required. If overhang is greater than 10 feet but less than 20 feet one pilot car or escort vehicle may be used. It is possible to use an extended lightbar and place of a rear pilot car. Heavy haul or overweight shipments with special bridge conditions are required to have two pilot cars if the width is 12 feet up to 14 feet to pilot cars or escort vehicles are required if the length is greater than 100 feet to escort vehicles or pilot cars are required. If the overhang exceeds 20 feet unless the rear is greater than 35 feet or the front greater than 60 feet one pilot car is required. For widths over 14 feet three pilot car vehicles or escort’s are required: two in the front and one in the rear. If you have overhang from the rear that is greater than 35 feet to pilot cars are required and for widths up to 18 feet but not more than 22 feet 4 pilot cars or escort vehicles are required. If road closures exist and you are an excess of 22 feet wide then you will be required to have 5 escorts or pilot cars. You may be permitted to use an extended light-bar when up to 20 feet of rear overhang and lieu of a rear pilot car.

Pilot car and escort vehicle requirements.

Pilot cars and escort vehicles may be passenger trucks and cars as long is they are under 10,000 pounds in total weight. Pilot cars and escort vehicles must carry commercial vehicle insurance. Pilot cars and escort vehicles will not carry any passengers. Pilot cars and escort vehicles will not act as a steer man or a tiller man for any load. Oversize load signs and beacons: all escort vehicles and pilot cars are required to be equipped with the appropriate signage. Depending upon the shipment you are working with this might be oversize, wide load or long load and the sign must be roof mounted with a high intensity rotating flashing oscillating or strobe type amber beacon light which must be visible from a minimum of 500 feet in any direction. When a pilot car or in escort vehicle is required to lead any oversize load the appropriate sign must be faced towards the front of the pilot car or escort vehicle when the pilot car or escort is chasing a load the appropriate sign must be faced towards the rear of the vehicle. Pilot car companies and escort vehicle drivers shall carry the following items and equipment at all times when escorting heavy haul and oversize loads: a 24 inch stop slow paddle sign, three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles, 15 pound rated B and C fire extinguisher, a reflector rise orange vest shirt or jacket, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a red cone and be equipped with a red hand flag.

Flag men or flag persons.

The state of Alaska does not require a pilot car or escort vehicle operator to have certification to perform flagging functions flaggers and or pilot car or escort vehicles operators shall complete the state approved flagging test as well is any necessary training prior to working in the capacity of a flagger. There is a fee for the online class. Flag persons shall not be less than 18 years of age and must be capable of carrying out flagging responsibilities in accordance with the Alaska state traffic manual regulations flaggers must be wearing high visibility or florescent orange jackets and vest as well as equipped with a slow stop paddle and a red hand flag these items must be utilized by the pilot car company or escort vehicle operator in the event that it becomes necessary. If required pilot car and escort vehicle operators will need to pull over and Park in order to stop or control Highway traffic. At no time shall the slow stop paddle or red flags be displayed out of the window of a moving vehicle.

Travel time for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Heavy haul permits and oversize trucking permits are valid for 3 to 5 days unless otherwise specified. Travel is permitted from Monday through Saturday at noon during daylight hours. One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. However, vehicles that are not exceeding 10’6″ wide or 16 feet tall or 85 feet and linked total may travel Monday through Saturday during daylight hours. Oversize vehicles are allowed to operate during hours of darkness under special lighting and taping requirements. Travel is permitted on the following holiday weekends memorial day for for July and Labor Day. Urban areas do restrict travel during peak hours be sure to refer to your permit for specific travel times especially in urban areas.

Spring weight and frost laws.

Weight restrictions and frost laws usually occur on all major routes in South, Central as well as interior Alaska. Typical months are from March 1^st until the 1st July.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Alaska State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

Alaska DOT

Alaska state regulations.

oversize trucking laws.

Arizona State Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 6, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / 8 Comments

Tags: Arizona, axles, bridge, DOT, escort, heavy haul, highway, information, laws, legal, length, loads, maximum, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, pilot cars, regulations, road, rules, shipping, State, trailer, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

2018 Arizona state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and overweight trucking on state highways and roads.

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Please share your expertise or knowledge of Arizona state trucking regulations with other visitors below.

As per the state of Arizona please read the following:

“The Arizona Department of Transportation in cooperation with state representatives, industry, the Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement personnel work in collaboration to update and amend oversize and overweight special permit rules containing special permit requirements, restrictions and allowances for transporting oversize and overweight vehicles and loads on highways under the jurisdiction of the Department. This is a council established in statute and makes up the Over-dimensional Permit Council.

These rules detail the eligibility, application and use requirements for a variety of permits the Department currently issues to commercial motor carriers for transporting vehicles or vehicle and load combinations exceeding the maximum size or weight limitations provided by statute.

Each special permit provided by the Department under these rules is specifically authorized by statute. The oversize and overweight special permits issued under these rules are that each permittee issued a particular class of permit is subject to the same activities, practices, requirements and restrictions applicable to that permit type. The statutes additionally provide authority for issuance, conditions, restrictions, approvals and fees.”

All laws, regulations, rules and limitations are now set fourth in: A.A.C. R17-06: Oversize and Overweight Special Permits “Administrative Rules”

Trucking company & pilot car directory.
Locate trucking & pilot car companies in Arizona state:

Arizona heavy haul and oversize trucking company directory.
Arizona pilot cars and truck escorts.
Order Arizona heavy haul and oversize trucking permits.

Legal load limits within the state of Arizona.
Legal load limits:

Length: Anything over 65’ qualifies as a over length load on non-designated highways.
Overhang: 3’ front or 6’ rear (make sure your route is approved for overhang this far as there are location variations).
Weight: GVW 80,000 lbs., 12,000 lbs on steer axle.
Width: 8’ 6” wide.
Height: 14’ on Interstate; 13’ 6” height on secondary roads.

Routine heavy haul and oversize trucking permits in Arizona.
Routine trucking permit limits:

Length: 120’
Overhang: 3’ front or 6’ rear
Weight: 250,000 maximum (Class C if over or see superloads). Single axle; 28,000 lbs, tandem axles, tridum axles, and quadem axles. Depends upon the axle spacings and tire size. Trunnion: 60,000. Gross Weight: 5 Axles – 104,000; 6 Axles – 108,000; 7 Axles 117,000. The weights depend upon the number of tires combined with the overall distance between each of the axles. Spacings on axles are tricky in this state. The Arizona DOT permits office will consider a number or factors but primarily bridges. If weights are excessive and trailer capabilities are even close to short of maxing out forget it. Pavement structural and stress testing and results will govern your overall capabilities.
Width: 14’
Height: 16’

Note maximum speed is set at 55 mph for all oversize/overweight shipments.

Super load information for Arizona.

Arizona Department of Transportation
Maintenance Permits Services
206 S. 17th Ave.
MD 004R
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: 602.712.8280 or 8176
Fax: 602.712.3380

If a shipment exceeds any of the following it is classified as a superload and will require a class C permit. 120′ in length, 14′ in width, 16′ in height or 250,000 pounds in weight.

Applications for class C permits should ideally be submitted via the ADOT ePRO System. They do have other options but we strongly suggest you use the method they prefer. While it’s not a 100% guarantee you can usually get a Class C permit in 48 hours (excluding evenings, weekends and state holidays). Once it is approved you will see pending/approved/refused when you log in. The fee is $30 for class C shipments that are no greater than 18 feet in height and/or width and 80,000 pounds. Shipments that are over 80,000 pounds are $90. Shipments that are over 18 feet in height and width, but not over 80,000 pounds, are $40. For shipments that are greater than 18 feet in height and width and/or 80,000 pounds are $100. Typical class C permits are only valid for 4 working days unless otherwise specified. In order to obtain a class C permit extension beyond the 4 day working allowance you must either have inclement weather issues or equipment breakdown issues.

Class C Permits are valid on state and interstate highways only. Transporters must check with local jurisdictions for authorization to travel on roadways that are not under ADOT jurisdiction. When submitting an application include a note in the comment field on the ADOT ePRO payment screen if requesting 3 a.m. or weekend movement for loads up to 16 feet wide and 16 feet high. The entire route must be designated for night movement, weekend movement or both or it will be denied.

Engineering analysis fees. A base fee of $125 per 50-mile increment is charged on shipments that do not meet Arizona Administrative Code R17-6-411, Tables 3.01 through 3.09. Prior to issuance of a permit, all analysis fees must be paid online or sent by mail. Engineering analysis fees must be received by the Class C Permits Office prior to any engineering analysis is performed. Shipments that are in excess of 250,000 lbs over axle weight, or in excess of the posted bridge weights are analyzed by the ADOT Bridge Preservation Services. “Engineering analysis may take up to two weeks. Certified weights are required. Failure to provide the correct weights may require a second analysis to be performed by the ADOT Bridge Preservation Services and will incur a new analysis fee”.

Once issued, if your Class C Permit requires you to obtain law enforcement escorts, you may use your EZ Pay account to pay for Department of Public Safety (DPS) Escorts. To create an EZ Pay account, contact a Service Arizona Business Coordinator at 602.712.4039, or email to address above. To schedule law enforcement escorts after you have been issued a Arizona class C permit, contact the DPS Escort Scheduler at 602.223.2855.

For mobile home shipments:

The requirements for an “Easy” C Mobile Home Permit are similar to those for a regular Class C permit except the “Easy” C permit does not require a bridge-engineering analysis and is issued only to vehicles that do not exceed all of the following weight and size dimensions:

16 feet wide
16 feet high
120 feet in overall length (vehicle and load combination length)
80,000 pounds combined gross vehicle weight rating
Within statutory axle group weight limits

“Easy” C Mobile Home Permits can be requested and issued through ADOT ePRO. “Easy” Class C Mobile Home Permits are only valid on ADOT roadways. Transporters must check with local jurisdictions for permission to travel on roadways that are not under ADOT jurisdiction.

Once you are issued a “Easy” C permit if you are required to have police escorts use the above payment method to submit your payment. You will be required to pay for police escorts in advance.

Travel time restrictions for heavy haul and oversize trucking in Arizona.
Permitted travel times and restrictions in Arizona:

The one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset rule applies. Travel on weekends and holidays is permitted. Some loads will NOT be able to travel on weekends, please refer to the documentation on your permit to verify. If overweight only you will probably be allowed continuous travel. Under 10′ of overhang, 10′ in width or 14′ in height will more than likely be granted continuous travel.

When pilot cars are required in Arizona.
A pilot car (escort vehicle) is required in Arizona when:

Length: On 2 Lanes:Over 120’ requires 1 pilot car in front of truck and 1 rear of truck.
Width: On 2 lanes over 14’ requires 1 pilot car or escort vehicle in front of truck and 1 the rear of truck. On Interstates over 15’ wide you are required to have 1 pilot car in front of truck.
Height: Over 17’ requires 1 pilot car in front of truck.
On Interstates: Over 120’ requires 1 pilot car in front of truck.

Pilot car certifications in Arizona.
Certifications and requirements of Arizona pilot cars/escort vehicles:

All pilot cars/escort vehicles must display a bumper or roof mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. Sign must be at least 6′ long and 12″ in height, yellow in color with black letters no less than 5″ tall and 1 ″ in width. Vehicle must have 4 safety flags displayed in red or orange in color and be a minimum of 12″ of length and/or height mounted at a 40 to 70 degree angle on all 4 corners of the vehicle. Vehicle must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device, 8 ignitable road flares and have a first-aid kit.
For a vehicle to qualify; all pilot car/escort vehicles must have a manufacturers gross weight rating not to exceed over over 20,000 pounds.

Required heavy haul or oversize shipment truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners & flags in Arizona:

If shipment is over 102″ in width it must be flagged on the 4 outtermost corners of the entire combined shipment. Flags must be red in color and be not less than 12″ in either direction. Proper “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDELOAD” banner/sign bust be displayed on both the upper most front of overall shipment (front of truck) no less than 5′ from the pavement line. Banner/sign must be no less than 6′ in length and 12′ in height with reasonable and size letting thickness and height. If you are seeking or awarded night movement reflective or illuminated banners/signs are required.

Arizona DOT oversize and heavy haul trucking permits and information:
Arizona DOT permit office information:

Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT)
1225 N 25th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85009

Business hours are from 8am until 5pm (Mountain time M-F).
Oversize and overweight permit website: Arizona DOT permits.

Phone: 602-771-2960 or for Class C permits: 602-712-8176 or 8280
E-mail: ECDePROSupport@azdot.gov

Arizona cities: Ajo, Ak-Chin Village, Amado, Apache Junction, Arizona City, Arizona Village, Ash Fork, Avondale, Avra Valley, Bagdad, Benson, Big Park, Bisbee, Bitter Springs, Black Canyon City, Blackwater, Bluewater, Bouse, Buckeye, Bullhead City, Burnside, Cameron, Camp Verde, Canyon Day, Carefree, Casa Grande, Casas Adobes, Catalina, Catalina Foothills, Cave Creek, Central Heights-Midland City, Chandler, Chilchinbito, Chinle, Chino Valley, Chuichu, Cibecue, Cibola, Clarkdale, Claypool, Clifton, Colorado City, Congress, Coolidge, Cordes Lakes, Cornville, Corona de Tucson, Cottonwood, Cottonwood-Verde Village, Dennehotso, Desert Hills, Dewey-Humboldt, Dilkon, Dolan Springs, Douglas, Drexel-Alvernon, Drexel Heights, Dudleyville, Duncan, Eagar, East Fork, East Sahuarita, Ehrenberg, Elgin, El Mirage, Eloy, First Mesa, Flagstaff, Florence, Flowing Wells, Fort Defiance, Fortuna Foothills, Fountain Hills, Fredonia, Gadsden, Ganado, Gila Bend, Gilbert, Gisela, Glendale, Globe, Gold Camp, Golden Valley, Goodyear, Grand Canyon Village, Greasewood, Green Valley, Guadalupe, Hayden, Heber-Overgaard, Holbrook, Hotevilla-Bacavi, Houck, Huachuca City, Jeddito, Jerome, Kachina Village, Kaibab, Kaibito, Kayenta, Keams Canyon, Kearny, Kingman, Kykotsmovi Village, Lake Havasu City, Lake Montezuma, Lechee, Leupp, Litchfield Park, Littletown, Lukachukai, McNary, Mammoth, Many Farms, Marana, Maricopa, Mayer, Mesa, Mesquite Creek, Miami, Moenkopi, Mohave Valley, Mojave Ranch Estates, Morenci, Mountainaire, Munds Park, Naco, Nazlini, New Kingman-Butler, New River, Nogales, Oljato-Monument Valley, Oracle, Oro Valley, Page, Paradise Valley, Parker, Parker Strip, Parks, Patagonia, Paulden, Payson, Peach Springs, Peeples Valley, Peoria, Peridot, Phoenix, Picture Rocks, Pima, Pine, Pinetop-Lakeside, Pinon, Pirtleville, Pisinemo, Poston, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Quartzsite, Queen Creek, Queen Valley, Red Mesa, Rio Rico Northeast, Rio Rico Northwest, Rio Rico Southeast, Rio Rico Southwest, Rio Verde, Rock Point, Rough Rock, Round Rock, Sacaton, Safford, Sahuarita, St. David, St. Johns, St. Michaels, Salome, San Carlos, San Luis, San Manuel, Santan, Santa Rosa, Sawmill, Scottsdale, Second Mesa, Sedona, Seligman, Sells, Shongopovi, Shonto, Show Low, Sierra Vista, Sierra Vista Southeast, Snowflake, Somerton, Sonoita, South Tucson, Springerville, Spring Valley, Stanfield, Steamboat, Strawberry, Summit, Sun City, Sun City West, Sun Lakes, Sun Valley, Supai, Superior, Surprise, Swift Trail Junction, Tacna, Tanque Verde, Taylor, Teec Nos Pos, Tempe, Thatcher, Three Points, Tolleson, Tombstone, Tonalea, Tonto Basin, Top-of-the-World, Tortolita, Tsaile, Tubac, Tuba City, Tucson, Tucson Estates, Tumacacori-Carmen, Tusayan, Vail, Valencia West, Wellton, Wenden, Whetstone, Whiteriver, Wickenburg, Wilhoit, Willcox, Williams, Williamson, Willow Valley, Window Rock, Winkelman, Winslow, Winslow West, Yarnell, Young, Youngtown, Yuma.

Additional info.

Heavy haul and oversize trucking permit limitations.

Maximum weight on a single axle is 28,000 pounds, on tandem axles or tried him as well as for axles it depends entirely upon the axle spacings and tire sizes. Trunnion: 60,000 pounds the gross raid on five axles is 104,000 pounds on six axles 108,000 pounds and on seven axles 117,000 pounds again depending on the actual number of tires, the distance between the axles and the actual tire size itself. Be sure to check with the state for any additional requirements or questions you may have. Pavement stress and bridge capacities will be the determining factor for the maximum permitted weights. For Arizona class A permits you must be less than the following: up to 14 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet in length or 250,000 pounds. A truck operating under a class A permit will be allowed weekend travel from 3 AM until 12 noon on Saturday and Sunday or non holiday weekends, only on specific highways and with applicable escort. A height pole on escort vehicles or pilot cars is determined by the state. If the shipment exceeds any of these dimensions or weights refer to the section on superloads above. A superload is also classified as a class C shipment in the state of Arizona. A shipment is classified as a class C shipment and needs a class C permit issued if it is over 14 feet wide, 120 feet long, 16 feet high and/or in excess of 250,000 pounds. The maximum speed for any heavy haul or oversize shipment is 55 mph within the state of Arizona. Any specialized equipment that is not loaded is automatically granted continuous travel unless otherwise specified.

Heavy haul in oversize load truck signs and flags that are required.

All oversize, long-load or wideload signs should be a minimum of 6 feet wide and 1 feet tall and shall be mounted on the forward most part of the tractor-trailer and the rearmost part of the load or the vehicle which the shipment is loaded onto in such a manner that is clearly visible to motorists. This sign should have a yellow background with black letters and if you wish to move during daylight hours the background must be reflective or illuminated so it is clearly visible. All over-width vehicles wider than 8’6″ or transporting a load that is exceeding 9 feet in width must display oversize load signs. All shipments and vehicles must be flagged with red flags that are a minimum of 12 inches square or larger on all extremities. All loads or vehicles with an overhang in the front or the rear must be flagged and/or lighted.

Pilot car or escort requirements for heavy haul and oversize loads.

All pilot cars or escort vehicles must be a passenger car or a two axle truck not exceeding 20,000 pounds in total weight. All escort vehicles and pilot cars shall display red flags are are a minimum of 12 inches square on all corners of the vehicle and be fitted with a oversize load sign facing in the applicable direction. This sign must be a minimum of 5 feet above the ground and mounted securely to the vehicle. Signs must be a minimum of 5 feet 1 inches tall with 1 inch thick black letters on a yellow background. Warning lights are required. Each pilot car or escort vehicle needs to be equipped with a two-way radio capable of transmitting and receiving over a minimum distance of 1 mile and must be compatible with all other vehicles involved in the shipment. Each pilot car or escort vehicle must have a minimum of eight flares, one first-aid kit, to red flags and any other equipment specified by AASHTO standards. a minimum distance of 1000 feet shall be maintained between the escort vehicle and the shipment except where visual contact is not obtainable. When in urban areas the distance needs to be between 100 and 250 feet maximum. Arizona state pilot car and escort vehicle certification certificate must be carried by all pilot car and escort vehicle operators. If the operator has a certification in another state as long as the certification is CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) recognized the state of Arizona will recognize it.

Travel time. Note: Arizona does not recognize daylight savings time.

Daylight hours are one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset. Night travel may be allowed for vehicles that do not exceed 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long or less than 250,000 pounds. Refer to your permit. A load within these limits shall have escort vehicles if 11 feet wide to 14 feet wide; 1 rear pilot car or escort vehicle is required or if 14’1″ to 16 feet wide you will need a front and rear pilot car and escort vehicle. If the shipment is in excess of 15 feet in height you may be required to have a pilot car with a height pole.

Weekend travel: if the shipment is not greater than: 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long or 250,000 pounds it may be allowed to travel on specified routes from 3 AM until 12 noon on weekends.

Night movement: for shipments that do not exceed any of the following dimensions: 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, 120 feet long and/or 250,000 pounds, night moves should be permitted and noted (if allowed on your route) under restrictions on your permit.

Heavy haul only: shipments that are not over 10 feet wide or not over 14 feet tall with less than 10 feet of overhang may be granted continuous travel with a permit. However no travel may be allowed on Saturdays or Sundays be advised that no movement will be allowed during snow or icy conditions or any severe weather conditions that might be hazardous to motorist or detrimental to the roads and highways.

Travel time is prohibited on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. If the proceeding holidays falls on a Monday them shipment shall stop before 12 noon the Friday preceding the national holiday. The state permit office will be closed on these holidays as well as on Lincoln’s birthday, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day and Veterans Day. Travel will not be restricted on these four days however there is a curfew. Permitted vehicles are prohibited from I-17, I-10 and SR 360 within city limits of greater Phoenix and I-10 and I-19 within city limits of the greater Tucson area from 7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM

Weather restrictions for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Whenever driver visibility is restricted you may not travel especially when visibility is less than 500 feet. This can be due to snow, heavy rain, followed or dust. Road surface condition reduces normal traction and under conditions of flooding, ice or snow you may not travel this also applies to high winds or anything else or conditions that may suggest any injury to motorists or the road.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Arizona State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

Arizona state flag.

Washington State Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 5, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / 4 Comments

Tags: apply, DOT, heavy haul, highway, laws, legal, length, loads, maximum, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, regulations, road, rules, shipping, State, truck, trucking, Washington, weight, weights, width

2018 Washington state shipping regulations DOT limitations, rules and laws for the trucking of oversize and over weight loads over the roads and highways.

Washington state DOT rules and regulations for oversize and overweight trucking.

The great state of Washington official seal.

Please share your expertise or knowledge of Washington state shipping regulations with our visitors using the form at the bottom of this page.

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Legal load limits.
Washington DOT legal load size & weight limitations:

Length: The maximum overall length allowed legally is 75′.
Width: 8’ 6” wide.
Height: 14’ tall.
Weight: 80,000 lbs.
Overhang: 3′ in the front measured from the manufacturers front bumper and 15′ rear is the maximum and measured from the center of the rear axle.

Routine trucking permits.
Routine heavy haul, oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits:

Length: No set limits other than travel times. Case by case basis for routine maximums.
Width: 2 lane, 14′ or less, multi-lane roads with barrier strip 16′
Height: 16′ (note anything over 14′ will be required a pilot car w/height pole).
Weight: Single axle 22,000 lbs, tandem 34,000 lbs, tridum 55,000 lbs, quadem 70,000 lbs, gross weight on 5 axles 99,200 lbs, 6 axles 108,200 lbs, 8 axles 156,000 lbs. These weights are limitations and totally dependent upon federal bridge formula. Superload is 200,000 lbs. Also tire weight on all axles – 600 pounds per inch tire width.
Overhang: 3′ in the front and 15′ in the rear – also read in “legal loads” above.

NOTE: Non-divisible loads can not be made smaller or lighter. Exception: Dozers have have blade detached and sitting on trailer. No multiple blades. Loaders may have bucket detached as long as it is a pertinent piece for the loader being transported. No multiple buckets allowed.

Superload information.
Information on superloads for the state of Washington:

Superloads are classified as vehicles or loads that are non-divisible (or a combination of the two) that weigh in excess of 200,000 lbs or over 16′ in height or over 16′ in width in Washington state. A superload application must be submitted 30 days prior if your shipment exceeds the weight maximum or 7 days if exceeding the height or width maximums. You will need to document why it is in the best interest of the people of Washington state to grant you permission to perform the move, show that it can not be reduced in any way reasonable, have a mechanical drawing of the truck, trailer and shipment showing all of the axle positions, why you can’t perform the shipment via water, have an iron clad route in mind, a detailed plan for controlling traffic, how you plan to use your pilot cars, show that you are aware of all railroad route time tables if performing any crossings, and have a way to prove that any kind of emergency vehicle at any time can easily get past you. If you have all of this together then the Washington DOT will take a look at it and may even charge you for their time. Superloads in Washington should be completely handled by a professional or you may loose time and money. If you need assistance please see our consultation section as we have staff that specialize in superload shipments.

Legal truck travel times.
Travel times and restrictions in Washington:

7 days a week. One half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset is permitted. No movement after 3 pm on Fridays, Sunday and only travel until 12 noon. Holiday travel is not permitted on the following holidays: New Years day, Memorial day, Labor day, Thanksgiving, Independence day and Christmas day. If the holiday is on a Saturday or a Sunday there will be no Friday or Monday travel permitted. The Washington State permit office is closed on the above holidays in addition to Martin Luther Kings day, Presidents day and Veterans day however travel is not restricted on these holidays as well as Columbus day and George Washington’s birthday. Night travel is permitted for shipments that are under 12′ wide, 14′ 6″ in height and 105′ overall in length. Overweight only loads that do NOT exceed any of the legal maximums in width, height or length are permitted to travel 24/7 as long as the tractor can maintain the minimum rated speed limit for that particular road or highway.

Notes: There are travel restriction times during heavy traffic hours for Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Everett and Vancouver. Please call the main number above for exact times or refer to the documentation on the permit that is issued.

When are pilot cars required.
Pilot car and escort vehicle information:

Length: If load is over 105′ in length you will be required to have 1 rear pilot car (escort).
Width: If over 11′ in width you will be required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort).
Height: If height of load exceeds 14′ 6″ a front high pole pilot car (escort vehicle) is required.
Weight: If this is your only exceeded limit NO pilot car/escort vehicle is required as long as tractor can maintain minimum road speeds.
Overhang: No set limits, case by case basis.

Required pilot car and escort vehicle certifications.
Pilot car and escort vehicle certification and equipment requirements:

Pilot car or escort vehicles may be a car, truck of SUV as long as it has a gross vehicle maximum rating at least 14,000 pounds and a wheelbase of at least 60″ in width. Headlights must be on at all times while escorting shipment. Each vehicle must be equipped with 2 amber lights on top of the vehicle and horizontally mounted rotating (or strobe) amber colored flashing light which must be visible from a 360 degree angle from a minimum of 500 feet. Company identification signs must be placed on both sides of the pilot car (escort vehicle) displaying the name of the company, phone number and be placed on both the left and right hand sides of the vehicle. These signs must be no less that 8″ tall x 12″ wide and identity writing must be plainly legible. Vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or 2-way communication device, a 5 pound fire extinguishers type A, B and C. A sign hand help sign with the word “STOP” on one side and “SLOW” on the other with dimensions of no less than 18″ in diameter with a minimum of 6″ letters. 3 bi-directional road safety triangles. While operating the vehicle the driver will is required to wear a reflective safety vest, jacket or shirt. A orange hard hard and a first aid kit must be kept in the vehicle. A non-conductive height measuring device that is to be used while escorting loads with any height in excess of 14′ 6″ and should be set at a length of no more than 6″ above the actual height of the load and no less than 3″. Pilot car (escort vehicle) operators are NOT allowed to carry passengers other than co-workers. Washington state escort drivers are required by law to be state certified and have a copy of their Washington State Certification ID in the vehicle at all times. Some programs in other states may qualify the driver to operate in Washington State but you will want to verify this by calling the main office number above. Pilot cars (escort vehicles) must keep a distance of no less than 1/2 mile from the shipment they are escorting. If at any time ANY vehicle either the actual shipment or escorting vehicle is delayed from each other said vehicle MUST pull over and wait for the other to resume position. All pilot cars/escort vehicles must display a roof mounted “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. Sign must be at least 5′ long and 12″ in height, yellow in color with black letters no less than 10″ tall and 1 1/2″ in width. Sign must be a minimum of 5′ above the pavement. Vehicle should have 2 safety flags red or orange in color and be a minimum of 18″ of length and/or height mounted at a 40 to 70 degree angle on all 4 corners of the vehicle but this (the flags) are NOT mandatory at the time of this publishing.

Washington DOT information.
Contact information for Washington state DOT office:

Physical address:
State Department of Transportation
921 Lakeridge Way
PO Box 47367
Olympia, WA 98504-6340

Ports of entry:
The ports do NOT issue permits in the State of Washington.
Bow Hill: (I-5 S) 360-766-6196, Plymouth: (I-82 N) 509-734-7043, Ridgefield: (I-5 N) 360-887-8231, Spokane: (I-90 W) 509-226-3366

Email: if you know of a good one please leave it below.
Help telephone line: 360-704-6340
Fax: 360-704-6350
Hours: Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:o0 pm
Pacific Time Zone

Click here for the State DOT Website for oversize and over-weight hauling permits.
Click here for Washington State road & highway conditions.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Washington State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

North Dakota Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 5, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / Leave a comment

Tags: axles, bridge, DOT, escort, heavy haul, highway, information, laws, legal, length, loads, maximum, North Dakota, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, pilot cars, regulations, road, rules, spacing, State, time, trailer, Transportation, travel, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

2018 North Dakota DOT state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and heavy haul trucking permits.

North Dakota heavy haul rules and limits for pilot cars.

The great state of North Dakota official seal

North Dakota State Trucking Permit Regulations.

North Dakota State Trucking information website: http://www.nd.gov/ndhp/permits/permits.html

Legal Loads.
Length: 75’ overall on non-designated highways
110’ overall on designated highways.
Weight: 80,000 GVW
Width: 8’ 6”
Height: 14’

North Dakota State

Routine oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits.
Length: 110’
Weight: Steer 12,100 lbs., Single 24,000 lbs., Tandem 45,000 lbs., Tridem 60,000 lbs., 4 axles 73,200 lbs., 5 axles 103,200 lbs., 6 axles 118,000 lbs., 7 axles 126,000 lbs.
Width: 18’
Height: 15’ 6”

How to apply for oversize transport and shipping permits.
North Dakota Highway Patrol
Motor Carrier Operations
600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept. 504
Bismark, ND 58505-0240

Phone: 701-328-2621
Fax: 701-328-1642

Basic Permit costs $20 and is valid for 5 days. Applications can be printed here.

Pilot Car – Escort Car Requirements.

Width: 2 lanes over 14’6” requires 1 front pilot car. 4 lanes over 16’ requires 1 rear pilot car. 2 lanes over 16’ requires 1 front pilot car and 1 rear pilot car.
Height: Over 18’ requires 1 front pilot car.
Length: Over 120’ requires 1 rear pilot car.

Travel Restrictions.

Travel is permitted from sunrise to sunset. Travel permitted all weekend up to 16′ wide or 110′ in length. Continuous travel also permitted if heavy only. When hauling a dozer the blade has to be attached when over weight.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the North Dakota State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

North Dakota state flag.

Alabama State Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 4, 2018 / USA shipping regulations. / 7 Comments

Tags: Alabama, axles, DOT, escort, heavy haul, highway, information, laws, legal, length, load, loads, maximum, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, pilot cars, regulations, road, route, rules, shipping, spacing, State, superload, survey, trailer, Transportation, travel, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

Alabama DOT oversize and over weight trucking permit laws.

The great state of Alabama official seal.

2018 Alabama state heavy haul and oversize trucking laws, regulations, rules and limitations.

These are the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to heavy haul and oversize loads on the roads and highways in the state of Alabama. The Commissioner of Transportation or other authority having charge of the operation, repair or maintenance of any highway or bridge is authorized to deny or grant permits for transporting vehicles or combinations of vehicles or vehicles and loads or other objects transported within Alabama state jurisdiction. With that said heavy haul trucking and oversize trucking within the state of Alabama is primarily subject to the following regulations, rules and limitations. We do ask viewers such as yourself to mention any variations of this information below. Sharing will immediately notify us and other viewers user so we can immediately update our information if needed. State laws for heavy haul trucking, oversize trucking and pilot car companies is constantly changing. We thank you for your consideration and visiting us.

Please share your knowledge with others at bottom of page.

2018 Alabama state DOT trucking rules for oversize and heavy haul trucking and trip permits.

Trucking company & pilot car directory.
Locate heavy haul trucking companies and pilot cars in Alabama state:

Alabama heavy haul trucking company directory.
Alabama pilot car directory.
Order Alabama heavy haul trucking permits or oversize trucking permits.

Legal load limits.
Legal Loads:

Length: Trailer length maximum allowed is 57’.
Width: 8’ 6” wide for most roads, 8′ for roads under 12′ in width.
Height: 13’ 6” tall.
Weight: 80,000 lbs.
Overhang: 4′ in the rear and 4′ in the front.

Over-weight trucking is restricted to gross vehicle weights (GVW) under 80,000 pounds.

Heavy haul trucking shipments are restricted to 80,000 pound gross vehicle weights.

Routine trucking permits.
Trucking oversize and overweight permit limits:

Length: 150′ maximum length overall.
Width: 16′ if shipment is over 16′ in width you are NOT permitted use the interstate system.
Height: 16′ in total height.
Weight: on a single axle; 22,000 lbs, tandem axles: 44,000 lbs, tridum axles; 66,000 lbs, quadem axles; 88,000 lbs, 5 axles; 102,000 lbs, 6 axles; 124,000 lbs, 7 axles; 146,000 lbs, 8 axles; 168,000 lbs.
Overhang: 20’maximum.
Notes: Alabama state permitting department no longer uses the metric system. On shipments in excess of any of the above dimensions or 180,000 pounds proceed to the SUPERLOAD section for more information. Loads with weight restrictions are subject to a bridge analysis.

Superload information.
The following would qualify a shipment as a superload in the state of Alabama:

Defined as shipments in excess of any of the following dimensions/weights; over 250,000 lbs in gross weight, over 16’in width, over 16′ in height, over 150′ long. Anything of this nature will require special ALDOT approval. Detailed drawings will be required and need to include shop drawings of the item being shipped, the truck and trailer axle weights and spacings for both truck tractor and trailer. A letter from the manufacturer is required certifying the shipment is reduced to the lowest possible size and weight configuration as well as an explanation of why it can not be shipped by other means such as by barge or port. Loads exceeding 150,000 lbs. are subject to a full scale structural bridge analysis if bridges are in the route. A special weight authorization (SWA) is required from the permit office to initiate the necessary bridge rating section investigation as well. Night travel (9pm – 6am) may be required with a state trooper or police escort (minimum of 2 when travelling). A route survey will probably be required. The Alabama State Troopers Association handles all of the scheduling of police/trooper escorts after your superload permit has been issued. A lighting system configured from strobe warning lights must be placed on each extremity of the shipment in addition to basic requirements such as flags and oversize load signs. All rail road crossings must be identified and railroad must be notified in advance of your intent to cross as well as date and time. ALDOT will more than likely verify this with the railroad and not issue a superload permit until verified. It is the carriers responsibility to notify the railroad of each intended crossing. At each rail crossing you will find a small plaque with a phone number and a “crossing number” that identifies each crossing for submitting cross requests. A bucket truck is required to accompany loads that exceed 16′ 5″ in height and it is the carriers responsibility to show proof of “utility notification” for shipments in excess of 16′ 6″ in height. City or county approval is required for Alabama superloads as well, please see the Alabama list of county engineers for contact details. Superload requirements by the ALDOT can be read here.

Permitted travel times & restrictions.
Travel times and restrictions:

One half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Travel is allowed all day Saturday with NO SUNDAY TRAVEL PERMITTED. Shipments 120′ to 150′ in length are restricted from moving from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. Travel is NO permitted on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Alabama DOT state permit office is closed on these holidays as well as on Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Confederate Memorial Day, Jefferson Davis’ Birthday and on Veteran’s Day. More information on DOT permit office closure is available here. Travel is NOT restricted on these days.

When pilot cars are required.
A pilot car or escort vehicle is required when:

1 front pilot car (escort vehicle) is required for all loads over 15′ 6″ in height with a height pole will be required adjusted 4-6″ higher than the actual shipment. On some routes a high pole pilot (escort) may be required for even less heights. Two front and one rear pilot car (escort vehicle) is required for any shipment in excess of 12′ wide. Rear pilot cars (escort vehicles) for mobile home shipments may be replaced with two 5″ flashing, stobing or rotating amber lights. 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required for shipments over 85′ in length. 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort vehicle) is required for shipments over 105′ in length. 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required if overhang exceeds 10′ from the front of the trailer or 5′ from the rear of the trailer. There are special escort requirements for bulldozers, scrapers, loaders and other construction equipment being transported with a blade or bucket intact. However on some routes that are 2 lane roads may require 1 front pilot car and on some 4 lane roads 1 rear escort.

Pilot car certifications.
Pilot car or escort vehicle certifications & requirements:

A pilot car vehicle must be classified as an actual passenger vehicle to qualify, ie; car, truck, van, etc. A pilot car vehicle must be equipped with a strobing, flashing or rotating amber light. The pilot car must be able to communicate with and be in constant contact with all parties working in relation to the shipment by CB or 2-way radio. Also see federal requirements for pilot cars and escort vehicles. Signs mounted on pilot car vehicles must moderately fit the vehicle and not be obtrusive in any manner.

Shipment truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners & flags:

A sign will need to be mounted on the front and rear of any overwidth or overlength truck and trailer or combinations. Banners/signs need to be a minimum of 7′ in width, 18″ in height and be marked with black letters of no less than 10″ in height, with a minimum of a 1-5/8″ line thickness on a yellow or orange background. The actual words required are exactly as follows: “OVERSIZE LOAD”. Red flags must be a minimum of 18″ square and be placed at all 4 outer most corners of all over-dimensional shipments.

Alabama state DOT information:
Alabama DOT contact and information:

Alabama Department of Transportation – Oversize Permits
1409 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36110

Phone: 334-834-1092 or toll free: 800-499-2782 – option 4.
FAX: 334-832-9084 – if this number has changed please let us know below.
Alabama DOT: Main page of the Alabama state trucking permits website. Alabama laws direct.
E-mail trucking permits: alabamapermits@dot.state.al.us
Current routing detours: Here is the current ALDOT closures memo (if link is down visit main site).
Misc: Alabama DOT trucking permit manual – has a lot of good information. Escrow account customers may replenish escrow by credit card. Contact: Mechelle @ 1-800-499-2782 and press option 4.
DOT permit office Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:45 – PM
CENTRAL TIME ZONE

List of Alabama cities: Abbeville, Adamsville, Addison, Akron, Alabaster, Albertville, Alexander City, Alexandria, Aliceville, Allgood, Altoona, Andalusia, Anderson, Anniston, Arab, Ardmore, Argo, Ariton, Arley, Ashford, Ashland, Ashville, Athens, Atmore, Attalla, Auburn, Autaugaville, Avon, Babbie, Baileyton, Banks, Bay Minette, Bayou La Batre, Bear Creek, Beatrice, Beaverton, Belk, Benton, Berry, Bessemer, Billingsley, Birmingham, Black, Blountsville, Blue Mountain, Blue Ridge, Blue Springs, Boaz, Boligee, Bon Air, Branchville, Brantley, Brent, Brewton, Bridgeport, Brighton, Brilliant, Brookside, Brookwood, Brundidge, Butler, Bynum, Cahaba Heights, Calera, Camden, Camp Hill, Carbon Hill, Cardiff, Carolina, Carrollton, Castleberry, Cedar Bluff, Center Point, Centre, Centreville, Chalkville, Chatom, Chelsea, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Childersburg, Citronelle, Clanton, Clay, Clayhatchee, Clayton, Cleveland, Clio, Coaling, Coffee Springs, Coffeeville, Coker, Collinsville, Colony, Columbia, Columbiana, Concord, Coosada, Cordova, Cottonwood, County Line, Courtland, Cowarts, Creola, Crossville, Cuba, Cullman, Dadeville, Daleville, Daphne, Dauphin Island, Daviston, Dayton, Deatsville, Decatur, Demopolis, Detroit, Dodge City, Dora, Dothan, Double Springs, Douglas, Dozier, Dutton, East Brewton, Eclectic, Edgewater, Edwardsville, Elba, Elberta, Eldridge, Elkmont, Elmore, Emelle, Enterprise, Epes, Ethelsville, Eufaula, Eunola, Eutaw, Eva, Evergreen, Excel, Fairfield, Fairhope, Fairview, Falkville, Faunsdale, Fayette, Five Points, Flomaton, Florala, Florence, Foley, Forestdale, Forkland, Fort Deposit, Fort Payne, Fort Rucker, Franklin, Frisco City, Fruithurst, Fulton, Fultondale, Fyffe, Gadsden, Gainesville, Gantt, Gantts Quarry, Garden City, Gardendale, Gaylesville, Geiger, Geneva, Georgiana, Geraldine, Gilbertown, Glen Allen, Glencoe, Glenwood, Goldville, Good Hope, Goodwater, Gordo, Gordon, Gordonville, Goshen, Grand Bay, Grant, Grayson Valley, Graysville, Greensboro, Greenville, Grimes, Grove Hill, Guin, Gulf Shores, Guntersville, Gurley, Gu-Win, Hackleburg, Haleburg, Haleyville, Hamilton, Hammondville, Hanceville, Harpersville, Hartford, Hartselle, Harvest, Hayden, Hayneville, Hazel Green, Headland, Heath, Heflin, Helena, Henagar, Highland Lake, Hillsboro, Hobson City, Hodges, Hokes Bluff, Holly Pond, Hollywood, Holt, Homewood, Hoover, Horn Hill, Hueytown, Huguley, Huntsville, Hurtsboro, Hytop, Ider, Indian Springs Village, Irondale, Jackson, Jacksons’ Gap, Jacksonville, Jasper, Jemison, Kansas, Kennedy, Killen, Kimberly, Kinsey, Kinston, Ladonia, La Fayette, Lake Purdy, Lakeview, Lake View, Lanett, Langston, Leeds, Leesburg, Leighton, Lester, Level Plains, Lexington, Libertyville, Lincoln, Linden, Lineville, Lipscomb, Lisman, Littleville, Livingston, Loachapoka, Lockhart, Locust Fork, Louisville, Lowndesboro, Loxley, Luverne, Lynn, McDonald Chapel, Macedonia, McIntosh, McKenzie, McMullen, Madison, Madrid, Malvern, Maplesville, Margaret, Marion, Maytown, Meadowbrook, Memphis, Mentone, Meridianville, Midfield, Midland City, Midway, Mignon, Millbrook, Millport, Millry, Minor, Mobile, Monroeville, Montevallo, Montgomery, Moody, Moores Mill, Mooresville, Morris, Mosses, Moulton, Moundville, Mountainboro, Mountain Brook, Mount Olive, Mount Vernon, Mulga, Munford, Muscle Shoals, Myrtlewood, Napier Field, Natural Bridge, Nauvoo, Nectar, Needham, Newbern, New Brockton, New Hope, New Market, New Site, Newton, Newville, North Bibb, North Courtland, North Johns, Northport, Notasulga, Oak Grove, Oak Hill, Oakman, Odenville, Ohatchee, Oneonta, Onycha, Opelika, Opp, Orange Beach, Orrville, Owens Cross Roads, Oxford, Ozark, Paint Rock, Parrish, Pelham, Pell City, Pennington, Petrey, Phenix City, Phil Campbell, Pickensville, Piedmont, Pike Road, Pinckard, Pine Apple, Pine Hill, Pine Ridge, Pinson, Pisgah, Pleasant Grove, Pleasant Groves, Point Clear, Pollard, Powell, Prattville, Priceville, Prichard, Providence, Ragland, Rainbow City, Rainsville, Ranburne, Red Bay, Red Level, Redstone Arsenal, Reece City, Reform, Rehobeth, Repton, Ridgeville, River Falls, Riverside, Riverview, Roanoke, Robertsdale, Rock Creek, Rockford, Rock Mills, Rogersville, Rosa, Russellville, Rutledge, St. Florian, Saks, Samson, Sand Rock, Sanford, Saraland, Sardis City, Satsuma, Scottsboro, Section, Selma, Selmont-West Selmont, Sheffield, Shiloh, Shorter, Silas, Silverhill, Sipsey, Skyline, Slocomb, Smiths, Smoke Rise, Snead, Somerville, Southside, South Vinemont, Spanish Fort, Springville, Steele, Stevenson, Sulligent, Sumiton, Summerdale, Susan Moore, Sweet Water, Sylacauga, Sylvania, Sylvan Springs, Talladega, Talladega Springs, Tallassee, Tarrant, Taylor, Theodore, Thomaston, Thomasville, Thorsby, Tillmans Corner, Town Creek, Toxey, Trafford, Triana, Trinity, Troy, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, Tuscumbia, Tuskegee, Underwood-Petersville, Union, Union Grove, Union Springs, Uniontown, Valley, Valley Head, Vance, Vernon, Vestavia Hills, Vina, Vincent, Vredenburgh, Wadley, Waldo, Walnut Grove, Warrior, Waterloo, Waverly, Weaver, Webb, Wedowee, West Blocton, West End-Cobb Town, West Jefferson, West Point, Wetumpka, White Hall, Wilsonville, Wilton, Winfield, Woodland, Woodville, Yellow Bluff, York.

Alabama laws, regulations, rules and limitations for heavy haul trucking, oversize trucking and pilot cars.

Note: Alabama DOT requires you to sign their permit with red ink only.

Additional information:

Heavy haul and oversize trucking permit limitations.

Weight for single axle 22,000 pounds. Weight for tandem axles 44,000 pounds. Weight for tridem axles; 66,000 pounds. Weight for quantum axles; 88,000 pounds gross weight for five axles; 102,000 pounds. For six axles; 124,000 pounds. For seven axles;146,000 pounds and for 8 axle shipments;168,000 pounds

Maximum length is 150 feet. Maximum overhang is 20 feet.

Maximum with the 16 feet.

Maximum height is 16 feet.

If your heavy haul or oversize load exceeds any of these dimensions or 180,000 pounds please refer to the super load section. Any permitted load with a weight is subject to a detailed bridge analysis.

Super loads.

Heavy haul loads greater than 150,000 pounds or 16 feet wide or 16 feet tall or 150 feet long will require special approval. Drawings are required and should include axle weights and spacings. Heavy haul loads exceeding 150,000 pounds are subject to structural analysis. If any bridges are to be crossed moving a heavy haul shipment (with exceptions) you may be able to move at night with police escorts when hauling a super load.

Pilot car and escort requirements.

Front pilot cars or escorts are required for loads that are over 15’6″ tall and must have a high pole. Two front escorts and one rear pilot car is required when loads are in excess of 12 feet wide. Escorts and or pilot cars may be required for lower heights depending upon routing. A rear escort or pilot car is required on mobile homes and maybe replaced with 25 inch flashing amber lights in some circumstances. One rear escort is required if over 85 feet in length. Front and rear pilot cars or escorts are required on all loads that are in excess of 105 feet long. Rear escorts or pilot cars are required if overhang is in excess of 5 feet from the rear or 10 feet to the front. There are some special escort or pilot car requirements for bulldozers that travel in two lanes one front escort may be required and in four lanes one rear escort or pilot car may be required.

Pilot car and escort vehicle requirements.

Escort vehicles and pilot car shall be a passenger vehicle or pickup truck as well as a full-size van or station wagon. All escort vehicles and pilot cars must be equipped with a flashing or revolving amber light. All escort vehicles and pilot cars must be able to maintain constant contact with each other as well as the permitted truck via two-way radio. Pilot cars and escort vehicles must have signs mounted on them and must be modified if necessary to fit correctly.

Inclement weather may restrict travel times in Alabama such as conditions with poor visibility.

Travel times for heavy haul and oversize loads as well as weekend travel.

Travel is permitted one half hour before sunrise all the way until one half hour after sunset. Travel is allowed all day on Saturdays however no Sunday travel is permitted. Travel is prohibited on the following holidays; New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. The Alabama state permit office will be closed on these holidays as well as Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Confederate Memorial day, Jefferson Davis day, Lincoln’s birthday and Veterans Day. Travel may not be restricted on these particular days but you must refer to your permit for any particular instructions.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Alabama State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

Alabama_oversize_heavyhaul

State Certifications for Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles.

WLSADMIN On May 14, 2018 / pilot-cars, USA shipping regulations. / Leave a comment

Tags: 2018, car, certification, certifications, escort, oversize, pilot, pilot cars, regulationis, requirements, rules, shipping, states, truck escort, trucking

2018 State Certifications for Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles. Which states require pilot car certification?

Some states require pilot car and escort vehicle drivers to be certified operators before operating within their jurisdictions. If you are considering operating a oversize load truck escorting service you will be required to have certain “certifications” in each of the following states. For details on each of the states requirements as of 2018 this is a great place to start your research.

Common oversize load. Sailboat being shipped.

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

The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASTO) in conjunction with the United States Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration released the National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, specifically chapter 6(F) which applies to pilot cars and escort vehicles (also see; best practices). Any escort vehicle or pilot car vehicle shall carry the following equipment items at all times when escorting a over dimensional, heavy haul or otherwise extra-legal shipment.
1. One two-way electronic communication device which enables the pilot car or escort to communicate directly with the driver of the extralegal shipment.
2. One 105 pound fire extinguisher or to 5 pound fire extinguishers.
3. One stop go paddle sign reflective for night movement no less than 18 inches across or tall with letters no less than 6 inches in height.
4. One night reflective safety orange vest shirt or jacket.
5. One handheld red flag no less than 18 inches square.
6. To oversize load banners that are yellow with black lettering (no minimum size specified. See below or state laws for state(s) working in.
7. One hardhat.
8. Three reflective triangles or 18 inch traffic cones.

We do strongly suggest any individual or company operating as a pilot car or escort vehicle be outfitted with the minimum requirements. For your convenience see the list below, or you may visit our pages on “Starting a new pilot car company“.

The basics:

1 professional mileage book with room for notations and 1 journal book. Keep good logs and summary daily.
5 – 36″ orange road cones with two strips of safety reflective tape at the top.
5 – 12″ orange road cones (day use) with at least one safety reflective strip at top just in case (night use).
1 – safety colored yellow or orange reflective safety jacket and 2 reflective safety vests.
8 roadside reflective triangles no less than 16″ tall.
1 dozen up to date flammable safety road flares. Write expire date in your journal book for later reference.
4 red safety colored flags no less than 18″ square on 1/2″ wooden dowels.
2 yellow signs reading “Oversize Load” no less than 12″ tall x 5′ wide with lettering 10″ tall and 1 5/8″ thick.
1 – 2-way radio. We suggest a high quality CB radio with very high quality antenna.
2 fire extinguishers. 1 – 2.5 lb and 1 – 5 lb dry chemical type or higher rating.
1 safety colored red or fluorescent hard hat with reflective safety tape.
1 very good all inclusive first aid kit. The more you spend the better. Familiarize yourself with everything.
Stop/Slow safety paddle sign no less that 24″ the same shape as a stop sign with a 5′ handle.
2 flashlights that run on a minimum of 2 DC batteries with extra batteries.
1 heavy duty set of jumper cables. The best pair you can buy.
1 jump box with charge meter indicating level of charge. A jump box is an external battery used for starting vehicles.
Chains for all 4 wheels of your vehicle for snow covered passes or iced roads.
2 two way radios fully charged with 2 fully charged batteries.
1 GPS with good up to date quality mapping software that allows you to create way-points and also a good USA road atlas.

If you approach a state such as Louisiana, New Mexico or Utah which require pilot cars to stop and pay for a inspection at the port or entry (prior to leading or chasing a load) and you don’t have the minimum tools listed above, wave goodbye to your money and the permit as you’ll be denied and rightly so. A pilot cars primary duty is to ensure the safety of the motorists. If you don’t have the basic tools required then you’re not deemed safe to operate in the capacity of a pilot car. Below we will cover the specific details required by pilot car companies in order to become certified in the states that have certification requirements.

Details of State Certifications required for Pilot Cars. Which states require pilot car certification?

Firetruck being shipped with signs and flags.

If you are researching and looking for a list of the states that require specific pilot car certifications you have found it. Below is the list of each state requiring special certification for pilot cars and escort vehicles as well as some details about the type of certifications that are required, where to obtain them, fees, etc. Please feel free to add any comments to share with others at the bottom of this page.

Arizona.
The state of Arizona does not observe daylight savings time. Arizona pilot car certification: the state of Arizona says that pilot car companies or escort vehicles must maintain a certificate of certification that verifies the pilot car and operator successfully completed a Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) program. Arizona does recognize equivalency programs completed in other states however the pilot car or escort vehicle operator must file an application in order to operate within Arizona State jurisdictions. For more information contact the Arizona motor vehicles division at phone number: 602-771-2960 located at 1225 N. 25th Ave., Phoenix, AR 85009. Office hours are from 8 AM until 5 PM mountain time Monday through Friday. You can read more about the Arizona pilot car regulations, requirements, permits, etc. on our regulations pages.
Colorado.The state of Colorado requires that pilot car or escort company operators have a Colorado State Certification card when working with in the Colorado state jurisdiction. Colorado does recognize certificates received from other states such as Florida, Oklahoma, Washington or Utah as well as the SC&RA. If you do not have any other state certificate endorsements you may contact RSA Network, Inc. by phone at: 801–838–8199 to inquire about testing for your Colorado State Certification. For more information about Colorado regulations, requirements, permits, etc. visit our regulations pages.
Florida.
The state of Florida requires that pilot car or escort companies operators have to have Florida State certification or FDOT authorization. The state of Florida does recognize programs completed bike pilot car drivers from the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. In order to legally operate in the capacity of a pilot car or escort vehicle driver/company, you must obtain a certificate of completion by the Florida Department of Transportation pilot/escort training class. This class is offered by the Florida technology transfer Center. Inquiries by phone: 352-392-2371 or e-mail: 12assist@ce.ufl.edu. One portion of the Florida State Law requires successful completion of a National Safety Council 8 hour defensive driving course qualified by the state of Florida (or equivalent) by one of the above listed states as the same. So if you have already completed a similar course your credit may be transferable. Re-qualification is required every 4 years and this can also be done by contacting the University of Florida, PO Box 116587 Gainesville, FL 32611-6587. You can read more about the Florida pilot car regulations, requirements, permits, etc. on our regulations pages.
Georgia.
The state of Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) requires pilot car or escort company operators to complete the Certified Escort Vehicle Program. In addition to this you are required to have a “amber light permit” when operating a pilot car or escort vehicle within Georgia state lines. If you obtain a “amber light permit” AND have completed a pilot car and/or escort vehicle certification program through any of the following states: Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Utah or Arizona you will more than likely be approved with proof of completion. The Georgia DOT also reciprocates directly with North Carolina, Florida and Oklahoma pilot car certification programs. If you have any questions for the Georgia Oversize Permit Unit you may contact them directly by phone: 888-262-8306. You can also read more about the Georgia state pilot car regulations, requirements, permits, etc. on our regulations pages.
Louisiana.
All escort and pilot car operators who wish to travel through or work in the state of Louisiana are required to obtain a Louisiana Approved Escort Vehicle Permit. Escort vehicle operators and pilot car company operators can obtain a Louisiana state escort vehicle permit at Louisiana weigh stations. These permits can also be obtained online at www.dotd.la.gov. Look for the quick links section on the right-hand side of the webpage and click on truck permits. Once you’ve reached the permitting electronic routing bridge analysis selection then select submit application for annual permits and will get a list of annual permits on that page. The escort and pilot car vehicle permit portion will give you two options for submitting the application. You can submit it online or print the PDF form and fax the completed application to the truck permit office at: 225-377-7154. Any questions you may have pertaining to escort vehicle and/or pilot car driving permits and be addressed by calling: 800-654-1433 or 225-434-2345 and selecting option 1. You can also read more about the Lousiana state pilot car regulations, requirements, permits, etc. on our regulations pages.
Minnesota.
All escort vehicle and pilot car operators who wish to travel or work in the state of Minnesota are required to be certified. The good old state of Minnesota has two different types of escorts. Civilian escorts and peace officers. Learn the difference between the two. The state of Minnesota recognizes escort vehicle and pilot car operator certifications from the following states Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington state. Currently Minnesota requires drivers of pilot cars and escort vehicles to hold a current Minnesota State patrol certification. When working within this state all pilot car companies and escort vehicle operators must travel with a copy of their certification. If you are a escort vehicle or pilot car operator with certification already in the state of Colorado Florida North Carolina Oklahoma Utah or Washington you will be allowed to escort over dimensional loads within the state of Minnesota however you must have Minnesota insurance for the vehicle the driver the signage delighting and all safety equipment requirements must be met. For more information you can contact Erik Gohl at: 952-995-1346 fax: 952-995-1331 or visit their website: www.hennepintech.edu/cts/pages/1233 who is the pilot car and escort driver class administrator at Hennepin Technical College, customized training services located at: 13100 College View Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55347. You can also read more about the Minnesota state pilot car regulations, requirements and permits on our regulations page.
Nevada.
All pilot car operators and escort vehicles who wish to work in the state of Nevada must be certified and also obtain a amber light permit. At the time of this writing (May 16, 2018) the state of Nevada Department of Transportation does not have any particular specific certification program for pilot cars. However they do have in place a rather lengthy amber light law. We would strongly suggest that anyone considering escorting loads through the state of Nevada obtain certification in another state with stringent laws such as Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, North Carolina, Florida or Oklahoma. You will still need a amber light permit to operate a escort vehicle or pilot car with in Nevada state jurisdiction. The amber light law basically states that it is unlawful for any person to mount a flashing amber warning light on the top of the vehicle without a permit from the Nevada Highway Patrol. The Nevada Highway Patrol will issue a permit to mount amber flashing lights on a vehicle upon written request. We suggest that readers such as yourself read our regulations page for the state of Nevada in order to research amber light specs such as how many times it flashes per minute and the distance its visible from. In addition to the amber light law if you anticipate stopping or slowing traffic you must comply to the stringent laws of Nevada state flagman. If it is necessary to warrant approaching traffic, each flagman must be wearing a solid florescent yellow or green material jacket or vest and equipped with a red flag and paddle readings stop in white letters with a red background. The sign must be a standard 18 inch two-sided stop and slow sign and be attached to a 5 foot pole. For further clarification on other items required please see our regulations page for trucks pilot cars and escort vehicles operating within Nevada state jurisdiction.
New Mexico.
All pilot car and escort vehicle operators working with in the state of New Mexico need to be inspected at the port of entry for a New Mexico certification inspection. You are required to approach the port of entry before any load you may be escorting reaches any scale house upon entry. Once pilot car or escort vehicle operators pull into the New Mexico port of entry you are subject to inspection. The officer conducting the inspection will require you to have two amber lights, oversize escort signs, a two-way radio, fire extinguisher, to outside rear view mirrors, the condition of the tires, three red flares and or reflectors, oversize escort signs and to florescent orange or red flags 12 inch in size or larger as well as a safety jacket and/or vest with a hardhat. The vehicle requirements are a minimum of 100 inch wheelbase, vehicle maximum capacity of 1 1/2 tons, a valid current drivers license and the terms of your insurance policy. Basically, you can expect a full on roadside intensive and thorough review of your vehicle and its equipment. For specific clarifications on vehicle specifications escort vehicle and pilot car operators should refer to our New Mexico state regulations page.
New York.
All pilot car and escort vehicle operators who intend to work within the state of New York must be New York State certified. To be certified as a escort or pilot car driver it is mandatory for all drivers as well as any persons acting as a flag person who intend on escorting oversize loads on the roads and highways within the state of New York regardless of where they reside obtain New York state certification. From the best of our knowledge no previous certification programs you may have completed will be accepted, credited or otherwise considered. For a list of New York Department of motor vehicle testing locations call 518-486-9748. For more information on getting certified or obtaining the New York certification manual you can call 418-457-1155 or 800-783-1685. We suggest also reading our New York state pilot car regulations, requirements, permits, etc. on our regulations pages.
Oklahoma.
All escort vehicles and pilot car operators who intend on working within the state of Oklahoma must be Oklahoma certified. The state of Oklahoma Department of Public Safety does recognize certifications and other states that do have a reciprocal agreement with the state of Oklahoma however if the operator of the pilot car or escort vehicle is a Oklahoma State resident they must have Oklahoma certification. The first order of business when operating a pilot car or escort vehicle within the state of Oklahoma is the certificate of insurance. Escort vehicle and pilot car vehicle operators must provide not less than $1 million of combined single limit or per occurrence or both of commercial liability coverage. Your insurance policy must protect the public against loss of life, bodily injury to persons and damage to property or bowls as a result of operating a escort vehicle or pilot car, or of the actions of the escort or pilot car vehicle operator or both. The state of Oklahoma will need to be listed as a certificate holder on your insurance certificate. In order to obtain your certificate from the department of public safety you will be required to take the course and the examination offered by the Oklahoma State University, phone 405-744-6049. The term of this certificate shall be for a maximum period of five years and will expire automatically after the date it was issued you can obtain more information on the certification training program by visiting: www.clgtokstate.com/escort.htm or for more information about pilot car and escort vehicle specifications please visit our Oklahoma state regulations page.
Utah.
All pilot car operators and escort vehicle drivers who intend on operating within the state of Utah must be certified and inspected at the Utah Port of Entry. Pilot car and escort vehicle operators who wish to obtain a authorized certification card may do so by participating in a authorized qualified certification program. A list of authorized instructors can be obtained by calling 801-965-4892. Pilot car and escort company drivers that live outside of Utah may operate as a certified pilot car or escort driver with another State certification credentials provided that the course meets the minimum requirements outlined in the Utah pilot car and escort vehicle training manual the department may decide to enter into a reciprocal agreement with other states provided these other states can demonstrate that their course materials are comprehensive and meet the minimum requirements outlined by the Utah Department of Transportation. Such agreements already exist with the Utah Department of Transportation recognizing the states of Washington, North Carolina, Colorado, Oklahoma and the state of Florida. Any pilot car or escort driver certifications expires four years from the date the certificate was issued and it is is the responsibility of the driver to maintain current certification as well as a minimum amount of insurance coverage of $750,000 for liability insurance.Upon entering the jurisdiction within the state of Utah it is strongly advised that you have a certificate of completion that is valid and current with any of the above mentioned states. You are required to stop at the port of entry when entering Utah state jurisdiction. For more detailed information about Utah state pilot car and escort vehicle requirements please visit our regulations page.
Virginia.
The state of Virginia does require that all pilot car and escort vehicle operators be certified prior to performing the duties of a oversize or overweight load pilot or escort vehicle operator within the Virginia state jurisdiction. The state or Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does recognize certification programs completed by applicants from the following states: Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington however you must still apply for escort/pilot car operator certification from the Virginia DMV. It is important for pilot car and escort vehicle operators to be aware they are required to carry their certification document from the state of Virginia with them while escorting any type of oversize or overweight vehicle configurations. You must have a valid drivers license as well. If you are requested by law enforcement or the Department of Transportation enforcement officials you must provide them with certificate program completion documentation. Failure to do so while escorting or piloting in oversize configuration will cause the shipment to be delayed until the appropriate documents are in place or another company with documentation replaces you. For more detailed information about Virginia state pilot car and escort vehicle requirements please visit our regulations page.
Washington.
And finally last but not the least of our 2018 State Certifications for Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicles update is the state of Washington. The state of Washington Department of Transportation does require pilot car and escort vehicle operators to be certified by them. They recognize programs and certificates from the states of Utah, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Colorado however pilot car and escort vehicle operators who desire to operate withing the state of Washington’s jurisdiction must be issued a official Washington state certificate. You can contact pilot/escort, flagging instructor Michael Blackman at: 509-684-7632 or contact the Washington state Pilot Escort official Jim Wright at: 360-704-6345 or you may visit the official state information page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle/ If you would like more detailed information about Washington state regulations, requirements, permits, etc visit our regulations page.

Pilot cars or escort vehicles will be required to move a shipment of this size. Some states may require special certification.

State requirements for pilot cars and escort vehicles change from time to time.

It should be noted that state requirements for pilot cars and escort vehicles do change from time to time. The purpose of this page is to provide you with updated information that includes the rules and regulations of the states that do require pilot car drivers and escort vehicle drivers to have special certifications. It should be noted this page was written as a basic guide for pilot car companies and escort vehicle operators to use when researching which states do require certification. We strongly suggest if you are considering operating and any state under the capacity of a pilot car or escort that each state you intend on working in be contacted directly by you before entering that state. Also, in addition to state certifications and requirements always refer to the instructions on the actual permit issued from the state for that particular over dimensional or heavy haul load. The permit should list all responsibilities and detail as well as clarify any additional questions you may have during transit. In closing, remember as a escort vehicle driver or pilot car operator your number one job is public safety.

California State Shipping Regulations

WLSADMIN On June 5, 2013 / USA shipping regulations. / 1 Comment

Tags: apply, axles, bridge, California, Caltrans, contact, DOT, escort, federal, heavy haul, highway, information, laws, legal, length, limits, loads, maximum, overhang, oversize, overweight, permits, pilot cars, regulations, road, rules, shipping, spacing, State, time, trailer, Transportation, travel, travel times, truck, trucking, weight, weights, width

California 2018 state shipping laws, regulations , rules and limitations for heavy haul trucking and oversize loads. CA DOT – CALTRANS.

The great state of California official seal.

Please share your expertise or knowledge of California state shipping regulations with other visitors below.

Heavy haul and oversize trucking companies.

Locate trucking companies and pilot car companies in the state of California:

California heavy haul trucking company directory.
California pilot car company directory.
Order California heavy haul and oversize trucking permits.

Legal load limits.

California DOT legal load size & weight limitations for 18 wheeler semi-trucks:

Length: Many measurements for semitrailers by California DOT seem very short because they’re referring to the distance from the king-pin to the rear axle. Also certain routes have restrictions on trailer sizes so if you are at any point confused please call the DOT and check California state shipping regulations before traveling. First of all for passenger related vehicles the maximum is 45′ in length overall on approved routes. Semi-trailers: for a single axle semitrailer the maximum length of the trailer allowed is 53′ overall as long as it has two axles. If it has only one axle the maximum trailer length is 38′ overall. The maximum overall legal combination length is 65′ for the heavy haul and oversize sector of the trucking industry however there are additional laws for trucks pulling doubles or triples (dry box) that allows them to max out at 75 feet overall. California also has classifications such as a “STAA” vehicle. You can have a look at green truck dimensions at: Truck Map (.pdf) for further clarification.
Width: 8′ 6″ is the maximum with allowed to travel on any road in the state of California.
Height: 14′ in the maximum legal height allowed to travel in the state of California.
Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW with no more than 12,500 on a steer axle, 20,000 pounds maximum weight on any single axle, 34,000 pounds maximum on tandem axles and on tridem axle configurations depending on axle spread such as from 10 feet to 10 feet 2 inches (10’2″) tridum is legal at 40,000 pounds. If you feel you are getting close to the legal limits see the section below on “routine trucking permits”.
Overhang: You are allowed 3′ of front overhang. Rear overhang is 6′ in most areas but can for sure be no more than 1/3 of the total item being shipped. Be sure to clarify the amount with the California DOT office you are traveling in to make sure. Note: The comment below on vehicle shipping overhang. We welcome your comments below to help others in clarification of rear overhang.

California overhang in depth:

If you wish to research California overhang law please visit: http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/trucks/overhang.html

Overhang from the front of trailer.
Heavy haul and oversize loads are permitted to protrude from the front of the trailer any safe distance provided it does not interfere with the safe operation or the truck and trailer. If the trailer is designed to move shipments above the cab such as cars the maximum overhang allowed is 4 feet. Overhang from combination trailers is restricted to 3 feet.

Overhang from the rear of trailer.
Any shipment loaded onto a trailer or semitrailer shall not extend beyond the rear past the last point of support for a greater distance than that “equal to two-thirds of the length of the wheelbase. The wheelbase of a semitrailer shall be considered as the distance between the rearmost axle of the towing vehicle and the rearmost axle of the semitrailer.”

Lights and flags for shipments that have rear overhang.
Whenever overhang projects out more than 4 feet or more (measured from the tail lamp lens on trailer) you will be required to affix a red or florescent orange flag a minimum of 18 inches square to the extreme projection. If the projection is greater than 2 feet in width you will be required to use 2 warning flags. On shipments that travel after sunset in addition to the flags you are required to use red bulbs (not rated over 6 candle power) that are clearly visible from a minimum distance of 500 feet from both the sides and rear of the shipments extremities.

Exemptions for poles, timber, pipes, etc.
For shipments such as poles, timber (trees), pipes and similar items a shipment can be transported as long as it is within the limitations as described in CVC length chapter. However, any shipment vehicle length limitations of the CVC length chapter do not apply when only poles, timbers, pipes, integral structural materials, or single unit component parts such as missile components, aircraft assemblies, drilling equipment, and tanks not exceeding 80 feet in length are being transported upon any of the following: a pole or pipe trailer, public utility companies or agencies supplying electricity, cable/telephone to include public contractors working directly for the state entity. There are a few exceptions: 1. The combination meets the limitations described above in the “overhang from rear of vehicle” referring to two thirds (2/3) of the wheelbase distance). 2. Transportation is local and between a place designated as a “storage yard” and the job locations may not be restricted under these limitations.

Forklifts protruding from trailers.
A forklift being transported from the rear of any trailer is considered overhang and subject to the limitations described above in “overhang from the rear of trailer” and must meet the two thirds (2/3) measurement restrictions. For length requirements, see the California laws referring to maximum lengths.

Projections from the side of trailers.
Any shipment that protrudes from either side of the trailer in excess of 4 inches to a maximum of 2 feet must place red or orange florescent safety flags (minimum of 18 inches square) on each side of the rear end of the shipment if it is in excess of 2 feet in width. If the shipment is no greater than 4 inches (up to 2 feet) warning flags must be placed on all 4 extreme corners of the shipment.

Boat shipping boom, masts, cranes, shovels and drilling equipment restrictions.
Transporting booms, masts, cranes, shovels or drilling equipment is permitted provided it meets the two thirds (2/3) provisions described above in “overhang from rear of trailer”. Any protrusions from the trailer must be secured to prevent and bending or movement. Front projections that may extend further than the front axle must be a minimum of 7 feet above the pavement and must not restrict the vision of the truck driver.

Container shipping and overhang limitations.
For container shipping companies that have intermodal capabilities whether shipping within or out of the state of California must ensure that all lower corners are securely fastened to the trailer. On trailers that are not designed as “intermodal” trailers you are not permitted to overhang from the front or rear of your trailer and all 4 corners must rest securely upon your trailer however, IF the trailers are completely empty overhang is permitted provided it meets all other overhang restrictions and does not protrude more than 5 feet from the front or rear of the trailer. Also keep in mind the state of California conforms to the regulations defined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 49, Part 393, Section 126 (c) and (d) as well as California state law defined in the California Code of Regulations (CCR): Title 13, Div 2, Chap 7, Article 1, Section 1300 (b). If you intend on operating as a container shipper it is strongly advised you clearly understand the limitations set in both federal and state laws.

Draw bars or load extensions.
Extension devices or draw bars up to 18 inches in length are not included in measuring the length of a tractor or trailer individually but are included in measuring a shipments overall length. If you are simply towing a small trailer, boat, car or a camper see the California sections on the “Auto, Boat, & Camper Transporters Exemptions.”

Safety devices to ensure trailer attachments.
Any safety devices that are used to insure trailer is secured to the towing vehicle are permitted provided they are no longer than 10 inches in length.

Routine oversize and heavy haul trucking permits.

Oversize and heavy haul trucking permits that are routinely issued by California DOT:

Length: 135 feet in overall length is the maximum length on a routine oversize trucking permit that is issued. All others see “superload” info below or learn more about the California length limitations.
Width: 15′ wide is the maximum width issued by a routine oversize trucking permit in California. All others see “superload” info below or learn more about the California width restrictions.
Height: Under 17′ as anything over that height is required to have a route survey. If your route happened to be a well documented route you might be able to get away without having to do the route survey but its not likely. Some shipments may be forced to use a lowboy, double drop or otherwise trailer that is purposely lower to the pavement.
Weight: For heavy haul trucking limits on the steering axle: 12,500 lbs. Single axle: 20,000 lbs. Tandem axles: 46,000 lbs. Tridum axles: 60,000 lbs. Quad axles: 60, 000 lbs (a quad setup is recognized by California state heavy haul shipping regulations and the DOT as a weight reducer). 5 axles: 112,500 lbs. 6 axles: 117,450 lbs. 7 axles: 158,000 lbs. 8 axles: 181,300. Learn more details on California heavy haul weight restrictions.
Overhang: Overhang in the state of California is very detailed depending on amount of front or rear overhang and the route (color; see maps link above). Some shipments may be forced to be loaded onto stretch trailers. See the above folder on left titled “California overhang in depth” for more information.
Notes: The distance between axles is measured to the nearest whole foot. When a portion is six inches you round up to to the nearest foot ie: 8 feet and 6 inches is documented as 9 feet.

California superload information:

Length: If you are over 135′ in length overall you are more than likely going to be classified as a superload in California.
Width: Depending out routing and the number of lanes available on the route but 15′ in some areas would qualify you. Over 17′ in width and you will more than likely be categorized as a superload.
Height: Anything over 18 feet tall will require a route survey. If 18′ feet or over in height you more than likely will be classified as a superload. For detailed information on California maximum height limitations check out the state height limitations and routes.
Weight: Of course heavy haul weights are a huge issue. Anytime your overall GVW is over 80,000 pounds or you exceed any of the above (see routine permits) limitations on length, width or height depending on the route you desire you are subject to be classified as a superload.
Overhang: California is NOT going to let you break the rule of 1/3 (no more than 1/3 of overall length can overhang) and they shouldn’t in our opinion from a general view point. Get your proposed routing together and talk to them and see what you come up with would be our suggestion. 15′ possibly routine. 20′ and you are superload for sure we’d guess.
Notes: Here are some maps for superloads (California calls them “Extralegal” – maybe Arnie came up with that?)that can save you some serious money when you need the information. If you need to hire an expert to take care of your California shipping needs or even consult you we are happy to assist you. Most of the time we can handle your problem over the phone for a reasonable fee but when you need someone in the field we are qualified to assist you. See consultation.

Permitted travel times & restrictions.

California permitted travel times and restrictions for heavy haul and oversize loads:

Let’s start by clarification of daylight hours; the basic rule is 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1/2 hour after sunset. If you do not require a pilot car/escort vehicle and are not overweight (green chart – over 52,000 lbs. on tandem axles or higher see charts in “superloads” section above) or don’t have anything out of the ordinary going on your travel times are 7 days a week 24 hours a day if you request to do so when you order your permits. The travel times restrictions are loaded so figure this as a rule of thumb (your permit will state your allowed travel times when issued) since this is just for you to get an estimate:

No travel from 6 AM until 9 AM in/around Los Angeles, San Diego, Sacramento & San Francisco.
No travel from 3 PM until 6 PM in the same areas with a 1 hour variance.

Your physical permit will state your exact allowed travel times when you get it issued and they will be real close to the above examples. There are simply too many variable to list.
Holiday travel: There is no holiday travel time permitted in California unless you have a special arrangement with Caltrans. The following holidays are observed as no travel days by California state shipping regulations: New Years day, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, George Washington’s birthday, Memorial day, Independence day, Labor day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. If the holiday is in a Friday or a Monday there is no travel permitted during Saturday or Sunday. Never travel without first verifying approval first which will be documented clearly on your permit.

When pilot cars or escorts are required.

Shipments requiring escort vehicles or pilot cars:

Length: If over 100′ in length in the city of Los Angles or Los Angeles county you will be required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot car/escort. This may be required in other areas as well. If over 120 feet and no longer than 135 feet in length on some routes you will be required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot car/escort vehicle. If over 135′ in length you will be required to have 1 front and 1 rear escort on any road in the state.
Width: If your shipment is over 12′ wide the “general rule” is you will be required to have 1 front pilot car on 2 lane roads or 1 rear escort on 4 lane roads however note 2 pilot cars are required on some routes. Any shipment in excess of 12 feet should figure on a minimum of 2 pilot cars or escort vehicles.
Height: Once you hit the 18 feet mark in height everything changes. You’ll be required to have a height pole pilot car/escort vehicle and before you even apply for your permit you have to conduct a route survey with the pole set at a minimum of 18 feet and 3 inches (18’3″) as well as a utility company clearance letter. Anything over this height will be required to notify all utility companies in advance of transport.
Weight: There is little mention of weight restrictions and pilot cars. As with many states if the shipment is able to maintain the minimum required speed limits then a pilot car or escort vehicle may not be required. If your shipment is not able to meet the minimum speed requirements then you will more than likely be required to have at minimum 1 front and 1 rear pilot car/escort vehicle and in some cases may even be required to have a police escort. This is based entirely on your proposed route, the weight of the heavy haul shipment and ultimately the California heavy haul permit department.
Overhang: It all depends on the route. Just as a basic rule to calculate off of (not legally binding) if you have less than 15′ of rear overhang you are probably not going to be required to have a pilot car. If you are dealing with a shipment that has 20′ – 25′ of overhang then yes you are going to be required to have at least 1 pilot car/escort vehicle – if overhang is in the front then lead and if off of rear chase. If you have both front and rear overhang that is in excess (30′ front and 25′ rear) count on being required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot car/escort vehicle.
Notes: Keep in mind these are basic rules for oversize and heavy haul trucking in California. California state shipping regulations continuously change due to construction, project completions and policy modifications. Always refer to your oversize trucking permit before traveling.

Pilot car and escort vehicle certifications.

Pilot car (escort vehicle) certifications and requirements for operating in California state:

Pilot car (escort vehicles) are required to have a minimum of one flashing or strobing amber light mounted at the highest point if the vehicle. Light must be visible from 360 degrees from a distance of no less than 500′ and be completely covered when not tending a shipment. Pilot car vehicles must be equipped with a CB radio or a 2 way communication device with a range of no less than 15 miles and be in constant communication with all parties related to the shipment at all times while in transit. Vehicle is required to have identification signs on each side of the vehicle stating the company name, address and contact telephone number. Vehicle must be equipped with the appropriate banner/sign stating ‘OVERSIZE”, with “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “WIDELOAD” and “LONG LOAD” being used when appropriate that is a minimum of 5’ in width and 10″ in height with black lettering no less than 1 5/8″ letter thickness and a yellow background mounted no less than 48″ from the pavement surface. If not tending a shipment this sign must be fully covered or removed. Vehicle must have one safety colored red flag mounted on each side of the vehicle with a minimum distance of 16″ in either direction. Vehicles must also be equipped with a hand held sign with the words “stop” on one side and “slow on the other, a emergency colored vest/shirt/jacket with reflective stripe and a red emergency flag of no less than 24” in either direction.
Note: Inour professional opinion all pilot cars and escort vehicle operators have items in addition to the above: 2 – 5 pound fire extinguishers type A, B and C, 3 reflective emergency road triangles or 18″ traffic cones, 8 burning road flares, 2 OVERSIZE LOAD banners (yellow with black lettering) and a hard hat. Also when working in California you want to make sure you have the pilot car maps.

Shipment, truck and trailer flags, lights and markings.

Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags:

All trucking companies that are hauling oversize and overweight shipments must have a amber colored strobing or flashing light affixed to the top of the tractor trailer cab that is visible 360 degrees from a minimum distance of 500′. Signs that state the exact nature of the shipment; “WIDELOAD”, “OVERSIZE LOAD”, “LONG LOAD”, “EXCESSIVE FRONT OVERHANG”, “EXCESSIVE REAR OVERHANG”. If the shipment is over 100′ overall then the “LONG LOAD” sigh shall be displayed and the “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign is to be displayed for lesser lengths and other oversize configurations. The other signs will need to be used when appropriate. When shipping ANYTHING in excess of 80′ in length, 102″ in width or more than 10′ of overhang you MUST have the appropriate sign on the front of the tractor trailer and on the rear of the trailer and/or rear of overall shipment. The signs must have lettering that is a minimum of 10″ in height with a minimum of 1 5/8″ letter thickness with lettering being black in color on a yellow background. All shipments that are in excess of the 102″ must also have safety colored red flags placed on all for corners of the shipment that are no less than 16″ in either direction. Overhang must be flagged as well. California law defines daylight time as 1/2 hour before sunrise and 1/2 hour after sunset which leaves you open for trouble on lighting which states that during the hours of darkness (we’ve got a 1/2 hour of lee-way time here) you must have 2 red lights on the side and rear (visible from a minimum of 500′) attached to the load or extremities. So, as soon as you pull out in the AM or if it gets close to dusk pull over and put on the red lights so you don’t find yourself in court trying to argue their error in defining “daylight hours” as it is a contradiction that our legal beagles caught while perusing their endless piles of regulations.

California DOT and other information.

California DOT (Caltrans) contact information and other helpful links:

Contact information:
Northern region:
California Department of Transportation – Caltrans
PO Box 942874, room 4105
Sacramento, CA 94274-0001
Telephone help line: 916-322-1297
Fax line: 916-322-4966
Permit office hours: 8 AM until 5 PM – PACIFIC TIME ZONE

Southern region:
California Department of Transportation – Caltrans
464 West 4th Street, MS #618
San Bernadino, CA 92401
Telephone help line: 909-383-4637
Fax line: 909-388-7001
Permit office hours: 8 AM until 5 PM – PACIFIC TIME ZONE

Caltrans pilot car maps – PILOT CARS LOOK!
Caltrans oversize, overweight and single trip permits here.
Caltrans oversize and overweight shipping manuals.
Loads of contacts inside of the Caltrans oversize permit offices.
California traffic and road conditions reports.

California state shipping regulations.

California DOT and Caltrans regulations for oversize trucking and heavy haul.

California state flag.

California cities: Acton, Adelanto, Agoura Hills, Alameda, Alamo, Albany, Alhambra, Aliso Viejo, Almanor, Alondra Park, Alpaugh, Alpine, Alpine Village, Altadena, Alta Sierra, Alturas, Alum Rock, Amador City, American Canyon, Amesti, Anaheim, Anderson, Angels City, Angwin, Antioch, Apple Valley, Aptos, Aptos Hills-Larkin Valley, Arbuckle, Arcadia, Arcata, Arden-Arcade, Armona, Arnold, Aromas, Arroyo Grande, Artesia, Arvin, Ashland, Atascadero, Atherton, Atwater, Auberry, Auburn, August, Avalon, Avenal, Avery, Avocado Heights, Azusa, Bakersfield, Baldwin Park, Banning, Barstow, Bay Point, Bayview, Bayview-Montalvin, Baywood-Los Osos, Beale AFB, Bear Valley, Bear Valley Springs, Beaumont, Beckwourth, Belden, Bell, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Belmont, Belvedere, Benicia, Ben Lomond, Berkeley, Bermuda Dunes, Bertsch-Oceanview, Bethel Island, Beverly Hills, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Big Bend, Biggs, Big Pine, Big River, Biola, Bishop, Blackhawk-Camino Tassajara, Black Point-Green Point, 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Woodlake, Woodland, Woodside, Woodville, Wrightwood, Yorba Linda, Yosemite Lakes, Yosemite Valley, Yountville, Yreka, Yuba City, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley.

Additional info.

Heavy haul trucking and oversize load permit limitations.
Maximum weight maximum weight: steering axle, 12,500 pounds. Single axle, 20,000 pounds. Tandem axle, 46,000 pounds. Try to maximal, 60,000 pounds. Trunnion axle, 10 feet wide 60,000 pounds. Quad axles are not recognize for heavy haul weights. Gross weight on five axles 112,500 pounds. Six axles hundred and 17,450 pounds. Seven and eight axles 158,000 pounds to 181,000 pounds which will be subject to inspection for heavy haul shipments. You may not move a heavy haul shipment on tandem axles that have more than a 8 foot spread. You may not move a heavy haul shipment on tridum axles that exceed a 10 foot spread.
Maximum length is 135 feet.
Maximum width is 15 feet.
Maximum height. Any shipment that is in excess of 17 feet tall must be accompanied by a routes survey with a high pole set at 3 inches above the load clearance height. All shipments that are over height must be on a lowboy, double drop or otherwise special lowered deck trailer. The state of California will permit shipments that are taller under special circumstances. The state of California has two different regions that use the state wide color route classification system that includes maps for shipments and pilot car company operators. You will need to check your permit for these route color classifications to determine if you need pilot cars or escorts. There are so many requirements we could not possibly list them here. For additional information please refer to the Caltrans links above.

Heavy haul and oversize trucking shipments that are classified as super loads.Any shipment that is in excess of 16 feet wide is a super load. Any shipment that exceeds the weights and dimensions listed above will more than likely be classified as a superload. In many circumstances certain routes will require that you file for a superload permit while other routes may not require you to file for a superload permit. For more information please refer to the above section on super loads as well as the Caltrans links. While performing our research we found it difficult to obtain information on California superload shipments as the term “superload” is not as widely used in this state as in other states.

Heavy haul and oversize load sign, flags and lights.
Any shipment being moved in the state of California that is an excess of 8’6″ wide or 80 feet long or more than 10 feet of overhang will need to use the appropriate warning signs. Warning signs shall be posted on the front and the rear of the shipment and need to specify “long load” or “oversize load” or “wideload” or “excessive front overhang” or “excessive rear overhang”. The applicable warning sign must be used whenever you are transporting a shipment that falls under these dimensions. At times when a load is oversize and long as long as the load is not over 100 feet in length a “oversize load” sign could be used. However, if the shipment is in excess of 100 feet long then a “long load” sign will need to be used. All signs must display black letters on a yellow background. The letters must be 10 inches in height and a minimum of 1 5/8 inches wide. All signs will need to be mounted at least 18 inches above the surface of the road on both the front and the rear of the entire combination bowls signs and flags are required on vehicles that are over the legal width (8’6”). Flags are required whenever any shipment extends beyond 4 feet or more of the end of the trailer. For night movements you will need to use both safety lights and flags. To safety lights and two flags are required for night shipments that are in excess of 2 feet in width. These lights are to be no more than 6 candlepower lights that are clearly visible from both the side and the rear of the shipment for 500 feet if the shipment has front overhang you may be required to use to white lights visible from 500 feet in combination with the flags on the front of the load. As stated above the flags will need to be read or florescent orange in color and square with each side of the square a minimum of 16 inches. Any revolving amber lights on any towing unit must be completely covered when not transporting a permitted shipment.

Pilot car and escort vehicle requirements. Do I need one?

When a shipment is over 12 feet wide depending on the routes one or two pilot cars or escort vehicles are required. When a shipment is 120 feet to 135 feet long depending on the location and route one or more pilot cars or escorts may be required. If the shipment is over 100 feet and linked in Los Angeles County or in the city of Los Angeles you will be required to have one front and one rear pilot car or escort vehicle. Any shipment that is in excess of 18 feet or more and height will require a utility clearance and a routes survey done by a pilot car or escort vehicle equipped with a high pole. For shipments that have 30 feet or more of front overhang one pilot car will be required in for shipments with 25 feet of overhang beyond the rear of the trailer may require one or more pilot cars or escort vehicles. Be sure to use the above links to print a Caltrans route classification map to determine if you are moving on a red, blue, green, yellow or brown route for escort/pilot requirements. Pilot car requirements in the state of California required by Caltrans on oversize and some heavy haul shipments are extremely complicated. At times on some routes with rear overhang that is over 25 feet in some areas they may require two rear pilot car or escort vehicles while on others one. Some route colors only allow a single pilot car or escort vehicles to operate on them. So be 100% certain you have done your homework when it comes to operating a pilot car or escort vehicle in the state of California. As a final notation pilot cars and escort vehicles are to remain to the right hand side of the centerline of the roadway at all times. Failure to comply will result in a hefty fine.

Requirements for escort and pilot car vehicle operators.
All pilot cars and escort vehicles must be a minimum of 60 inches wide. All escort vehicles and pilot cars must display at least one red warning flag on each side of the vehicle. The flag will need to be a minimum of 16 inches and in the shape of a square. All flags need to be mounted so that they are visible from both the front and the rear of the vehicle. You must remove all flags when you are not operating in the capacity of a escort or pilot car driver. The vehicle must be equipped with a stop slow sign, at least one orange safety vest, shirt or jacket, 124 inch hand held warning flag that is square and a two-way communication radio. All escort vehicles and pilot cars are required to be equipped with a flashing amber warning light. Flashing amber warning lights will need to be visible from the front, rear and side of the pilot car or escort vehicle. All pilot cars and escort vehicles will need to display a company’s sign on the side of the vehicle and nice clean and legible lettering which include your contact information. All escort vehicles and pilot cars will need to display legible signs that state oversize load visible from the front and the rear. This sign will need to be above the pavement a minimum of 4 feet and be completely legible from 45° from either side when read from the front or the rear. All lettering must be a minimum of 6 inches tall on a yellow background and be black in color with a minimum thickness of 1 5/8 of an inch. All signs must be a minimum of 440 square inches. At no time is a stop slow sign to be used from the window of a moving vehicle. All warning lamps will need to be covered when the pilot car or escort vehicle is not working.

Travel times.
The 24 hours a day seven days a week policy has been replaced with a 3 AM policy for movements during dark hours. When filing for permits be sure to request as much travel time as you wish as all they can do is modify it in accordance to their regulations. However if an escort or pilot car vehicle is required you will be subject to various curfews. If travel time is restricted note that sunrise means one half hour before the sun rises and sunset means up to one half hour after the sun sets. Shipments that are in excess of 12 feet in width are prohibited from traveling during the early morning hours and late afternoon hours in the greater San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco areas. Slow moving vehicle emblems must be displayed whenever a vehicle will be operated at speeds of less than 25 mph shipments that are 10 feet or more wide are not permitted to travel Monday through Friday during the following times in the following cities.

Greater Los Angeles: 6-9 am and 3-6 pm.
Greater Sacramento: 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.
Greater San Diego: 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.
Greater San Francisco in the Oakland Bay Bridge: 6:30-9 am and 3:30 – 6:30 pm.
San Francisco city limits: 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.

A California Highway Patrol is required when shipments in excess of 15 feet wide travel on two lane roads and up to 16 feet wide on yellow routes. Again depending on the size of your shipment and the desired route of travel there are all kinds of variances for travel times. There is even a subsection for what is called “variance loads” when a shipment is over 15 feet wide, 17 feet tall or over I hundred and 35 feet long or for hauling special equipment that exceeds the department standard method of weight classification which will need to be up proved by a special processing unit. Written route surveys are required under the circumstances from the applicant however the California Highway Patrol in coordination with the district traffic manager will determine the required hours of travel. If you are required to have an inspection performed by the permit office inspectors you can reach the vehicle inspectors at one of the following numbers: Southern California: 909-223-8860. Central California: 916-215-7937. Northern, CA 530-941-0121. Inspections usually require a minimum of 20 days before they are performed. If you need to speak to a headquarters equipment engineer you can call 916-653-4385.

General contact information for heavy haul and oversize trucking permits.
For service north of the Kern County or San Luis Obispo County lines the general phone number is 916-322-1297.
For service South of the Kern County or San Luis Obispo County lines the general phone number is 909-383-4637.
You can also contact them by email: northoversize-weightpermits@dot.ca.gov or southpermits@dot.ca.gov

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the California DOT (Caltrans) Permits office before commencing movement.

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Posts Tagged rules

2018 Texas state shipping laws, rules, regulations and limitations for oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits. Pilot car requirements.

Texas heavy-haul trucking permit information. Texas oversize trucking permits information. Texas pilot car and escort vehicle requirements.

Locate oversize, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars.

Texas oversize, heavy-haul trucking and pilot car companies for hire:

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

Texas superloads.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy-haul loads.

Lights, safety flags and warning signs for heavy haul and oversize loads.

When pilot cars or escort vehciles are required.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

Texas DOT contact information and notes.

We service oversize, heavy-haul and wideload trucking in the following Texas cities:

Texas cities we ship to and from:

Heavy haul trucking and oversize load permit limitations.

Oversize and heavy haul trucking signs, flags and required lights.

Pilot car and escort vehicle requirements for oversize and heavy haul loads.

Police escorts for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Convoys or multiple shipments of oversize or heavy haul loads escort vehicle requirements.

Manufactured housing transport regulations.

Escort vehicles should be equipped with the following equipment.

Travel times of escort vehicles and pilot cars that are working with oversize and heavy haul trucking companies.

2018 Missouri state DOT shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations, for oversize and heavy-haul the trucking.

Legal Loads

Missouri routine heavy haul, oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits.

How to apply for heavy haul, wideload and oversize trucking permits.

Pilot Car – Escort vehicle requirements.

Travel Restrictions

2018 British Columbia DOT shipping regulations. Laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize/heavy-haul trucking in the Province of British Columbia.

Heavy-haul trucking & pilot car directory. Locate trucking companies and pilot cars in British Columbia:

Legal load limits. British Columbia legal load limits:

Routine trucking permits. Oversize and overweight trucking permits that are routinely issued by the British Columbia DOT routinely:

Superload information- extraordinary loads. British Columbia superload information:

Permitted travel times & restrictions. British Columbia DOT travel times and restrictions for oversize and overweight trucking:

When pilot cars are required. British Columbia DOT requires a pilot car (escort vehicle) to accompany your shipment if you are in excess of any of the following dimensions or weights:

Pilot car certifications. Pilot car (escort vehicle) certifications and requirements for operating in British Columbia:

Shipment, truck & trailer markings. Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags:

British Columbia DOT & other information. British Columbia DOT contact and other useful information:

2018 Alaska DOT shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits for pilot cars and trucking companies.

Heavy haul trucking, pilot cars and permits.

Legal load limits.

Routine trucking permits.

When a pilot car is required.

Required shipment markings & flags.

Pilot car certifications & requirements.

Travel times and restrictions.

Frost and thaw laws.

Alaska DOT & information.

Additional information:

2018 Arizona state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and overweight trucking on state highways and roads.

Trucking company & pilot car directory. Locate trucking & pilot car companies in Arizona state:

Legal load limits within the state of Arizona. Legal load limits:

Routine heavy haul and oversize trucking permits in Arizona. Routine trucking permit limits:

Super load information for Arizona.

For mobile home shipments:

Travel time restrictions for heavy haul and oversize trucking in Arizona. Permitted travel times and restrictions in Arizona:

When pilot cars are required in Arizona. A pilot car (escort vehicle) is required in Arizona when:

Pilot car certifications in Arizona. Certifications and requirements of Arizona pilot cars/escort vehicles:

Required heavy haul or oversize shipment truck & trailer markings. Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners & flags in Arizona:

Arizona DOT oversize and heavy haul trucking permits and information: Arizona DOT permit office information:

2018 Washington state shipping regulations DOT limitations, rules and laws for the trucking of oversize and over weight loads over the roads and highways.

Trucking company and pilot car directory. Washington trucking company and pilot car directory:

Legal load limits. Washington DOT legal load size & weight limitations:

Routine trucking permits. Routine heavy haul, oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits:

Superload information. Information on superloads for the state of Washington:

Legal truck travel times. Travel times and restrictions in Washington:

When are pilot cars required. Pilot car and escort vehicle information:

Required pilot car and escort vehicle certifications. Pilot car and escort vehicle certification and equipment requirements:

Washington DOT information. Contact information for Washington state DOT office:

2018 North Dakota DOT state shipping laws, regulations, rules and limitations for oversize and heavy haul trucking permits.

North Dakota State Trucking Permit Regulations.

Legal Loads. Length: 75’ overall on non-designated highways 110’ overall on designated highways. Weight: 80,000 GVW Width: 8’ 6” Height: 14’

Routine oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits. Length: 110’ Weight: Steer 12,100 lbs., Single 24,000 lbs., Tandem 45,000 lbs., Tridem 60,000 lbs., 4 axles 73,200 lbs., 5 axles 103,200 lbs., 6 axles 118,000 lbs., 7 axles 126,000 lbs. Width: 18’ Height: 15’ 6”

How to apply for oversize transport and shipping permits. North Dakota Highway Patrol Motor Carrier Operations 600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept. 504 Bismark, ND 58505-0240

Pilot Car – Escort Car Requirements.

Travel Restrictions.

2018 Alabama state heavy haul and oversize trucking laws, regulations, rules and limitations.

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2018 Alabama state DOT trucking rules for oversize and heavy haul trucking and trip permits.

Texas heavy-haul trucking permit information.
Texas oversize trucking permits information.
Texas pilot car and escort vehicle requirements.

Heavy-haul trucking & pilot car directory.
Locate trucking companies and pilot cars in British Columbia:

Legal load limits.
British Columbia legal load limits:

Routine trucking permits.
Oversize and overweight trucking permits that are routinely issued by the British Columbia DOT routinely:

Superload information- extraordinary loads.
British Columbia superload information:

Permitted travel times & restrictions.
British Columbia DOT travel times and restrictions for oversize and overweight trucking:

When pilot cars are required.
British Columbia DOT requires a pilot car (escort vehicle) to accompany your shipment if you are in excess of any of the following dimensions or weights:

Pilot car certifications.
Pilot car (escort vehicle) certifications and requirements for operating in British Columbia:

Shipment, truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags:

British Columbia DOT & other information.
British Columbia DOT contact and other useful information:

Trucking company & pilot car directory.
Locate trucking & pilot car companies in Arizona state:

Legal load limits within the state of Arizona.
Legal load limits:

Routine heavy haul and oversize trucking permits in Arizona.
Routine trucking permit limits:

Travel time restrictions for heavy haul and oversize trucking in Arizona.
Permitted travel times and restrictions in Arizona:

When pilot cars are required in Arizona.
A pilot car (escort vehicle) is required in Arizona when:

Pilot car certifications in Arizona.
Certifications and requirements of Arizona pilot cars/escort vehicles:

Required heavy haul or oversize shipment truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners & flags in Arizona:

Arizona DOT oversize and heavy haul trucking permits and information:
Arizona DOT permit office information:

Trucking company and pilot car directory.
Washington trucking company and pilot car directory:

Legal load limits.
Washington DOT legal load size & weight limitations:

Routine trucking permits.
Routine heavy haul, oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits:

Superload information.
Information on superloads for the state of Washington:

Legal truck travel times.
Travel times and restrictions in Washington:

When are pilot cars required.
Pilot car and escort vehicle information:

Required pilot car and escort vehicle certifications.
Pilot car and escort vehicle certification and equipment requirements:

Washington DOT information.
Contact information for Washington state DOT office:

Legal Loads.
Length: 75’ overall on non-designated highways
110’ overall on designated highways.
Weight: 80,000 GVW
Width: 8’ 6”
Height: 14’

Routine oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits.
Length: 110’
Weight: Steer 12,100 lbs., Single 24,000 lbs., Tandem 45,000 lbs., Tridem 60,000 lbs., 4 axles 73,200 lbs., 5 axles 103,200 lbs., 6 axles 118,000 lbs., 7 axles 126,000 lbs.
Width: 18’
Height: 15’ 6”

How to apply for oversize transport and shipping permits.
North Dakota Highway Patrol
Motor Carrier Operations
600 E Boulevard Ave., Dept. 504
Bismark, ND 58505-0240

Trucking company & pilot car directory.
Locate heavy haul trucking companies and pilot cars in Alabama state:

Legal load limits.
Legal Loads:

Routine trucking permits.
Trucking oversize and overweight permit limits:

Superload information.
The following would qualify a shipment as a superload in the state of Alabama:

Permitted travel times & restrictions.
Travel times and restrictions:

When pilot cars are required.
A pilot car or escort vehicle is required when:

Pilot car certifications.
Pilot car or escort vehicle certifications & requirements:

Shipment truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners & flags:

Alabama state DOT information:
Alabama DOT contact and information:

Contact information:
Northern region:
California Department of Transportation – Caltrans
PO Box 942874, room 4105
Sacramento, CA 94274-0001
Telephone help line: 916-322-1297
Fax line: 916-322-4966
Permit office hours: 8 AM until 5 PM – PACIFIC TIME ZONE