Whether you own and operate a commercial truck or you’re managing an entire fleet of them, there are several things that you must do to ensure that your vehicle is not just roadworthy and dependable but also compliant with the law. One step that you should take is to obtain an oversized load transportation permit when needed. Read on to know whether you need to get this permit or not.
Do You Need to Get an Oversized Load Permit?
The Federal Highway Administration and individual state highway authorities have mandated maximum height, width, length, and weight for the vehicles that go through the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways as well as many other roads. These are in place to ensure proper traffic flow and prevent undue damage to roads, highways, bridges, and other types of infrastructure.
If vehicles exceed these limits, they can apply for trucking permits that will allow them to traverse through public roads and highways despite going beyond the standard limitations. You’ll have to obtain these permits if your truck meets the following guidelines:
- Its overall width exceeds 8’6″
- Its overall height exceeds 13’6″
- Its overall trailer length is more than 48’
- Its overall weight is more than 80,000 lbs
- Its single or group axles exceed the legal axle rating
It’s important to note that the federal government doesn’t issue Wideload permits as well as other types of permits for oversized and overweight vehicles. Rather, you’ll have to obtain these permits from state authorities. You should also note that load permits contain routing information as well as details on safety requirements and travel restrictions and regulations, so take the time to read your permit once you receive it.
Getting Permits on Your Own vs Hiring the Pros
It’s definitely possible to obtain oversized and overweight permits all by yourself, but you also have the option of hiring permit specialists. These experts will help you determine if you need to get permits from state, county, and/or township authorities, and they’ll assist you with obtaining and preparing the documents required to obtain the permits. Many permit service providers can also provide route consulting solutions and help you come up with direct and cost-effective routes for your vehicles, and they can provide you with pilot cars that will escort your vehicles and ensure that they’ll reach their destination safely. By getting the help of a trusted permit company, you can speed up the permit application process and you’ll save a significant amount of time, effort, and even money.
Reach Out to Our Team
If your vehicle exceeds the standard limitations set by federal and state highway authorities, make sure to obtain an oversized and/or overweight load permit beforehand. Don’t worry since Reliable Permit Solutions, LLC is always ready to assist you with the process! We have extensive training and experience in overweight/oversize load permitting, and we can take care of permit application process on your behalf, so you won’t have to worry about it. We also specialize in trip and fuel permitting, superloads, pilot cars, and more, so don’t hesitate to give us a call!