I am an individual, do I need a permit?
Yes. If you are hauling a load that is over the Federal maximum legal width, height, length, or weight than you will need to secure a permit to avoid huge fees, fines, and other penalties. In addition, all states require a US DOT Number when permits are ordered. To learn how to obtain a US DOT Number see below.
Yes. If you are hauling a load that is over the Federal maximum legal width, height, length, or weight than you will need to secure a permit to avoid huge fees, fines, and other penalties. In addition, all states require a US DOT Number when permits are ordered. To learn how to obtain a US DOT Number see below.
How do I obtain a US DOT Number?
In order to obtain a US DOT Number you need to contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There is no cost for the US DOT Number and you can order it online. We have created a step by step instructional PDF to help you quickly and painlessly acquire a US DOT number from the FMCSA. Click here for the PDF.
In order to obtain a US DOT Number you need to contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There is no cost for the US DOT Number and you can order it online. We have created a step by step instructional PDF to help you quickly and painlessly acquire a US DOT number from the FMCSA. Click here for the PDF.
What is the maximum legal weight?
The following are the Federally mandated maximum weights for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and reasonable access thereto (23 CFR Part 658.17):
The following are the Federally mandated maximum weights for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and reasonable access thereto (23 CFR Part 658.17):
- 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
- 20,000 pound single axle weight
- 34,000 pound tandem axle weight
What is the maximum legal length?
The maximum length is determined by the individual State. It typically is based upon total overhang on the front or back of your truck & trailer. It is always best to call us directly and we will confirm whether or not a permit is needed do to length issues.
The maximum length is determined by the individual State. It typically is based upon total overhang on the front or back of your truck & trailer. It is always best to call us directly and we will confirm whether or not a permit is needed do to length issues.
What is the maximum legal width?
Legal maximum width is 102 inches. Anything over requires Permit.
Legal maximum width is 102 inches. Anything over requires Permit.
What is the maximum legal height?
The maximum legal height is 13' 6 " (thirteen feet and 6 inches and includes the combined trailer and load height). Anything over needs a permit and may need a pilot car or even a pole car. Sometimes route plans are required, but this is a state specific request.
The maximum legal height is 13' 6 " (thirteen feet and 6 inches and includes the combined trailer and load height). Anything over needs a permit and may need a pilot car or even a pole car. Sometimes route plans are required, but this is a state specific request.
How long does it take to receive the requested permits?
The truth is that some permits can be acquired within an hour and others it may take a full 48 hours or longer to receive them. This is more dependent upon whether the state requires the carrier to provide an insurance certificate or if some other forms are needed in order to acquire the permits. In addition if you are needing a Superload permit, bridge survey, or route survey than additional lead time will be necessary in order to obtain the permits by the scheduled move start date.
The truth is that some permits can be acquired within an hour and others it may take a full 48 hours or longer to receive them. This is more dependent upon whether the state requires the carrier to provide an insurance certificate or if some other forms are needed in order to acquire the permits. In addition if you are needing a Superload permit, bridge survey, or route survey than additional lead time will be necessary in order to obtain the permits by the scheduled move start date.
How do I determine the axle weight?
W=500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36); where W=overall gross weight on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds. L=distance in feet between the extreme of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and N=number of axles in the group under consideration. If this does not help you, then the best thing to do is count the number of axles on your truck and also on your trailer. Get the gross or total weight, and then get the spacings between each axle and call us with the information. We will determine your axle weight for you. You may also review this PDF that explains axle weights by clicking here.
W=500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36); where W=overall gross weight on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds. L=distance in feet between the extreme of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles, and N=number of axles in the group under consideration. If this does not help you, then the best thing to do is count the number of axles on your truck and also on your trailer. Get the gross or total weight, and then get the spacings between each axle and call us with the information. We will determine your axle weight for you. You may also review this PDF that explains axle weights by clicking here.
How do I figure the axle spacings?
You determine axle spacings by measuring the distance between the center of the first tire and the second, then the distance between the second tire and the third, and so on. In addition the total distance between the first tire (on the truck) and the last tire (on the trailer) is needed. The information is used to determine the axle weight.
You determine axle spacings by measuring the distance between the center of the first tire and the second, then the distance between the second tire and the third, and so on. In addition the total distance between the first tire (on the truck) and the last tire (on the trailer) is needed. The information is used to determine the axle weight.
Where do I find my tire sizes?
The tire size is typically located on the side wall of the tire.
The tire size is typically located on the side wall of the tire.
