Do oversize permits cover multiple states?
No. Each state issues its own permit, and the carrier needs a permit from every state of travel. A multi-state oversize move requires obtaining separate permits in every state from origin to destination, typically running $200-$1,500 per state per trip in DOT fees plus our service fee.
There is no federal single-permit-for-multiple-states system for oversize loads. Each state DOT independently approves the route, sets the fee, and issues the permit. A New York-to-California heavy-haul move could need 6-8 separate state permits.
Some regional reciprocity exists — the Western States Permitting program covers certain corridors across multiple Western states with one permit, and the Mid-Atlantic states have similar regional arrangements for certain dimensions. But these are exceptions; the default is per-state permitting.
For multi-state moves, the carrier (or filing service) typically files all the state permits in parallel. Most state DOTs process oversize permits within hours during business hours, so a 6-state move can typically have all permits in hand the same business day if the application is started in the morning.
Each state's permit is route-specific. The carrier cannot deviate from the approved route without re-permitting; the permit specifies the highways, exits, time-of-day windows, and any escort requirements. Mid-trip route changes require contacting the state DOT for re-approval.