How much does a flatbed oversize permit cost?
Standard oversize permits for flatbed loads (typically 8.5+ feet wide, 13.5+ feet tall, or over standard length) range from $25 to $200 per state per trip depending on the state DOT's fee schedule, the load configuration, and the route distance. Annual oversize permits where available run $300-$800 per state and cover unlimited trips for the year. Pilot-car requirements, route surveys, and engineering reviews can layer additional costs.
State DOT permit fees for oversize flatbed loads are set by each state independently. Texas, California, Florida, and the major freight corridors typically charge $50-$150 per single-trip permit. Smaller states often charge $25-$75. The fee scales with load configuration — wider loads, taller loads, and longer combinations push the fee higher within each state's fee table.
For carriers running regular flatbed work, annual permits where available significantly lower the per-trip cost. A $400 annual permit in Texas covering unlimited oversize trips for the calendar year amortizes to a small per-trip cost on a carrier running 2-3 oversize moves per week. Not every state offers annual permits for every load configuration; carriers should check each state's annual options against their actual route mix.
Pilot-car requirements add cost when triggered. Most states require pilot cars for loads exceeding 12 feet wide, 14 feet tall, or 90+ feet long; the pilot-car cost is separate from the permit fee and runs $1.50-$3.00 per mile per pilot car. A two-pilot-car load running 500 miles can add $1,500-$3,000 in pilot-car cost on top of the per-state permit fees.
Route surveys for non-standard routes and engineering reviews for superload-class moves add further cost. Route surveys typically run $200-$500 per state for non-standard routing; engineering reviews for superload moves run $500-$2,000 depending on the complexity. Most flatbed oversize moves stay within standard routing and do not trigger these extras.