Heavy-haul overweight & oversize permits
Heavy haul (loads over 80,000 lbs GVW) requires per-trip overweight permits in every state of travel under 23 CFR §658 and state-specific weight rules. We file same-day starting at $85per state per trip plus the state DOT permit fee, with route engineering and escort coordination available for loads requiring it.
When per-trip permits are required
The federal interstate weight limit is 80,000 lbs gross under 23 CFR §658.17. Loads above that limit require an overweight permit from each state of travel. Each state DOT approves the route, sets the fee based on weight and miles, and may impose escort, time-of-day, and seasonal restrictions. The carrier cannot move the load without permits in every state from origin to destination.
Heavy-haul operations typically permit each trip individually. Annual overweight permits exist in some states for repeat carriers running consistent loads but are limited to specific weight bands. See our state-by-state overweight permit guide for the per-state fee structure.
What's included
- Per-trip overweight permit filings in every state of the trip route
- Route engineering coordination for non-standard freight
- Escort coordination guidance (we don't provide escorts; we identify when they're required)
- Same-day permit issuance during state DOT business hours
- Permit PDF copies for the driver and dispatcher
Heavy-haul permit questions
When does a load become heavy haul?
When GVW exceeds 80,000 lbs, the federal interstate weight limit. Some states allow higher GVWs on specific routes (Michigan up to 164,000 lbs, Wyoming up to 117,000 lbs on certain corridors), but most state limits cap at 80,000 lbs without an overweight permit. Heavy haul typically means 80,001 lbs and up; many heavy-haul operations routinely run 100,000-200,000 lbs gross with overweight permits.
How are heavy-haul permit fees calculated?
Each state has its own fee structure based on combinations of GVW, axle weights, distance traveled, and route. Typical heavy-haul trip permit fees run $50-$500 per state per trip depending on weight and miles. Permit fees are paid to the state DOT (collected by us at filing) plus our service fee starting at $85 per state per trip. Multi-state heavy-haul moves can hit $1,500-$3,000 in permit costs alone for a single trip.
Do I need an escort?
Depends on dimensions and route. Most states require front escort vehicles for loads over 12 feet wide and rear escorts for loads over 13'6" tall. Specific routes (urban areas, low bridges, narrow highways) often require additional escorts beyond the dimensional minimums. Each state's DOT specifies escort requirements when issuing the permit, and the permit notes the route-specific requirements the carrier must follow.
Other permit contexts
You might also need
- UCR registration — FastUCRFiling
- Driver MVR & CDLIS — FastDriverScreening