Learning Oversize Load Permits in the Flatbed Trucking:

You already know this, when you haul large, heavy and awkward loads on a flatbed, it is not a matter of simply strapping down. The actual headaches are usually of permit, rules and red tape. We are going to take a stroll through the process of dealing with the oversize load permits in the flatbed trucking business, but without the fluff and the tips that you can actually utilize.

What Even Counts as “Oversize”? (Since It’s Not Always Obvious)

Oversize does not imply very large. In the trucking industry, it is legal. An oversized load is when it is larger than one or more of the state or federal dimension or weight limits. However, the problem is that there is a difference in the definition of those limits across states.

A few typical levels (only points of beginning):

Width: More than 8 ft 6 in

Height: Above -13 ft 6 in (however, in some states even more is permitted)

Length: Trailer + combination dependent but on trailers, however, when overall length goes above permitted trailers.

Weight: Exceeding a gross or axle weight of a state or a federal weight.

When your load is borderline, e.g. 8 ft 6 in, just over, but not too large for routing, then it is worth asking yourself again whether a permit is required. Lots of logistics people avoid that step and then scurry about.

The Answer to Why Permits Are Not Red Tape.

You may consider permits a piece of irritating paper-work–but there are genuine, valuable uses of them:

Safety to all — Oversize loads may decrease visibility, slow slower and act in a different manner in a wind or a curve.

Infrastructure security – There are strict limits associated with bridges, roads, tunnels, and overpasses. You do not want to be the person who spoils them.

Planning the route and accessibility by law– Certain roads, turns or bridges cannot be done without special authorization.

Liability and legal exposure – The possibility of punishment through fines, delays and any legal risks in the event of an accident that occurs due to operating without proper permits.

Due to all that, carrying your permits is just a part of professional flatbeds.

The Permit Acquisition Process Step by Step (with Pro Tips).

I will show you how this normally works– and at what point most people get derailed.

Measure It All to the Letter.

• Overall width, height, length
• Overhang (front, rear, side)
• Weights: gross, and axle loads, and axle group loads.
• Specifications of truck and trailer vehicles (spacing of axles, tire size, etc.)

Pro tip: measure twice – when you have a modulable or adjustable load. A fraction of an inch will nullify your permit.

Mapping the Route and Find Jurisdictions.

When your oversize vehicle is transited across multiple state lines, each state (or even county on occasion) should be counted as a different permitting entity. The states have permit rules, fees and restrictions unique to each state.

Plot the route with:

• Bridge clearances
• Overpasses
• Construction areas, road blocks.
• The utility lines and low hanging wires
• Clearance roads in heavy/oversize traffic.

Apply Via Every Relevant Permit Office/Portal.

• When you are acquainted with the jurisdictions:
• A few states have online permit portals.
• Other people might need to submit it via fax, email or even face to face.
• Data in general: source, destinations, route, dates, size, trailer and load specifications.

Pay Permit Fees

Fees vary wildly. Cost is influenced by some of the factors are:

• Distance (in some states it is per mile)
• Size and weight excess
• Length of permit (not all are multi-day)
• Premium charges (in case you require escorts, special signage)

Meet the Permit Conditions.

There are few permits that are not attached with strings:

• Time-of-day (e.g. no daytime, no rush hours)
• No weekend or holiday travelling in some states.
• Pilot cars (necessary escort cars).
• Signage, flags, lighting
• Route requirements (you have to use the authorized route)
• Weather restrictions
• Penalties or a nullification of your permit can be caused by one minor violation.

Execute and Monitor En Route

You are not done with it even when you get the permit in hand:

• Check weather, traffic, ones that are closed.
• Take amendments in case some unexpected challenges emerge; in many cases, you will need to re-use or correct.
• Have all the permit paperwork with you in the truck.

Ordinary Problems, & What Folks Liked to forget.

What has been an issue to unsuspecting operators let us mention:

• State vs local (county) rules. There are cases when you may have state permit, but then a section of road in a county may have its local rules
• Bridge load restrictions which are not apparent on maps. A path can be physically able to accommodate your height/width but weight can be limited by bridges along the way.
• Permit lead times. There are those that have been done in hours, some days. You may not even get the window if you plan too close to the move day.
• Time windows that expire. In case your permit is only valid on specific dates, delays (e.g. weather or traffic) may place you in invalid territory.
• Allow a day day expiration time. Others are valid until midnight; so you may need another permit the following day, in case your plan runs late.
• Unplanned detours. When a road is closed that obliges a detour, but a detour tends to takes you through jurisdiction that you never got a permit to pass through.
• Mis-configured escort vehicle. Pilot cars that are not spec (lights, signage, etc) are a violation.
• Insurance or no insurance available in the car. Always have permit originals (or certified electronic copies), and evidence of insurance cover.
• Changing rules. States change rules, fees or routing. A path that was successful last year may not be successful today.

Single Trip vs Annual Permits Which one should you use?

Single-trip permits apply to a single load, a single time, along a given route within a given time (usually 310 days).

Annual permits give you the option of hauling oversize in a specific route or area numerous times through out a year, often with certain restrictions.

When your company moves similar oversize loads on a regular basis within the same territory, a permit can be issued on an annual basis, which will save on paper work and cost. However, annual permits tend to place more generally restrictive limits (you are not allowed to be bigger than extreme on an annual permit).

Escort Vehicles, Pilot Cars and Support Requirement.

When your load is wide, long or tall, then one or more escort vehicles (also known as pilot cars) may be needed. The rules vary:
One front escort

• One rear escort
• Both front and rear

In certain cases exclusive three vehicle escorts.

These vehicles usually need:

• “Oversize Load” signage
• Flashing lights or beacons
• Flags
• Bi-directional communication with head truck.
• The drivers who are conversant with escort operations

Your permit may state the number of escorts required, their destinations (ahead, behind) and equipment.

Travel Time Limitations and Allowed Hours.

Oversize moves can usually not move at any time that they would like. Common restrictions:

• Only daylight (no driving past the sunset or before the sunrise)
• None of the weekends and holidays (in certain states).
• No rush-hour commuting particularly by cities.
• Weather forbidden (much rainfall, snow, fog
• Limited access to cities (there are cities where it is prohibited during rushes)

Always see the fine print of the permit. And set buffer time: delays are usual.

Real-Life Case: One Wrong MoveCost a Company.

In the recent past a flatbed operator took the assumption that having a permit on State A and State B he was free. But mid way his path turned off to County C, and that needed a local permit too. He didn’t have that. He had to clear the load, divert using other longer paths, pay a fine and missed the delivery. The most basic omission in jurisdiction cost him thousands of dollars and goodwill with the customer.
Lesson: one should always be prepared. When you have the slightest chance of deviating, make sure you secure permits to other routes as well.

Technology Tools and Services that will help to make this easier.

All this you do not need to do by hand. This is a list of tools or services that a lot of pros use:

• Oversize/overweight load routing software (bridges, clearances, restrictions etc.)
• Allow third party permit service or brokers.
• Live traffic and construction news.
• Status is tracked by using mobile apps or portals.
• Pilot car-truck communication systems.

The correct technology can save on the number of headaches, mistakes, and scramble at the last minute.

Preparation Gives One Confidence.

Transporting oversize using a flatbed does not need to be a dice throw. By taking everything into consideration, planning your route beforehand, applying your permission early, and observing the conditions, you can make the complex trivial. The trick is: never leave things to the last moment, you should always expect the worst and have a back up (both paper work as well as a plan B).