630-222-5770

(630) 800-3474

comparetransport@gmail.com

630-222-5770


Logo-CCLLC

Super Load for Oversize Loads Permits

Oversize Permits Phone Number: 630-222-5770

Superload Permits regulations by state

Superload Permits: Everything You Need to Know

At Compare Transport LLC, we specialize in helping carriers and trucking companies move superloads safely, legally, and affordably across all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Superloads require additional planning, documentation, and approvals due to their extraordinary size or weight. Below is a complete guide covering what qualifies as a superload, regulations by jurisdiction, estimated costs, and essential considerations.

What is a Superload?

A superload is a non-divisible load that significantly exceeds the routine oversize or overweight thresholds set by individual states or provinces. These loads are too large to be transported under regular oversize permits and require special routing, escort vehicles, engineering analysis, and often approval from multiple government agencies.

Common Dimensions That Classify a Load as a Superload:

Width: Typically over 16 feet
Height: Usually more than 15 to 16 feet
Length: Exceeding 120 to 150 feet
Weight: Ranging from 130,000 to over 250,000 pounds (varies by jurisdiction)

Superload Limits by U.S. State

Here is your information organized in alphabetical order by state/province and presented in bulleted definitions format for clarity:

U.S. Superload Thresholds by State

  • California
    Superload Criteria: Weight over 254,000 lbs or width over 15 feet
    Estimated Fees: $16–$90+
    Key Requirements: CHP escorts often required
  • Florida
    Superload Criteria: Over 150,000 lbs or 16 feet wide
    Estimated Fees: $25–$250
    Key Requirements: Route survey & escorts based on dimension
  • Georgia
    Superload Criteria: Weight over 150,000 lbs
    Estimated Fees: $30–$150
    Key Requirements: Route analysis and possible police escort
  • Illinois
    Superload Criteria: Over 120,000 lbs, 14.6 ft high, or 16 ft wide
    Estimated Fees: $30–$150
    Key Requirements: Bridge review, police escort may be required
  • Michigan
    Superload Criteria: Loads over 150,000 lbs
    Estimated Fees: $50–$250
    Key Requirements: Specific approval from MDOT
  • New York
    Superload Criteria: Over 160,000 lbs, over 16 ft wide, or over 14.5 ft high
    Estimated Fees: $40–$200+
    Key Requirements: NYSDOT approval, escort vehicles
  • Ohio
    Superload Criteria: More than 120,000 lbs or 14 feet high
    Estimated Fees: $60–$500
    Key Requirements: Weight-dependent charges per axle
  • Pennsylvania
    Superload Criteria: More than 201,000 lbs, 160 ft long, or 16 ft wide
    Estimated Fees: $35–$200
    Key Requirements: Detailed analysis & route approval
  • Texas
    Superload Criteria: Loads over 254,300 lbs
    Estimated Fees: $60–$300+
    Key Requirements: Route & structural analysis needed
  • Washington
    Superload Criteria: More than 200,000 lbs, 16 feet wide or high, 125 feet long
    Estimated Fees: $70+
    Key Requirements: 30-day pre-approval required for extreme loads

Canadian Superload Thresholds by Province

  • Alberta
    Superload Threshold: Over 17 ft wide, or gross weight above 250,000 lbs
    Estimated Fees: $84 CAD/year (base)
    Permit Notes: Must comply with seasonal load limits
  • Brtish Columbia
    Superload Threshold: More than 125,000 kg (275,000 lbs) or 16 ft wide
    Estimated Fees: $100–$500 CAD
    Permit Notes: Engineering approval required
  • Manitoba
    Superload Threshold: Loads over 120,000 kg or over 16 ft in width
    Estimated Fees: $100–$300 CAD
    Permit Notes: Spring thaw restrictions apply
  • Nova Scotia
    Superload Threshold: Width over 102 inches or 75 feet in length
    Estimated Fees: $25–$100 CAD
    Permit Notes: Must follow province-specific restrictions
  • Ontario
    Superload Threshold: Over 120,000 kg (264,500 lbs), or width over 16 ft
    Estimated Fees: $150–$400 CAD
    Permit Notes: 5–10 business days for approval
  • Quebec
    Superload Threshold: Width over 16 ft or GVW over 120,000 kg
    Estimated Fees: $100+ CAD
    Permit Notes: Escort and police support mandatory
  • Saskatchewan
    Superload Threshold: Width over 16 ft or GVW over 140,000 kg
    Estimated Fees: $150–$300 CAD
    Permit Notes: Special bridge analysis required

Key Considerations for Superload Permits

  1. Permit Processing Time
    Most states and provinces require additional time to review and approve superload permits. Depending on the route and dimensions, it may take from 2 to 30 business days.
  2. Escort Vehicles
    Most jurisdictions mandate 1 to 3 escort vehicles, depending on the load’s width, height, and route complexity. Some loads also require police escorts.
  3. Route Surveys & Bridge Analysis
    If the load exceeds certain thresholds, an engineering route survey is mandatory. This helps ensure bridges, roads, and infrastructure can handle the load safely.
  4. Travel Time Restrictions
    Travel is typically limited to daylight hours on weekdays. Weekend, holiday, or nighttime movement is usually restricted or prohibited without special authorization.
  5. Weather & Seasonal Limits
    Some provinces like Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan enforce spring thaw laws, reducing allowable axle weights during the thaw season to protect roadways.
  6. Insurance Requirements
    Carriers may be required to carry high-limit liability insurance (up to $5 million or more), especially when escort vehicles or hazardous routes are involved.

Superload Rules, Regulations, and Operational Restrictions

Transporting a superload involves more than just securing a permit. It requires strict compliance with a wide range of state and provincial regulations, operational limits, escort requirements, and weather-based restrictions. Below is an in-depth guide to help you understand the most important superload rules in the U.S. and Canada.

  1. General Superload Regulations
    -A superload is generally defined as a load that exceeds standard oversize or overweight dimensions to the point where special handling, approval, and routing are required.
    -Superloads usually exceed:
    Width: 16 feet or more
    Height: 15 feet or more
    Length: 120 to 150 feet or more
    Gross Weight: 130,000 to 254,000 pounds or higher
    Each jurisdiction sets its own thresholds and has unique guidelines for approval, which often involve route surveys, structural bridge analysis, and additional documentation.
  2. Operating Time Restrictions
    Daylight Hours Only: Most jurisdictions allow superload movement only from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
    Weekend and Holiday Restrictions: Superloads are often prohibited from moving on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
    Urban Curfew Zones: Some states (like Arizona, New York, and California) restrict movement during peak traffic hours in major cities (typically 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM).
    Night Travel: Only allowed under special circumstances and may require police escort and additional lighting.
  3. Escort Vehicle Requirements
    Escort vehicles (also called pilot cars) are often required to guide and warn other motorists. The number and type of escorts vary by jurisdiction:
    One Escort: Typically required for loads over 12 feet wide or 14 feet tall.
    Two Escorts: Required for loads exceeding 14 to 16 feet wide or over 120 feet long.
    Police Escort: Mandated in several states for extremely heavy or tall loads, or when moving through cities or across narrow bridges.
    Height Pole Car: For loads over 15 feet in height to detect overhead obstacles in advance.
    Each escort vehicle must meet equipment standards, including signage, flags, lights, and communication devices.
  4. Signage and Lighting Requirements
    Oversize Load Banners: Must be displayed at the front and rear of the superload.
    Flags: Red or orange flags (18 inches square) are required on the outermost corners of the load and any projections.
    Warning Lights: Amber rotating or strobe lights must be used on the towing unit and escort vehicles during movement.
    Night Lighting: When night travel is approved, reflective markers and additional lighting must be installed.
  5. Seasonal Load Restrictions
    In regions with cold winters, seasonal weight restrictions are enforced during the spring thaw to protect roads weakened by moisture.
    Applicable Provinces and States: Includes Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Minnesota, Michigan, and parts of the Northeast U.S.
    Reduced Axle Loads: Carriers must reduce axle weights by up to 35% during the spring thaw season.
    Permit Suspension: In some areas, overweight permits are suspended or restricted during these periods.
  6. Tire Regulations
    Superloads must comply with tire size and pressure laws to minimize road wear and ensure safety:
    Tire Width-to-Axle Load Ratio: Jurisdictions often limit the maximum axle weight based on the width and number of tires per axle.
    Pneumatic Tires Only: Solid tires are typically prohibited for superloads due to road damage risk.
    Minimum Tread Depth: Tires must meet minimum depth requirements, generally no less than 4/32″ on steer axles and 2/32″ on other positions.
    Inflation Pressure: Must match manufacturer specifications; under-inflated tires may disqualify a load from travel.
  7. Chain Laws in Weather Conditions
    Many states and provinces have mandatory chain laws during winter weather conditions. These laws vary widely but are enforced when roads become icy or snow-packed:
    Mandatory Chain Zones: Colorado, California, Oregon, British Columbia, and Alberta require chains in designated areas during snowstorms.
    Superloads and Chains: Superload haulers must be equipped with sufficient chains to cover all drive tires and may need additional traction devices.
    Fines and Denials: Operating a superload without chains in mandatory zones can lead to permit revocation and hefty fines.
  8. Additional Local Restrictions
    Bridge Weight Limits: Must be evaluated for each route; some bridges have load or spacing limitations.
    Permit Validity: Superload permits are typically valid for one specific trip within a narrow time window (e.g., 5 days).
    Route Survey Requirements: For tall or long loads, a certified route survey is often mandatory to avoid conflicts with overhead wires, low bridges, or sharp curves.
    Local Permits: Some cities or counties require separate permits to enter certain jurisdictions, especially in urban areas.

Conclusion

Transporting a superload is a high-responsibility operation. It involves careful planning, strict compliance with rules, and coordination with authorities. At Compare Transport LLC, we manage every step of the process for you handling permit applications, escort arrangements, route analysis, and compliance with seasonal and weather-based regulations.

Need Help with Superload Permits?

We provide fast and affordable superload permits for all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces. With over 15 years of experience, our team ensures your paperwork, routing, and compliance are all handled professionally so you can focus on the haul.

Call us today at (630) 222-5770 or order online at Compare Transport LLC to get started with your superload permit.

FAQ'S Asked Questions about Oversize Permits

oversize permits information including legal dimensions, routine permit limits, and escort requirements, operating times and restricted travel.

A super load is a shipment that exceeds both legal and oversize load limits to such a degree that it requires special routing, equipment, and permits. These loads often include industrial equipment, bridge beams, or wind turbine components.

You can order a superload permit at compare transport LLC by calling at (630) 222-5770

Each state sets its own thresholds for what qualifies as a superload. For example, New York considers anything over 200,000 pounds or 16 feet wide a superload, while Massachusetts sets the weight threshold lower at 130,000 pounds. States may also require engineering reviews, police escorts, or structural assessments depending on the route and load.

Superload permit costs vary widely. For example, Texas charges between $60 and $385 for single-trip overweight permits, while Florida may charge a base fee plus a per-ton-per-mile rate. Some states also require annual permits that can cost over $1,000 depending on the load type.

Get a superload permit at compare transport LLC by calling at (630) 222-5770

Yes, you can apply for a superload permits online by calling us at (630) 222-5770

Generally, a superload exceeds 16 feet in width, 16 feet in height, 160 feet in length, or 200,000 pounds in weight. However, these thresholds can vary slightly depending on the state.

In Illinois, a load is considered a superload if it exceeds 120,000 pounds in weight, 145 feet in length, 14 feet 6 inches in width, or 15 feet 6 inches in height. These loads require special permits and may involve additional restrictions such as police escorts or engineering reviews.

Get a Free Quote


Speak with us

630-222-5770

Speak with us

(630) 800-3474

General enquiries

comparetransport@gmail.com