Annual Oversize Overweight Permits Learn All Regulations for Annual Trucking Permits Compare Transport LLC

Annual trucking permits allow carriers to legally move oversize, overweight, or specialized loads without repeatedly applying for single-trip permits. These permits are valid for a full year (unless otherwise stated) and vary by state. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the main categories of annual permits issued across the U.S.:

1. Annual Oversize Permit: Authorizes movement of vehicles or loads exceeding standard legal dimensions (width, height, or length). Depending on the state, allowances may include widths up to 10–12 feet, heights up to 14–15 feet, and lengths from 85 to 120 feet. Commonly used for modular homes, building materials, and heavy machinery. Restrictions may apply for night travel, weekends, and holidays.
2. Annual Overweight Permit: Covers loads that exceed the federal gross weight limit of 80,000 pounds or axle group limits. Many states allow vehicles between 100,000 and 150,000 pounds under this permit. Industries like mining, oilfield, energy, and construction heavily rely on it. Routes are usually limited to designated state highways.
3. Annual Trip or Mileage Permit: Instead of multiple single-trip permits, carriers can obtain this annual option. It may apply to a fleet or individual vehicles, with mileage limits ranging from 5,000–10,000 miles annually. Best suited for companies making frequent trips within a fixed region or state.
4. Annual Superload or Special Permit: Required for loads that exceed the maximum limits of standard oversize or overweight permits. Typically applies to dimensions greater than 14 feet wide, 16 feet high, or weights above 150,000 pounds. Approval usually requires bridge studies, engineering analysis, pilot cars, or even police escorts.
5. Annual Specialized Permits: Certain industries and commodities require unique permits. These may include:
   • Mobile/Manufactured Housing Permits
   • Agricultural Equipment Permits
   • Forestry/Logging Equipment Permits
   • Utility Service Permits (power, telecom, and infrastructure)
   • Emergency/Disaster Response Permits
6. LVC (Longer Vehicle Combination) Annual Permits
   • Divisible Load LVC Permit: Issued for loads that can be separated (e.g., freight containers, logs, bulk goods). Allows multiple connected trailers, within limits.
   • Non-Divisible Load LVC Permit: For extra-long loads that cannot be divided (e.g., bridge beams, turbines). Requires route approval and sometimes escorts.
7. CFP (Company Fleet Permit): The Company Fleet Permit (CFP) is designed for carriers that operate multiple vehicles within the same company. Instead of applying for an individual annual permit for each truck, this option allows an entire fleet to be covered under a single permit, provided all vehicles meet the specified requirements. It simplifies compliance, reduces paperwork, and is cost-effective for large trucking companies or operators with frequent oversize or overweight movements. Many states issue this permit to streamline operations for established carriers.
8. CFP (Colorado Freight Project Permit): This permit is unique to Colorado and applies specifically to divisible overweight loads. It authorizes annual operation on approved state highways and is commonly used in industries that transport bulk commodities such as gravel, aggregates, sand, and agricultural products. The CFP in Colorado supports industries that rely on frequent heavy hauls by reducing the need for multiple single-trip permits.
9. Interstate vs. Non-Interstate Permits
   • Annual Interstate Permits: Allow oversize/overweight movement on the Interstate Highway System. Typically, more restrictive due to federal bridge formula requirements.
   • Annual Non-Interstate Permits: Allow oversize/overweight movement on state and county highways only. Common for regional hauls like construction, logging, or agriculture.
10. Annual Divisible Load Permits: Covers loads that can be reasonably separated into smaller parts but are allowed special annual weight exemptions (example: bulk commodities, refuse trucks, or gravel haulers).
11. Annual Non-Divisible Load Permits: Applies to cargo that cannot be disassembled without risk of damage or undue expense, such as large cranes, transformers, or heavy machinery.
12. Annual Blanket/Envelope Permits: Some states offer blanket or envelope permits that cover a broad range of oversize/overweight movements on approved routes. These are typically designed for frequent haulers and simplify compliance.
13. Industry-Specific Annual Permits: In addition to the above, several states issue targeted permits:
    • Logging Permits (Pacific Northwest, Southeast)
    • Milk Hauling Permits (Midwest & Northeast)
    • Waste Hauling Permits (refuse trucks in urban areas)
    • Energy Sector Permits (oilfield and wind turbine hauls in Texas, North Dakota, etc.)
    • Construction Equipment Permits (bulldozers, excavators, cranes)

In addition to these, many states issue their own types of annual permits with unique rules, names, and conditions. Each state tailors permits to its industries, highways, and transportation needs, so requirements can vary widely across the U.S.