Moving an oversized or overweight load through Kentucky requires proper authorization from the state. Without the correct permit, carriers risk fines, delays, and route shutdowns. Compare Transport provides fast, accurate, and fully compliant Kentucky oversize permit services, helping trucking companies move heavy and oversized loads legally and safely.
If you’re hauling wide, tall, long, or overweight freight, our expert permit specialists handle everything—so you can focus on delivering your load on time.
Kentucky oversize permits are mandatory legal documents issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for vehicles or loads that exceed the state’s legal size or weight limits.
A permit is required if your load exceeds:
Any vehicle exceeding these limits must obtain an oversize or overweight permit before traveling on Kentucky state highways.
Kentucky oversize permits are designed to:
Failing to secure the correct permit can result in fines, load delays, or forced offloading at weigh stations
At Compare Transport, we specialize in nationwide oversize permit services, including Kentucky. Our experienced team understands Kentucky regulations inside and out.
Our Kentucky Oversize Permit Services Include:
We handle the paperwork, regulations, and coordination—so you avoid costly mistakes.
Designed for one-time moves, these permits are valid for a limited period (usually up to 10 days). Ideal for:
Best for carriers that regularly transport oversize loads within Kentucky. These permits allow multiple moves throughout the year on approved routes.
Kentucky also offers specific annual permits for:
Our team helps determine the correct permit type based on your load.
Permit costs in Kentucky vary based on load dimensions, weight, distance, and permit type.
Estimated Kentucky Oversize Permit Costs:
Exact permit costs depend on your load configuration and route. Compare Transport provides transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Depending on load size, Kentucky may require:
We review your load details carefully and ensure full compliance before issuing your permit.
From a customer’s point of view, reliability and speed matter most. Here’s why carriers trust Compare Transport:
✔ Permit experts with real trucking experience
✔ Accurate applications — no rejections
✔ Same-day permit processing available
✔ Knowledge of Kentucky-specific regulations
✔ 24/7 support for urgent loads
✔ Nationwide permit coverage
✔ Trusted by owner-operators and fleets
We don’t just process permits — we help keep your freight moving.
Our Kentucky oversize permit services support:
No matter your industry, we ensure your load stays compliant.
Getting your Kentucky oversize permit with Compare Transport is simple:
Fast, simple, and stress-free.
| Width | 8’6″ on roadways 8′ & wider⁴ | 16’ |
| Height | 13’6″⁴ | 15’⁶ |
| Length | 53′ (single vehicle), 65’ (truck-semitrailer) ⁴ | 110′ on 4-lane, 75′ on 2-lane | Weight | 80,000 lbs (gross)⁴ | 250,000 lbs (gross); Tandem – 46,000 lbs; Tridem – 51,450–53,974 lbs⁶ |
Length: 53 feet for trailers or loads between state and approved highways; 65 feet for trucks and trailers on other routes.
Overhang: 5 feet of rear overhang on a 48-foot trailer (53-foot semi-trailer with load).
Width: 8 feet 6 inches between state and designated roads, 8 feet on undesignated ones.
Height: 13 feet, 6 inches.
Weight: The overall weight is 80,000 pounds: 20,000 for single, 34,000 for tandem, and 48,000 for triathlon.
Kentucky Regular Permit Limits:
Length: On 4-lane highways, up to 110 feet is allowed, while on 2-lane roads it is 75 feet.
Width: 16 ft.
Weight:
Overall weight: – 5 axles – 96,000 – 6 axles – 120,000 (for 6- and 7-axle 2-lane).
– 7 axles: 134,000 – 140,000
Axle Weight: – Single: 24,000 – Tandem: 45,000/5 axles; 48,000/6 or greater.
– Tridem costs 60,000, while quads cost 80,000.
| Condition | Requirement |
|—————|—————–|
| Width over 14′ | 1 or more escorts¹ |
| Height over 16′ | 1 or more escorts¹ |
| Length over 120′ | 1 or more escorts¹ |
| Overhang over 20′ | 1 escort¹ |
For highways with at least four lanes:
– Length: More than 120 feet with three escorts.
– Overhang: More than 10 feet – one escort (certain high-waisted garments may need two).
Width: – More than 12 feet with one escort.
– If you’re taller than 14 feet, you may need two escorts.
– For distances more than 16 feet, three escorts may be required.
Height: More than 14 feet 11 inches; one front escort with height poles.
For two-lane highways:
– Length: 75-85 feet, with one escort.
– More than 85 feet; one front and two rear escorts.
– Overhang: More than 10 feet – one escort (some high-waist may require two).
– Width ranges from 10 feet 6 inches to 12 feet, with one escort.
– For distances more than 12 to 14 feet, two escorts may be required.
– Height: more than 14 feet 11 inches; one front escort with height poles.
| Oversize single-trip | $15⁵ |
| Oversize 30-day | $30⁵ |
| Oversize/overweight single-trip | $75⁵ |
| Oversize/overweight 30-day | $75⁵ |
| Oversize annual | $360⁵ |
| Oversize/overweight annual | $600⁵ |
Kentucky Oversize Permits | Overweight Permits | 630-222-5770
The cost of a Kentucky Oversize Permits depends on the load’s large and weight. Typically, costs vary between $15 and $100 or more.
The speed restriction for Kentucky Oversize Permits is normally the same as the stated speed limit for the specific highway, unless otherwise indicated
To obtain a wide load permit in Kentucky, you typically need to apply through the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Carriers. You can apply online through their permit application system or by contacting them directly.
Typically, you may apply for Oversize Permits Online using the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s permit application system.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Division of Motor Carriers is normally responsible for providing the contact information for Kentucky oversize permits. You may get this information via their website or by calling their main office.
As previously stated, the rates for Kentucky oversize permits vary based on the large and weight of the shipment. A permit often costs between $15 and $100 or more. The precise amount will be calculated depending on the details of your permit application.
630-222-5770
(630) 800-3474
comparetransport@gmail.com
23w300 North Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL