Kentucky Overweight/Over-Dimensional Permits (Kentucky, KY OW/OD Permits)

Order Kentucky Overweight-Over-Dimensional Permits: Single Trip and Annual Permits Regulations Information.

Call us today at (630) 222-5770 to keep your trucks moving without delays!

Kentucky Oversize Overweight Permits Regulations

Kentucky Overweight Permits | Kentucky Over-dimensional Permits | Kentucky Oversize Permits | Kentucky Single Trip Permits

What Are Kentucky Oversize/Overweight Permits?

At Compare Transport LLC, we specialize in simplifying the process of obtaining Kentucky Overweight/Over-Dimensional permits (OW/OD) across the United States and Canada. With over 15 years of experience, our team ensures that your trucking operations remain fully compliant with federal and state/provincial regulations. Whether you need a single-trip permit or an annual permit, we provide fast, reliable, and affordable solutions designed to keep your loads moving without delays.

Kentucky Overweight-Over-Dimensional Permits

Kentucky Overweight-Over-Dimensional permits (KY OW/OD) are official authorizations required for vehicles or loads that exceed legal size and weight limits set by transportation authorities. These permits protect road infrastructure, maintain traffic safety, and ensure that oversize or overweight moves are conducted under strict conditions such as designated routes, escorts, signage, and travel time restrictions. In most cases, OW/OD permits can be obtained as single-trip permits for unique hauls or annual permits for frequent, repetitive moves.

What is an Over-Dimensional/Overweight Permit?

An OW/OD permit is Kentucky’s official authorization to move a vehicle or load that exceeds the state’s legal size or weight limits on designated routes. It ensures your move is safe for bridges, pavements, and other road users and that you follow route-specific restrictions, escorts, and travel provisions. Other names are “OW/OD Permit,” “Overdimensional Permit,” “Oversize/Overweight Permit,” “Special Permit.”

Why Kentucky Requires It Kentucky Over-Dimensional/Overweight Permits

  • Protect infrastructure: Verifies your route fits bridge clearances and load ratings.
  • Manage safety: Applies escort, signage, lighting, and weather restrictions.
  • Coordinate traffic: Controls when and where extra-large/heavy moves operate.

When You Need Kentucky Over-Dimensional/Overweight Permits

You need an OW/OD permit when your vehicle or load exceeds any legal limit, typically:

  • Length: over 53 feet (may vary)
  • Width: over 8 ft 6 in
  • Height: over 13 ft 6 in
  • Gross weight: over 80,000 lb, or axle group limits (e.g., 20,000 lb single axle; 34,000 lb tandem)
    (Exact legal thresholds depend on configuration; if you exceed them, you’re oversize/overweight.)

Additional notes

  • Single-Trip permits are generally valid for one move (commonly up to 10 days).
  • Annual permits cover repeated moves on approved routes and are vehicle-specific (original must be carried in the power unit).

Oversize vs. Over-Dimensional Permits in Trucking: Key Differences Explained

While often used interchangeably, Oversize and Over-Dimensional permits have distinct meanings in trucking regulations. An Oversize Permit applies when a vehicle or load exceeds legal limits in width, height, or length (for example, over 8’6” wide or 13’6” tall). An Over-Dimensional Permit, on the other hand, is a broader term that covers any load extending beyond standard legal dimensions, including height, width, length, or overhang. In simple terms, all oversize permits are over-dimensional, but not all over-dimensional permits are oversize—for example, a load may not be extra wide but could exceed length limits, requiring an over-dimensional permit.

Where the Permit Applies

  • Applies to designated Kentucky highways and approved routes listed on your permit; routing is generated/verified by the state’s system.
  • Some permits exclude Interstates (e.g., the Annual Feed Permit is non-Interstate, route-specific).

When You Don’t Need a Permit

  • If your vehicle stays within legal size/weight and axle limits.
  • Certain farm movements within legal dimensions may not need OW/OD authority; once over 13 ft 6 in height or other limits, a permit is required.
  • Kentucky will not issue an OW/OD permit if the load can be reasonably reduced to legal size/weight (with limited, specific exceptions noted by the Cabinet). Permit Types You

Can Order Online

  1. Single-Trip OW/OD Permit: For a one-time move with specific dates and a defined route. Common for unique heavy/large loads. (Validity commonly up to 10 days.)
  2. Annual OW/OD Permit: For frequent moves of similar non-divisible loads on fixed, approved routes. Vehicle-specific; original must be carried in the power unit.

Special Annuals you asked about:

Annual Metal Commodities Permit (Divisible)

  • Authorizes transport of metal commodities (as defined by statute) weighing 80,001–120,000 lb, on approved routes.
  • Available as single-trip or annual; statutory authority in KRS 189.2713.
  • (KY application materials list this as A05 – Metal Commodities.)

Fees/limits and routing rules are set by the Cabinet; always confirm current terms at application.

Annual Feed Permit (Divisible)

  • Allows divisible loads of feed for livestock or poultry up to 88,000 lb, to a farm or facility housing livestock/poultry.
  • Route-specific and excludes all Interstates; the state publishes an Annual Feed Permit Hauling Network map.
  • Can be obtained online.

Travel Time & Safety Provisions

  • Most OW/OD moves (except mobile homes) may operate 24/7, unless your permit notes otherwise.
  • Do not move loads over 12 ft wide when a wind advisory is issued, or during adverse conditions that would make the move unsafe.
  • Escort, signage, and lighting rules apply based on dimensions/route. Always read your permit’s travel provisions.

Kentucky Overweight & Over-Dimensional Permit Fees

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issues both single-trip and annual permits for loads that exceed legal size or weight. Below is a simple breakdown of the fees:

Single-Trip Permit – Standard overweight or over-dimensional load (valid for one move, usually up to 10 days). Fee: $60
Single-Trip Metal Commodities – One-time move of metal commodities, route-specific. Fee: $100
A01 Annual Permit – Non-divisible loads, less than 14 ft wide. Fee: $250
A02 Annual Permit – Non-divisible loads, 14–16 ft wide. Fee: $500
A03 Annual Farm Permit – Farm equipment, less than 14 ft wide. Fee: $80
A04 Annual Farm Permit – Farm equipment, 14–16 ft wide (dealership moves only). Fee: $150
A05 Annual Metal Commodities – Divisible or non-divisible metal commodities, up to 120,000 lbs. Fee: $1,250
A06 Annual Steel Permit – Non-divisible steel loads, up to 120,000 lbs. Fee: $500
A09 Annual Feed Certificate – Divisible feed for livestock or poultry, up to 88,000 lbs (route-specific, excludes Interstates). Fee: $150
A10 Annual Manufactured Home Permit – Manufactured homes up to 16 ft wide, 15 ft high, 120 ft long, and 160,000 lbs. Fee: $1,500

Key Notes:
  • Single-Trip permits are for one move only.
  • Annual permits are vehicle-specific and valid for 12 months.
  • All permits must be carried in the power unit during travel.
  • Routing, weight, and travel restrictions are checked and approved by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet before issue.

Apply Online at Compare Transport LLC

Use Kentucky’s Overweight/Over-Dimensional (OW/OD) online permitting portal to apply for:

  • Single-Trip & Annual OW/OD permits
  • Annual Metal Commodities (A05)
  • Annual Feed Permit
    (You’ll create an account, enter vehicle/load details, and receive route-checked permits.)

What You’ll Need to Apply

  • Power unit & trailer info (VIN/plate, axle spacings/tires, registered weight)
  • Load description, overall dimensions/weight and axle group weights
  • Origin/destination and preferred dates
  • Proof of authority/insurance as applicable
    (The system will check clearances and bridge ratings for your route.)

Ready to Order?

Call (630) 222-5770 today and secure your Oversize & Over-Dimensional Permits without delays!

Kentucky Oversize/Overdimensional and Overweight Permit Company

At Compare Transport LLC, we are dedicated to being your trusted partner for Kentucky Oversize, Over-Dimensional, and Overweight Permits (KY OW/OD Permits). With more than 15 years of expertise in the trucking industry, we understand the challenges carriers face when moving oversize or overweight loads. Our mission is to simplify the permitting process by providing fast, affordable, and reliable solutions that keep your trucks on the road without delays.
As a nationwide permit agency, we assist drivers and carriers across the United States and Canada in securing the necessary approvals to stay compliant with federal, state, and provincial transportation regulations. Whether you need a single-trip permit for a specialized haul or an annual permit for frequent, repetitive moves, our team ensures a smooth, stress-free process tailored to your needs.
At Compare Transport LLC, we take pride in offering more than just permits. We deliver personalized customer support, compliance expertise, and route guidance designed to keep your operations efficient and safe. Our dedication to professionalism and accuracy has made us a go-to resource for trucking companies of all sizes.

Call us today at (630) 222-5770 and let our experts handle your Kentucky Oversize, Over-Dimensional, and Overweight Permits so you can focus on what matters most—delivering your freight safely and on time.

Frequently asked about Kentucky Overweight/Over-Dimensional Permits

In Kentucky, a vehicle or load is considered oversize if it exceeds the legal limits of 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, and 65 feet in length. Any movement above these dimensions requires an oversize permit issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

Overweight ticket fines in Kentucky vary depending on the excess weight. Generally, fines start at $100 for the first 2,000 pounds overweight and increase progressively with higher violations. Severe overweight loads can result in penalties of several hundred dollars or more.

The maximum legal gross weight allowed in Kentucky without a permit is 80,000 pounds, following federal bridge formula limits. Loads exceeding this weight must obtain an overweight permit.

The maximum weight permitted on a steer axle in Kentucky is 20,000 pounds, provided the tires are rated for that capacity. If tires are not rated for this amount, the limit is based on the manufacturer’s rating.

To apply for oversize or overweight permits in Kentucky, you can contact the Compare Transport LLC at (630) 222-5770

Kentucky’s oversize regulations govern allowable dimensions, travel times, and escort requirements. Generally, oversize loads can only move during daylight hours, except on certain routes or with special authorization. Escort vehicles may be required for loads exceeding specific width, height, or length thresholds.

You can apply for Kentucky DOT oversize/overweight permits through the the Compare Transport LLC by phone (630) 222-5770.

A TA (Temporary Account) number is issued by the Kentucky state to carriers that do not have a permanent Kentucky account. It is used to track and process oversize and overweight permit applications for out-of-state operators.

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