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Oversize / Overweight Permit Estimator for Owner Operators

Check whether your load goes past the usual legal height, width, trailer length and weight, and when escorts often start.

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How much does an oversize or overweight permit cost?

Each state sets its own oversize and overweight rules, fees and escort rules, and there is no national schedule. The usual starting points are 8 feet 6 inches wide (the federal limit of 102 inches), 13 feet 6 inches high in most states (some allow 14 feet or more), a 53-foot trailer in most states and 80,000 lbs gross on the Interstate. Past those, you generally need a permit from each state on your route. Escorts often start near 12 feet wide, but the number depends on the state, the road and the load.

  1. Identify every state your route crosses, since each one issues its own permit.
  2. Check each state DOT's current permit rules and the height, width, length and weight where a permit starts, since they differ by state.
  3. Find out if your load's size triggers an escort or pilot car in any state on the route. This changes with the load's width, length and height, and even with the road type inside one state.
  4. Add the permit fees, escort costs and any route survey fees together for the total cost of the trip.
  5. Apply with enough lead time, since processing time varies by state and by how complex the route is.
What typically triggers an escort requirement
FactorCommon pattern across states
WidthEscorts often start near 12 feet wide, and a second escort near 14 feet. Oklahoma, Alabama, Delaware and New York are examples
HeightNew York asks for an escort at 14 feet high. Many states set the legal height at 13 feet 6 inches, and some allow 14 feet or more
Length and overhangLonger loads commonly need an escort past a state's length limit. New York lists 80 feet long or 10 feet of overhang
Road typeTwo-lane highways often need escorts at lower thresholds than multi-lane highways. Oklahoma and Alabama ask for a front escort on two-lane roads and a rear escort on multilane roads

Exact limits, fees and escort rules differ by state and change over time. This is a planning guide, not a substitute for checking each state DOT's current permit rules before you move an oversize or overweight load. The escort examples come from the state rules linked below, and your permit states what you actually need.

Last reviewed October 2026. Sources: FHWA: federal size regulations for commercial motor vehicles; Oklahoma Administrative Code 730:50-5-18, oversize vehicles and loads; Alabama Administrative Code 450-3-1-.05, escort rules; New York DMV: overweight and oversized vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions - Oversize / Overweight Permit Estimator

When do I need an oversize or overweight permit?
Generally once a load goes past a state's standard legal size or weight. That's commonly around 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches tall, or 80,000 pounds gross, but each state sets its own exact limit. Check both your origin and destination state, plus every state your route crosses.
How much do oversize or overweight permits cost?
Permit fees vary a lot by state and by how complex the load is. A simple single-trip permit costs far less than a multi-axle superload that needs an engineering review and escorts. Check the exact state DOT fee schedule for your load's actual dimensions instead of assuming one flat rate.
How long does it take to get an oversize permit?
A simple permit in one state can often be issued fast. A complex multi-state route, or a superload that needs a route survey and engineering review, can take much longer. Apply early for your most complex state, since your fastest state doesn't set your real timeline.
What happens if I haul an oversize load without a permit?
You risk significant fines that vary by state, having the load held or the truck placed out of service until a permit is obtained, and potential liability if an incident occurs with an unpermitted load. Always secure the required permits for every state on your route before you move.
What is the maximum legal width for a truck?
The federal limit is 102 inches, or 8 feet 6 inches, on the National Network and routes that give reasonable access to it. Mirrors, lights and certain other devices may stick out past it. Anything wider generally needs a permit from each state.
Does a wide load always need an escort?
No. A load can need a permit and still need no escort. Many states start escorts near 12 feet wide, and the rule can change with the road type, the length and the height. Oklahoma, Alabama, Delaware and New York all begin near 12 feet, but your permit says exactly what you need.

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Go Further With Oversize / Overweight Permit Estimator

Guides, services and reference pages that go with this tool.

Terms explained in the Oversize / Overweight Permit Estimator