Oversize Freight Shipping Service

For ordinary commercial vehicles, the federal width baseline is 102 inches on the National Network and reasonable access routes, with specified exceptions and excluded safety devices. Other roads and special vehicle categories require separate checks. See FHWA size guidance.

Oversize freight exceeds an applicable width, loaded height, length, or projection limit on its route. Overweight freight exceeds an applicable gross or axle-weight limit. There is no federal vehicle-height limit, and 48- or 53-foot trailer sizes are not nationwide loaded-length limits. Check the vehicle configuration, state requirements, and route before deciding whether a permit is needed. See FHWA size guidance.

Weekend, holiday, and nighttime movement depends on the jurisdiction, permit type, dimensions, and approved route. There is no nationwide weekend ban or universal noon cutoff. For example, Texas general single-trip permits authorize movement only during the times specified on the permit. Check those conditions before dispatch.

Pilot cars warn road users about permitted loads and help the carrier monitor route conditions. Their number, position, equipment, and authority depend on state rules and permit conditions. Traffic-control duties can require additional qualifications; a private escort is not automatically a law-enforcement officer. See TxDMV escort and flagger requirements.

Permits are needed where the loaded vehicle exceeds an applicable ordinary size or weight limit and no exception applies. There is no universal 12-foot-6-inch height or 65-foot combination-length trigger. Measure the loaded vehicle, check gross and axle weights, and verify route-specific permit eligibility. See FHWA size guidance and Interstate weight guidance.