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Alabama Oversize and Overweight Permits

Here are the maximum load dimensions allowed in Alabama before a permit is required:

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Length: Up to 57 feet

Width: Up to 8 feet 6 inches

Height: Up to 13 feet 6 inches

Weight: Up to 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW)

Overhang: 4 feet at the rear and 5 feet at the front

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Loads exceeding these limits will require an oversized or overweight permit.

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Alabama?

Escort vehicles or pilot cars are required for heavy-haul or oversize loads in Alabama under the following conditions:

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  1. Height:

    • For loads over 15 feet 6 inches (4.72 meters) in height, 1 front pilot car with a height pole set 4–6 inches (10.16–12.7 cm) above the shipment is required.

    • On certain routes, a high-pole pilot may be needed even for shorter heights.

  2. Width:

    • For shipments over 12 feet (3.65 meters) in width, 2 front pilot cars and 1 rear pilot car are required.

    • For mobile home shipments, the rear escort can be replaced with two amber lights (5 inches/12.7 cm flashing, strobing, or rotating).

  3. Length:

    • For shipments over 85 feet (25.90 meters) in length, 1 rear pilot car is required.

    • For shipments over 105 feet (32.0 meters) in length, 1 front pilot car and 1 rear pilot car are required.

  4. Overhang:

    • If the load overhang exceeds 10 feet (3.04 meters) at the front or 5 feet (1.52 meters) at the rear, 1 rear pilot car is required.

  5. Special Equipment:

    • Construction equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, or loaders transported with blades or buckets intact may require special escort configurations.

    • On 2-lane roads, 1 front pilot car may be necessary.

    • On 4-lane roads, 1 rear pilot car may suffice.

These requirements help ensure safe navigation and compliance with state regulations. Always check the specific route and load details for additional escort needs.

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in Alabama?

Overweight Permit Costs

  • 80,001 to 100,000 pounds: $10.00

  • 100,001 to 125,000 pounds: $30.00

  • 125,001 to 150,000 pounds: $60.00

  • Over 150,001 pounds: $100.00

  • Note: These fees apply to vehicles or combinations of vehicles and loads that exceed legal weight limits.

Oversize Load Permit Costs

  • Mobile homes, modular homes, sectional houses, portable buildings, and boats (up to 12 feet wide, 75 feet long): $10.00

  • Boats over 12 feet wide: $20.00

  • Mobile homes, modular homes, sectional houses, and portable buildings over 12 feet wide and/or 75 feet long: $20.00

Understanding these costs can help you better plan for your trip and comply with Alabama's regulations.

Alabama Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

Maximum Weight and Dimensions for Oversize and Overweight Loads in Alabama

Here are the maximum weight limits allowed for various axle configurations in Alabama, even with a permit:

  • Single Axle Weight Permit: 22,000 pounds

  • Tandem Axle Weight Permit: 44,000 pounds

  • Tridem Axle Weight Permit: 66,000 pounds

  • Quantum Axle Weight Permit: 88,000 pounds

  • Five Axle Weight Permit: 102,000 pounds

  • Six Axle Weight Permit: 124,000 pounds

  • Seven Axle Weight Permit: 146,000 pounds

  • Eight Axle Weight Permit: 168,000 pounds

 

Additionally, here are the maximum dimensions allowed for oversize loads in Alabama with a permit:

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  • Maximum Length: 150 feet

  • Maximum Overhang: 20 feet

  • Maximum Width: 16 feet

  • Maximum Height: 16 feet

 

If your load exceeds any of these dimensions or 180,000 pounds, please refer to the superload section for additional requirements. All permitted loads with weight are also subject to a detailed bridge analysis.

Learn More About Super Load Permits in Alabama 

When Is a Load Considered a Superload in Alabama?

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A load is classified as a superload in Alabama if it meets any of the following criteria:

  • Weight: Over 250,000 pounds of gross weight

  • Length: Over 150 feet long

  • Width: Over 16 feet wide

  • Height: Over 16 feet tall

Maximum Oversize Load Allowed on the Road in Alabama (Even with Permits)

Maximum Oversize Load Allowed on the Road in Alabama (Even with Permits)

The following are the maximum allowable dimensions and weight for oversize loads on Alabama roads with permits:  

- Maximum Length: 150 feet  
- Maximum Width: 16 feet  
- Maximum Height: 16 feet  
- Maximum Weight:  
   - Single Axle: 22,000 pounds  
   - Tandem Axles: 44,000 pounds  
   - Tridem Axles: 66,000 pounds  
   - Quadem Axles: 88,000 pounds  
   - Five Axles: 102,000 pounds  
   - Six Axles: 124,000 pounds  
   - Seven Axles: 146,000 pounds  
   - Eight Axles: 168,000 pounds  
- Maximum Overhang: 20 feet  

Important Notes:  
- Alabama no longer uses the metric system for permitting.  
- Any load exceeding the above dimensions or 180,000 pounds is considered a super load. Please refer to the "Superload" section for further details.  
- Loads with weight restrictions require a bridge analysis to ensure safe passage.  

 Special Considerations for Superloads:  
- ALDOT Approval: Loads of this nature require special approval from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Detailed drawings, including shop drawings of the item being shipped, axle weights, and spacings for both the truck tractor and trailer, are required.  
- Manufacturer Certification: A letter from the manufacturer is necessary to certify that the load is configured in the smallest possible size and weight, and to explain why alternative shipping methods (like barge or port transport) are not feasible.  
- Bridge Analysis: Loads exceeding 150,000 pounds are subject to a full-scale structural bridge analysis, especially if bridges are present along the route. A special Weight Authorization (SWA) from ALDOT is also required to begin the bridge rating investigation.  
- Night Travel & Escorts: Night travel (9 PM – 6 AM) may be required, along with a state trooper or police escort (a minimum of two escorts). A route survey may also be necessary.  
- Police Escort Scheduling: The Alabama State Troopers Association handles all police/trooper escort scheduling once the superload permit is issued.  
- Lighting and Flags: A lighting system with strobe warning lights must be placed at each extremity of the shipment, along with flags and oversized load signs.  
- Railroad Crossing Notifications: All railroad crossings must be identified, and the railroad must be notified of the intended crossing date and time. ALDOT will verify this with the railroad and may not issue a superload permit until confirmation is received.  
- Utility Notifications: A bucket truck is required for loads exceeding 16 feet 5 inches in height. Proof of utility notification is required for shipments over 16 feet 6 inches.  
- Local Approvals: City or county approval is also needed for superloads traveling within Alabama.  

Superload shipments require careful planning and coordination with ALDOT, law enforcement, and other local agencies to ensure safe and legal transport.

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