Here are the standard load limits in Arkansas:

• Length: 53 feet, 6 inches

• Width: 8 feet, 6 inches

• Height: 13 feet, 6 inches

• Weight: 80,000 pounds gross (GVW), 20,000 pounds on a single axle, 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle, and 54,000 pounds on a tridem axle.

• Overhang: Arkansas regulations do not specify a clear limit for overhang.

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Arkansas?

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may need an escort vehicle or pilot car based on the following dimensions and weight:

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• Length: If the load is between 75 feet and 95 feet on a two-lane road, you will need one rear pilot car (escort).

• Width:

  • For loads between 10 feet 6 inches and 12 feet wide on a two-lane road, one front pilot car is required.

  • On a four-lane road, loads up to 12 feet wide do not require an escort.

  • For loads between 12 feet 1 inch and 14 feet wide, one front and one rear pilot car are required on all two-lane roads, and one rear pilot car is required on four-lane roads.

  • For loads between 14 feet 1 inch and 15 feet wide, one front and one rear pilot car are required.

  • For loads between 15 feet 1 inch and 16 feet wide, two front pilot cars and one rear pilot car are required on two-lane roads. On four-lane roads, one front and two rear pilot cars are required.

  • If you have a permit for weekend travel, a police escort is required.

  • Districts and parkways may require additional escorts.

  • Vehicles over 14 feet wide cannot travel on Fridays unless it's on the Parkway. The Parkway allows a maximum width of 16 feet, but a police escort is required if the load exceeds 15 feet in width.

• Height: If the load exceeds 15 feet in height, a front high-pole car is required.

• Weight: Consult with the state to determine if your weight class requires a pilot car/escort.

• Overhang:

  • If the front overhang exceeds 10 feet on either a two-lane or four-lane road, one front pilot car is required.

  • If the rear overhang exceeds 10 feet on either a two-lane or four-lane road, one rear pilot car is required.

For a vehicle to qualify as a pilot car/escort, it must have a gross weight over 2,000 pounds but a manufacturer’s gross weight rating of fewer than 26,000 pounds.

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in Arkansas?

• Special Permits: $17

• Charges per ton per mile traveled:

  • Less than 100 miles: $8

  • 101 to 150 miles: $10

  • 151 to 200 miles: $12

  • 201 to 250 miles: $14

  • Over 252 miles: $16

Arkansas Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

Below are the maximum dimensions a load can be even with a permit in the state of Arkansas:

• Length: No set maximums.

• Width: 18 ft on the interstate and upto 20 feet on others.

• Height: 17 feet. 

• Overhang: Depends on your shipment.

Here’s the maximum weight your load can be, even with a permit in Arkansas:

• Single Axle Weight Permits: 20,000 pounds

• Tandem axles Weight Permits: 46,000 pounds

• Tridem axles Weight Permits: 60,000 pounds

• Quadem axles Weight Permits: 68,000 pounds

• Steer axle Weight Permits: 12,000 pounds

• Max Gross Weight Permits: 180,000 pounds

• Seven axle Weight Permits: 146,000 pounds

Learn More About Super Load Permits in Arkansas