Massachusetts DOT Legal Load Size and Weight Limits:

• Length: 53 feet

• Height: 13 feet 6 inches

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches

• Overhang: 3 feet at the front and 4 feet at the rear

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts DOT Pilot Car and Escort Requirements

Pilot cars or escort vehicles may be required for shipments exceeding the following dimensions on Massachusetts roads and highways:

Roads and Highways

• Length:

  • 80′ to 94′ 11″: Requires 1 rear pilot car.

  • Over 94′ 11″: Requires 1 front and 1 rear pilot car.

  • Over 134′: Requires 1 front and 1 rear pilot car plus a police escort.

• Width:

  • 12′ 1″ to 13′ 6″: Requires 1 rear escort unless it’s a dozer, which requires 1 front pilot car and 1 rear escort.

  • Over 13′ 6″: Requires 1 front pilot car and 1 rear escort for all shipments.

• Height:

  • Over 13′ 8″: Requires a high-pole survey.

  • Over 14′ 11″: Requires 1 front pilot car with a high pole, 1 rear escort, and a police escort.

• Weight:

  • Pilot cars or escorts are typically not required if you can maintain minimum posted speed limits, but this is route-dependent.

• Overhang:

  • Over 4′: Requires 1 rear escort for long materials like poles, masts, or booms.

  • Over 10′: Requires 1 rear escort for larger equipment.

• Notes:

  • Routes passing through tunnels require at least 1 rear escort for loads 8′ 6″ to 12′ wide.

Massachusetts Turnpike

• Length:

  • 80′ to 85′: Requires 1 rear escort.

  • 85′ to 135′: Requires 1 front pilot car and 1 rear escort.

  • Over 135′: Requires 1 front pilot car, 1 rear escort, and 2 police escorts.

• Width:

  • Over 12′: Requires 1 rear escort.

  • Over 13′: Requires 1 front pilot car and 1 rear escort.

  • Over 15′: Requires 1 front pilot car, 1 rear escort, and 2 police escorts.

• Height:

  • No specific high-pole requirements are noted.

• Weight:

  • Restrictions are handled case by case.

• Overhang:

  • Over 4′ (long, narrow items): Requires 1 rear escort.

  • Over 10′ (large, non-narrow items): Requires 1 rear escort.

• Notes:

  • The Massachusetts Turnpike may impose additional requirements. Items like drivable cranes or booms (up to 12′ wide) typically require 1 rear escort.

City of Boston

Oversized or overweight shipments generally require:

• A minimum of 1 pilot car/escort vehicle and 1 police escort.

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in Massachusetts?