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Pennsylvania Oversize and Overweight Permits

Pennsylvania DOT legal load size and weight limits are as follows:

  • Length: 70 feet

  • Width: 8′ 6″

  • Height: 13′ 6″

  • Weight: 80,000 lbs GVW

  • Overhang: 4′ in the front and 6′ in the rear

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Pennsylvania?

If your shipment exceeds any of the following limits, you will need at least one pilot car or escort vehicle:

  • Length: Any load over 90′ in length requires at least one rear (chase) pilot car on all roads.

  • Width: For 2-lane roads, loads wider than 13′ require both a front and rear pilot car/escort. For 3-lane roads, loads up to 13′ only require a rear (chase) pilot car.

  • Height: Loads over 14′ 6″ in height require a high-pole escort vehicle.

  • Weight: No escort required if the truck can maintain minimum posted traffic speeds.

  • Overhang: Escort requirements for overhang will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

How Much Do Trucking Permits Cost in Pennsylvania?

Single trip oversize permit in Pennsylvania: $36
Single trip oversize and overweight permit: $36 plus $0.04 per ton per mile

Pennsylvania Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

Here are the maximum weight limits for your load, even with a permit in Pennsylvania:

  • Single Axle Weight Permits: 27,000 pounds

  • Tandem Axle Weight Permits: 52,000 pounds

  • Tridem Axle Weight Permits: 72,000 pounds

  • Five Axle Weight Permits: 116,000 to 120,000 pounds

  • Six Axle Weight Permits: 127,000 to 147,000 pounds

  • Seven Axle Weight Permits: 136,000 to 174,000 pounds

  • Eight Axle Weight Permits: 136,000 to 201,000 pounds

Learn More About Super Load Permits in Pennsylvania 

A load is considered a superload in Pennsylvania under the following conditions:

  • Superload Weight: Over 201,000 pounds gross weight.

  • Superload Length: Over 160 feet long.

  • Superload Width: Over 16 feet wide.

  • Superload Height: Varies depending on the route.

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