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Washington Oversize and Overweight Permits

Here are the legal maximum load dimensions in Washington:

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  • Length: 75 feet

  • Width: 8 feet 6 inches

  • Height: 14 feet

  • Weight: 80,000 lbs

  • Overhang: 3 feet in the front (measured from the manufacturer’s front bumper) and 15 feet in the rear (measured from the center of the rear axle)

When Are Pilot Cars or Escort Vehicles Required in Washington?

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  • Length: If the load exceeds 105 feet, 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required.

  • Width: If the load exceeds 11 feet, 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort) are required.

  • Height: If the height of the load exceeds 14 feet 6 inches, a front high-pole pilot car (escort vehicle) is required.

  • Weight: If weight is the only exceeded limit, no pilot car/escort is required as long as the tractor can maintain minimum road speeds.

  • Overhang: Requirements are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Washington Oversize and Overweight Permit Limits

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

  • Single Axle Weight Permits: 22,000 pounds

  • Tandem Axle Weight Permits: 34,000 pounds

  • Tridem Axle Weight Permits: 55,000 pounds

  • Quadem Axle Weight Permits: 70,000 pounds

  • Five Axle Weight Permits: 99,200 pounds

  • Six Axle Weight Permits: 108,200 pounds

  • Eight Axle Weight Permits: 156,000 pounds

Below are the maximum dimensions a load can have, even with a permit in Washington:

  • Max Length With Permit: No set limits

  • Max Overhang With Permit: 3 feet in the front and 15 feet in the rear

  • Maximum Width With Permit: 14 feet

  • Maximum Height With Permit: 16 feet

Learn More About Super Load Permits in Texas

A load is considered a superload in Washington if it exceeds any of the following limits:

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  • Weight: Over 200,000 pounds gross weight.

  • Length: Over 125 feet long.

  • Width: Over 16 feet wide.

  • Height: Over 16 feet tall.

 

Superloads in Washington are defined as non-divisible vehicles or loads (or a combination of both) that exceed 200,000 lbs in weight, or are over 16 feet in height or width. To apply for a superload permit, you must submit an application 30 days in advance if your shipment exceeds the weight limit, or 7 days in advance if it exceeds the height or width limits. The application should include:

  • A justification for why the move is in the best interest of the people of Washington.

  • Proof that the load cannot be reduced reasonably in size.

  • A mechanical drawing of the truck, trailer, and shipment showing axle positions.

  • An explanation as to why the shipment cannot be transported by water.

  • A confirmed route with a detailed traffic control plan.

  • A plan for using pilot cars.

  • Awareness of railroad route schedules if any crossings are involved.

  • A plan to ensure emergency vehicles can pass the load at any time.

Once submitted, the Washington DOT will review your application, and they may charge for their review time. Given the complexity of superload permits, it is recommended to work with a professional to avoid delays and additional costs.

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