Trucking Permits

You are out there moving massive cargo across the nation, but when it comes to permits, let us take the wheel. No matter the load or the distance, Simplex has your back from coast to coast. We take care of all your requirements for trucking permits quickly so that you can keep your eyes on the road. We identify the exact permits you need for each state and handle all the paperwork, start to finish, be it for over-dimensional, oversize, overweight, super loads, or wide loads.

We will ensure you have all the permits you need to stay on the right side of the Department of Transportation without any missed deadlines. Get in touch with us today to keep your vehicles and trips in compliance.

If your truck-trailer-load combination exceeds the federal gross vehicle weight limit of 80,000 lbs., you are officially in the “overweight” category. Beyond the weight, the load must also be non-divisible, i.e., you cannot reduce its weight within an eight-hour period without causing damage to it.

Our team at Simplex will help you determine if your load falls into the overweight category and also guide you through the permit process, which varies from state to state. We will handle the paperwork with utmost personal attention, coordinate with state agencies, and provide you with pre-approved routes that comply with all legal mandates.

A freight load is considered oversized if it surpasses standard dimensions: 8.5 feet in width, 13.5 feet in height, or 53 feet in length. That said, each state has its own set of regulations regarding oversized permits. But do not worry, we will check the dimensions and gross weight of your load to identify the type of permit you will need.

Some states require pilot cars for loads exceeding certain dimensions, while others may have restricted travel times. We will handle all these details and help you plan the most efficient route to avoid low bridges or narrow roads.

Every carrier that operates a truck across state lines knows about the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). If your trucking business is based in one of the IFTA member states and you drive through other member states, you need to be IFTA-licensed. Otherwise, you will need to buy temporary permits for fueling for each state you pass through.

If you operate one or more vehicles that meet the following guidelines and you drive in multiple IFTA member states, you need to apply for IFTA credentials:

• Two axles and weighs over 26,000 pounds
• Three or more axles, no matter the weight
• Combined weight over 26,000 pounds when used with a trailer

When your trucks cross state lines, they have to comply with the states’ regulations. This is why the International Registration Plan (IRP) was created; it is a pact between the U.S., Canada, and the District of Columbia that lets commercial vehicles use a single license plate to travel through multiple jurisdictions.  

However, if your truck is not registered under IRP and you need to operate outside your home state, you will need a temporary IRP trip permit for that specific journey. It will allow your vehicle to operate in that jurisdiction for a limited time. The duration of the permit can be anywhere from 72 hours to 10 days, depending on the state or province.

Trucking is not a one-size-fits-all industry, and neither are the permits you will need. In California, for example, you need to comply with California’s Biennial Inspection of Terminals (BIT) Program. If you are operating in New York, you will need an H or Z endorsement for hazardous materials.

You might need an “Overplanting Permit” in Florida if you are transporting extra-heavy loads of agricultural products during harvest season. These are not every day permits, but they are important for trucking companies. If you move across state lines, you may also need to register for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) – a mandatory annual program for commercial carriers – and pay fees based on your fleet size.

Our team is well-versed in the ins and outs of these special trucking permits so you are always in compliance. Whether you are hauling high-risk materials, oversized equipment, or operating in unique conditions, we at Simplex have the expertise to get you the right permit, fast.

At Simplex Group, we have honed our methods with over two decades of experience. We will provide you with a dedicated permitting manager to help you with anything you need. You can also visit one of our offices to discuss your issues with an experienced permitting manager. We are the go-to experts for all county, city, and state permits you will ever need. Interstate transportation regulations are always changing, and we stay on top of them so you do not have to. Our goal goes beyond compliance – we want to optimize your routes and operations for maximum efficiency.Our SimplexHub Client Portal and Simplex2Go Mobile App make it extremely easy to request permits online. But if you have any questions, our experienced agents are here to guide you through the process, step-by-step. Once you have made your first order, we save all your details to make future orders even faster. Trust Simplex to keep you on the right side of all federal and state regulations. To learn more, give us a call at 1-866-931-7990 or contact us online.