Oversize load
An oversize load exceeds standard legal limits for width, height, length or weight and requires state permits, and often escorts, to travel legally.
Last reviewed · by the Fleetchart team
Each state issues its own permits with its own fees, routing restrictions and travel-time limitations, so a multi-state move requires a permit package rather than a single document.
Rates are substantially higher and so are the costs: permits, pilot cars, restricted routing and daylight-only travel all reduce the miles achievable in a day.
For example, say an oversize load pays $6,000 for 600 miles, or $10.00 a mile. Say permits through three states add up to $450, and a pilot car for the trip costs $900. Because travel is daylight only, the trip takes two days instead of one, adding a day of fixed cost worth $400. Those costs add up to $450 + $900 + $400 = $1,750 before fuel, so the load pays $6,000 − $1,750 = $4,250 over them, or about $7.08 a mile.
So the rate per mile looks huge, but much less of it stays with you. Get permit and escort costs in hand before you quote, and make sure the rate con says who pays for them.