Understanding the complicated world of transportation rules is an important aspect of running a trucking company, particularly when it comes to oversize and overweight loads. In Massachusetts, acquiring the proper licenses to carry heavy weights is a key step toward complying with state rules and preserving road safety. This page takes an in-depth look into Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Permits, including application methods, prices, limits, and other important information. IRP Trucks, a reputable trucking permit provider, is ready to assist you speed the procedure.
Understanding the Massachusetts Oversize Permits
Legal Dimensions:
To begin, it’s vital to understand the legal dimensions for conventional loads in Massachusetts.
– Semi-trailers on interstates and authorized highways have a length of 53 feet.
– Width: 8 feet 6 inches.
– Height: 13 feet, 6 inches.
– Weight: 80,000 pounds gross.
Routine Permit Limits
For oversize and overweight loads, Massachusetts has specified routine permission limits:
– Length: Up to 115 feet.
– Width: Up to 14 feet 11 inches.
– Height: Up to 14 feet 11 inches (heights beyond 13 feet 8 inches need a height survey).
– Weight: Up to 130,000 pounds gross, with restrictions based on axle spacing.
Loads that surpass these dimensions are termed super loads and need extra inspections and licenses.
Validity and Limitations of Permits
Validity Period:
The Massachusetts oversize permit is good for five days of travel. It is required to get a permission before visiting the state.
Travel Schedules and Restrictions
– General drive: Vehicles less than 12 feet wide and 14 feet tall may drive from Monday at 12:01 a.m. to noon on Saturday, and from Sunday at 12:01 a.m. to noon.
– Restricted drive Times: Vehicles between 12 and 14 feet broad, over 13 feet-11 inches tall, and over 80 feet long (up to 114 feet) are only permitted to drive from dawn to sunset, Monday through Friday. Between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
– Holiday Restrictions: Travel is not permitted on major holidays or specific holiday weekends.
– Boston Area Restrictions: Travel on highways 95 and 93 in the Boston region is limited to the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Massachusetts Turnpike.
The Massachusetts Turnpike has particular requirements.
– A permit is not needed for vehicles up to 10 feet wide, within legal weight limitations, and up to 80 feet long.
– Turnpike permits are required for vehicles up to 12 feet broad, 13 feet-9 inches tall, 80 feet long, and weighing 99,000 pounds. Vehicles that exceed these dimensions need special engineering permission and a $350 cost.
– Vehicles larger than 12 feet broad, 100 feet long, or 130,000 pounds gross need a police escort.
Applying for Massachusetts Oversized/Overweight Permits
Application Process
You may apply for a permit using the Massachusetts DOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Application System. The system is available online, making it easy for candidates to provide the essential information. To get access to the application system, utilize the Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Permits Login.
Permit Costs
The cost of a Massachusetts Overweight Permits varies based on the load and route. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s website provides thorough cost information. Special permissions, such as those for Turnpike engineering evaluations, come with extra expenses.
Contact Information:
To get help, call the Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Permits Phone Number or the MA Oversize/Overweight Permits Phone Number posted on the Massachusetts DOT website.
Escort Requirements.
Massachusetts mandates escorts for certain large and overweight loads:
– Length: Over 80 feet needs one escort; over 95 feet requires two escorts; and over 115 feet requires Massachusetts state police and two escorts.
– Width: Over 12 feet needs one escort; over 13 feet-6 inches requires two escorts; and over 14 feet-11 inches requires two escorts and state police.
– height: Over 13 feet-8 inches needs a route/height study and one front escort; over 13 feet-11 inches may necessitate two escorts; and over 14 feet-11 inches necessitates two front escorts and state police.
Seasonal Load Restrictions
– On the Massachusetts Turnpike, vehicles exceeding 12 feet broad, 100 feet long, or 130,000 pounds gross need a police escort.
– In Boston, cars larger than permissible dimensions need an escort and municipal police.
– On Cape Cod, cars wider than 12 feet need an escort and state police.
Signs, Flags and Lights
If an escort is not necessary, vehicles transporting large Load must show a “Oversize Load” sign on the back. Warning flags should be placed on the extremities and corners of vehicles that are too wide or too long. During the night, flashing amber lights must be visible from the vehicle’s front and rear.
Final Thoughts:
Understanding and acquiring the appropriate Massachusetts Oversize/Overweight Permits is critical for the safe and legal transportation of heavy load. IRP Trucks is devoted to assisting trucking firms and transporters in navigating the permit procedure quickly. For more thorough information and help, please visit the Massachusetts DOT website or contact us directly. Maintain compliance and maintain seamless transportation operations with the proper permits in place.
