When you're running a trucking service, there are many factors you need to keep in mind. You need to make sure your fleet is adequately insured and serviced regularly, and you need to make sure your drivers have been properly vetted. With all the things you need to keep track of, it's important that you don't forget to seek all the necessary permits. In some cases, you may need to purchase an overweight permit for your truck's next trip. Here are four questions to ask yourself to help you determine if such a permit is necessary:

1. How tall is my truck?

Truck height matters for many reasons. It determines whether or not you need a permit, and it also determines the routes you can take. You don't want to be responsible for destroying a bridge that was too small to accommodate the height of your truck. A conservative estimate for the maximum height of a truck is 13 feet and six inches. If your truck is taller than that, you may require an oversized truck permit, although some states permit trucks as tall as 15 feet.

2. How wide is my truck?

Width is the second dimension which affects permit requirements. If your truck is eight and a half feet or less, when measured at the widest point, you do not require an oversized truck permit. If it's wider than that, you should contact your local truck permit service to secure the necessary papers before your next trip. 

3. How long is my truck?

Length is another factor used to determine whether or not your truck requires an oversized truck permit. 65 feet is the cut off point for trucks, after which point your truck will require a permit. When measuring, measure from your truck's front bumper to the after frame at the back of your vehicle's chassis.

4. How heavy is my truck?

When determining the weight of your truck, make sure to also consider the weight of the freight you're carrying. Particularly heavy loads can add considerable weight, pushing a borderline truck into territory that requires an overweight permit. As a general rule of thumb, trucks that weigh over 80,000 pounds will require a permit, writes J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc.

Remember that the regulations that govern trucking permits can vary by state. While these questions can get you headed in the right direction and serve as a rule of thumb, always check with the guidelines that govern the state in which your business operates.

Share