Home / Northwest Permit Primer
Oversize rules in the Northwest, in plain English
Every state a load crosses issues its own oversize permit under its own rules. Here's the shape of how it works across our four home states — enough to plan around, with your broker handling the paperwork itself.
The thresholds that make a load 'oversize'
- Width past 8'6" (102 inches) — the near-universal trigger.
- Height past the state's legal maximum — roughly 14 feet in the Northwest states, but the exact figure varies; we verify per route.
- Gross weight past 80,000 pounds, or too much weight on one axle group even under 80k.
- Length limits that vary by trailer configuration and state.
What the permits control
- Route — the permit is for a specific routing that avoids low bridges and restricted segments.
- Travel windows — daylight-only rules, weekend and holiday restrictions, and curfews around metro areas are common for wider loads.
- Escorts — pilot-car requirements kick in at width/height thresholds that differ by state and route.
The four agencies
Washington (WSDOT), Oregon (ODOT), Idaho (ITD), and Montana (MDT) each run their own permitting. Multi-state moves need the full set, coordinated so the load doesn't sit at a border waiting on paperwork. That coordination — permits, escorts, routing, and timing as one plan — is what your broker and carrier put together before pickup. Rules change; we verify current requirements on every permitted move.
Common questions
How long do oversize permits take to get?
Routine oversize permits are often same-day to a few days; very large or superload moves take longer because routing reviews are involved. Build it into the schedule — your broker will tell you the realistic lead time for your dimensions.
Do permit costs come in my quote?
Yes — permits, escorts, and any routing constraints are priced into the quote up front. No surprises after pickup is the entire point.
One call books your freight.
No portals, no accounts, no nine-field forms. Tell a real broker what you're shipping and we'll have pre-screened carriers competing for your load.