o/weight permits

Generally speaking you're going to get scaled weights so you can provide them with accurate information. IF a truck-stop is nearby. If the nearest scale is actually a DOT coop, it's advisable to call ahead first, inform them they are the nearest scale, and you'll have to see where it all sits. Most, if they're the nearest scale, will allow you to come in, scale it first, and if you're over on any of the axles, let you move it around and position it to legal weights, then start permitting. If you're calling them ahead to scale it, and you're wide, long, or tall, make sure you have these dimensions for them, as well. Some MAY let you get by bringing it to the scale first and then writing the full permit, some may want you to have the dimensionsal stuff covered first. It depends on the state, on the scale, and on the mood of the guy behind the desk that day.

But, it really depends. Some guys have contract hauls hauling the same machines or pieces over and over, they know where they need to sit on the trailer and how it will all axle out. In which case, they just call up and have the same permit ordered.

It also depends on how well you know your truck and trailer. I know if my suspension gauge is reading 90-psi or less that I'm legal in Colo. on my drive axles, as I'm between 49,000-50,000lbs with 90psi (we're legal to 55,000 on the drives on an annual).

 

It largely depends on the cop and how well you can get everything set-up. It's worth it to make good friends with the guys in the scales and to get to know the local cops, they tend to cut you a bit of a break if they know you.

I would generally say that the cop will let you slide if you're headed to the nearest scale so you can check your weights, unless you get the real a-hole who's just looking for something to issue you a ticket for.

 

we buy permits for 84,000 pounds. technically you can scale 86,000 but bridge law only allows 84,000. generally speaking. and that's if you have the basic axles and trailer spread. so, if you have more axles. you permit for what you can max out at. don't worry about scale ticket. if your heavy, you permit for max weight you can haul. course, if your too heavy, then you want a scale to make sure your not over your permited overweight. and your axles are legal.

look at the atlas for the state dot phone number and get all the pertinent information. idaho requires a registration AND o/w permit. along with maps. oregon simply requires registration. but your tax id number also has to be registered. and again, you have to have maps. i'm not sure if colorado requires permit. i don't recall every having one. but you can run up to 86,000 on the secondary highways. 36 on the drives and 40 on a 10 foot spread.

i'm only familiar with western state permits. but generally it's just been a general overweight permit. they don't ask for anything else. unless you've got the extra axles. and your going over the 84,000 pound limit. then they start asking for spacings.

 

Depending on the trailer I'm pulling and my empty weight, and the weight of the load, pad the first permit til I can weigh it and go from there. If you're being loaded by crane, the crane operator can tell you how heavy the piece is.

 

Like posted above it depends on a lot of factors, and just like most everything else, each state can be differ from the others. I just loaded in NC the other day going to Texas, was able to order mine without axle weights and just gave my dimensions and had them max out my axle weights, $36. TN I had to have all my exact weights with my axle spacings, 100,000lbs cost $278.60, Arkansas had to do the same with axle spacings and cost $198. Texas $214.98.

 

just go for legal. 34 on drives and 40 on spread. 84 total. or whatever set up you have. like skooter says. max out

 

This is very poor advice and can be very expensive. Knowing how a state determines the cost of an overweight/oversize permit usually determines whether or not to order in advance and "max" out.

take OK for example:

there basic formula say base fee of like $40 plus $10 for every 1,000 lbs over gross and you must registered for 90,000. If I "max" out I would be buying a permit for 138,000 lbs - this would be$40 plus 48 * times $10 plus a few fees - $579.

If I am picking up a 61,000 lbs pc like I am on monday, I will only gross around 116,000 - so the fee will be $40 plus 26 * $10 plus a few fees - $350

do that a few times and tell me just order the max...... don't be a dumb@@@ and follow this rule.

WY, TN, NM, MT are all examples of ton mile states i.e.you pay a few for every pound you are over weight * every mile you re routed.

sometimes it makes sense to order in advance your best guess plus some padding in order to get moving but know that it will not always workout for the best. Oh, most states will not ammend permits for size or weight, so you get to re-buy.