Trip planning permitted loads

Once you know what your route is going to be start finding truckstops and rest areas along the route. Then look up each one on google maps satellite and look at the layout and entrances/exits. Also make sure to look at the ramps on and off the highway depending on your length.

Try to look for places that are on the same side of the highway as the ramps you will be using.

Always have 3-4 options picked ahead of time in case something goes wrong. Ending your day an hour earlier with a guaranteed parking spot vs trying to go a bit farther for an unknown might be the better choice.

Google maps satellite view is one of the biggest tools I use when looking for parking. I've spent time just going along my entire route on it looking for any wide spot or patch of dirt along the road to use as places to stop. It's good to know where those wide dirt shoulders are if you need a safe place to pull over during the day to fix an issue with the truck/trailer/load.

 

Also when you get your permits from the states , that tells you your routing , get them and a map and trace it on the map and make notes on the permit ,
The permit will say “north on state hwy 59 , east on US hwy 178” etc

take a look at those and make notes : is it a left turn , right turn etc , landmarks etc

the permit will say “exit interstate at US hwy 129” what exit number is it ? Make that note on the permit .

and if you’re gonna do it much , a new iPad with cell service is worth it because the Google maps is so much easier to use on an iPad than on a phone .

If you’re Oversize you will have to be parked 30 min before sunset in most states , and park your rig so you won’t get blocked in when the truck stop is overfull in the morning ,
And don’t forget that usually with a permitted load you have to stop at EVERY weigh station and walk the permit inside .

 

And read the permit, then re-read it, and then once more. And if they send you a Provisions sheet, read it too. Lots of useful info. And may be able to run into the night or thru the night. Or start alot earlier than the 30 min prior to day-light. Don't assume just cause it says over-size you gotta do day light only.

And google maps is a great idea, you can mark about 9 turns if you're lucky.

 

IF they send a provision sheet ?? Permit is void without a provision sheet.

 

Yep
You think it’s one country until you do oversize permitted loads .
And then you realize it’s 50 separate countries with one passport .

TN and maybe KY allow night runs if you’re not over a certain width and have the proper lighting etc

OH doesn’t allow you to exit the interstate and cross over the interstate if you’re over a certain weight etc .you have to use a truck stop that’s on the same side


Again as mentioned . READ THE PERMIT .

 

Some states don't send provisions, they have a web address to download and print them. They also make you responsible for checking back periodically for revisions.

 

Yes, when I was running OSOW I had a permit binder with the latest provision sheets for any state I had been in and moved the relevant page to the front of the binder with the fresh permit in the clear page protector in order of routing.

 

I’m giving away all my secrets now:
In my permit book, that I take into every scale house, I have a section for oversize annual permits and provisions. They are numbered in alphabetical order and if I have an annual the expiration date and dimensions covered are listed. The states that I have provisions have a “P” next to them.
For the states that use counties for curfew I have taken a map and shaded the appropriate counties in.

 

I say with tongue in cheek that you have 3 annuals that have expired according to your list.