Motor carriers’ basic credentials cover everyday operations. But what happens when you want to haul a load that’s out of the ordinary? That’s where permits can help keep your trucks on the road.

What are permits?

Permits grant temporary credentials in a state or province where a carrier does not have the required operating credentials, like vehicle registration or fuel tax license, for example. If travel is required to a state or province where a vehicle does not have operating credentials, or a particular load is unusual, various permits may be required.

Permits may be valid for a defined period of time or for a single trip.

Types of permits

Several variables can influence what permits are needed, including the size and weight of your vehicle or combination, where the trip will take you, and what you are hauling.

• Vehicle registration: Vehicle registration trip permits may be required when one of your vehicles is traveling interstate and isn’t registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP).
• Fuel taxes: A fuel tax temporary permit may be required for vehicles that don’t have an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decal and license for the states or Canadian provinces they’ll travel to or through.
• Oversize or overweight (OS/OW): If your vehicle exceeds 80,000 pounds, 53 feet long, 13½ feet high, or 8½ feet wide, it’s likely overweight or hauling an oversize load.
• State weight-distance taxes: A handful of states — Connecticut, Kentucky, Oregon, New Mexico, and New York — assess carriers with a “weight-distance” tax. These state-specific weight-distance taxes are in addition to IFTA, IRP, and OS/OW requirements.
• Others: Examples of other specialty permits include a Georgia amber light permit, a New Jersey alcohol permit, or a Florida loading zone permit

How to get permits and what is needed to obtain them

If you have an opportunity for business that falls outside the coverage of your current credentials, permits can keep your operations moving. For any particular load, you’ll need permits that cover the load type and every state/province where the trip will take you.

You’ll need to provide at least the following information to obtain necessary permits:

• USDOT and federal ID numbers
• Legal company name and DBA (if applicable)
• Billing address (if different)
• Combined gross registered weight
• License plate expiration date
• Caller name and phone number
• Fax or email to send permit to
• Unit number
• Year and make of vehicle
• Complete VIN
• License plate number and state
• Unit type (tractor, straight truck, etc.)
• States you are ordering permit for
• Date permit needs to be effective

Some states may ask for additional information. For example, OS/OW permits are route specific. If you choose the wrong route, you risk being placed out of service, or worse – not fitting. And, secondary permits such as county, city, or town permits may also be required.

When new business comes your way that goes beyond your usual qualifications, don’t worry! You can often get permits to keep things running and seize the opportunity.