If you own a trucking company or are looking to launch one soon, you should make sure you have all of the paperwork you need in order. This could include various licenses and permits to keep you legal out on the road. If you intend to haul especially large items, or items that are bulky or ship in wide dimensions, you will likely have to look into applying for an overweight permit. Here's what you need to know about overweight permits before you apply and before you hit the road.

Overweight Permits Are Handled at the State Level

The federal government does have numerous trucking policies you'll have to be mindful of, but you should know that the national government leaves regulation of overweight or oversized truck transportation to the states. Your first order of business should be to contact the state you will be primarily doing business in and go from there.

You Might Need More Than One Permit for More Than One State

If you are only trucking within your local area, then you will likely only need a permit from your current state of operation. But if you intend to expand your business and start hauling into other states, you will need to apply for licenses and permits there as well. You don't want your vehicle to get pulled over in another state and end up getting fined because you were unprepared. 

When taking on new business, be mindful of the route you will be taking. Heading into a state where you do not have the right permits is just asking for trouble.

One Size Does Not Fit All

When it comes to oversized and overweight permits, you should know there are multiple different classifications. You can't just get an "overweight permit" and expect it to cover you no matter what the weight of your haul is. As the haul gets larger or heavier, additional permits might be required. Each state has their own rules and regulations though, so be mindful of the fact that what applies in your current state might not be accurate in the next one over.

Get Professional Help

Because overweight permits can get complicated, it might be helpful to hire an expert who can walk you through the process. Reach out to a company that offers overweight permits or oversized truck permit services and they will likely ask you a series of questions designed to cover all the bases. Then you can head out to the open road with peace of mind.