All oversize loads entering the City of Cottageville, located in Colleton County, must conform to the requirements set by the South Carolina Department of Transportation.

In general, any vehicle over 12 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and within the super heavy weight class (over 150,000 lbs) should obtain an oversize load permit from the Cottageville Public Works Department.

Cottageville, being part of Colleton County, adheres to the state regulations but also requires coordination with local authorities for route planning to avoid any infrastructure damage or traffic congestion.

Escort vehicles are required in Cottageville for loads exceeding 16 feet in width or 18 feet in height. The escort must be provided by a licensed pilot vehicle operator.

For loads that require a police escort, the Colleton County Sheriff's Office must be contacted at least 48 hours in advance. The fee for a police escort is $150 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours.

To apply for a permit in Cottageville, applicants can visit the South Carolina Department of Transportation's website or contact the Cottageville Public Works Department directly at (843) 793-5555.

Documentation required includes proof of insurance, detailed route plans, and load specifications. Applicants must also provide a valid business license.

Oversize loads are not permitted during peak traffic hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) on weekdays.

During the annual Colleton County Rice Festival, all oversize loads are restricted from traveling through Cottageville for a 3-day period, typically in late October.

Loads exceeding 100,000 lbs are restricted from using local roads other than designated heavy haul routes.

The base permit fee for Cottageville is $200. Additional fees are charged based on the complexity of the route and the size of the load.

For super heavy loads (over 150,000 lbs), an additional fee of $500 is applied. Escort fees and any required infrastructure reinforcement costs are also added to the total.