Vermont Oversize & Heavy Haul Transport Guide
Important: We are not a permit service and we do not arrange permits for carriers. All information provided below is for information purpose only. Always read permits and provisions carefully as we cannot guarantee the accuracy of information provided below.
Navigating Vermont’s oversize freight solutions requires careful planning to comply with the state’s oversize load safety regulations and ensure smooth heavy haul oversized transport. Whether you’re managing heavy equipment transport or coordinating oversize load delivery, understanding these rules is essential for compliant operations in the Green Mountain State.
Permit Basics
- Single-trip permits valid for 10 days (must be obtained before entering Vermont).
- Available at state line ports of entry with advance notice.
- Operating hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
- Weekend travel restricted for loads over 10’6″ wide, 100′ long, or 108,000 lbs.
- Overweight-only loads may operate 24/7 if they maintain traffic flow speeds.
Legal Dimensions & Weight Limits
- Length:
- 53′ semi-trailer (43′ kingpin to rear axle) on interstates
- 48′ trailer on non-designated highways
- Width: 8 feet 6 inches
- Height: 13 feet 6 inches
- Weight: 80,000 lbs gross
- Axle Limits:
- Single axle: 20,000–22,400 lbs (varies by route)
- Tandem axle: 34,000–36,000 lbs
Routine Permit Limits
- Width: Up to 14 feet 11 inches (bulldozer blades over 16 feet must be detached)
- Height: Up to 13 feet 11 inches (clearance required for loads over 14 feet)
- Weight:
- Superloads (>150,000 lbs) require engineering review (allow up to 10 days processing)
- Fees: Range from $800 (under 150K lbs) to $10,000 (over 250K lbs)
Escort Requirements
- Width:
- Over 12 feet: 1 escort
- Over 14 feet: Additional escorts may be required at state discretion
- Length: Over 80 feet requires 1 escort
- Height: Over 14 feet rarely permitted; over 17 feet 6 inches requires Highway Patrol escort
- Pilot Car Requirements:
- Amber flashing lights
- CB radios
- “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs
- 18″x18″ safety flags at all extremities
Safety & Compliance
- Signage: “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs required for:
- Width over 8 feet 6 inches
- Height over 13 feet 6 inches
- Length over 75 feet
- Flagging: Red/orange flags on all corners and on overhangs greater than 4 feet
- Lighting: Amber strobes required for night travel or loads over 12 feet wide
Key Takeaways for Logistics Management
- Plan routes carefully—Vermont restricts non-local loads to the most direct routes
- Verify escort needs based on load size and road type
- Allow extra time for superload approvals (up to 10 days)
- Follow weather restrictions: No travel during ice, snow, or visibility under ¼ mile