Trucking and regulatory
oversize permit
An oversize permit is a state-issued permit that lets a vehicle or load travel on public roads even though it exceeds legal size or weight limits. According to FHWA, the federal government does not issue these permits. Each state decides whether to offer them and sets its own rules.
Why it matters
A company that hauls a wide or long unit, such as a large modified container or a multi-section mobile office, may need a permit for each state it crosses. Permits often set the route, the travel hours and escort needs. A common mistake is to assume one permit covers a whole trip across several states. It usually does not. Another mistake is to apply late and then miss a delivery date. Operators should ask each state transportation office about current rules and fees. Customers rarely buy the permit themselves, but they should know that it can add cost and lead time to a delivery.
Read: Safety and compliance for container delivery: DOT, FMCSA, CDL and OSHA
Definition source: ops.fhwa.dot.gov
Related terms
overhead clearance
Overhead clearance is the free vertical space above a road or drop site. Trees, power lines, bridges and roof edges limit it. A delivery truck and container need enough clear height to travel and tilt without contact. Check it along the full route.
drop deck trailer
A drop deck trailer, often called a step deck, is a flatbed trailer with a lower rear deck. The lower deck allows taller loads to stay within legal height limits. It is used for tall or heavy freight. Some carriers call it a step-deck trailer.
modular building
A modular building is a building made in sections called modules in a factory, then moved to the site and joined together. The Modular Building Institute says the work happens in controlled plant conditions, uses the same codes and standards as site-built buildings, and takes about half the time.
mobile office
A mobile office is an office space that is built and finished off site, then delivered ready to use. It can be a converted storage container, a trailer or a modular building. Standard units typically come with insulation, finished walls, flooring, electrical wiring, lighting, a personnel door and a window.
interstate commerce
Interstate commerce is trade, traffic or transportation in the United States between a place in a state and a place outside that state. It also covers trips between two places in one state that pass through another state. FMCSA uses this definition to decide which federal motor carrier rules apply.
FMCSA
FMCSA is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation. It writes and enforces safety rules for commercial motor vehicles and carriers, and it handles registration for interstate carriers. Its rules are in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
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