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I’ve hauled enough loads through Mississippi to know one thing: weight limits aren’t suggestions. They’re the difference between a smooth delivery and an expensive citation at a weigh station on I-20.

If you’re running commercial freight through the Magnolia State, you need to understand these regulations inside and out. Mississippi doesn’t mess around with overweight violations, and the fines scale up fast when you’re over the legal limit.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Mississippi truck weight limits, from basic axle restrictions to special permit requirements for heavy haul shipping service.

Why Mississippi Takes Weight Limits Seriously

Mississippi’s infrastructure wasn’t built to handle unlimited weight. The state has over 16,000 bridges, many dating back decades, and roads that see constant heavy commercial traffic. When trucks exceed legal weight limits, the damage compounds quickly.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation tracks this closely. Overloaded trucks cause:

• Accelerated pavement deterioration (studies show a single overweight truck can cause as much road damage as thousands of legal-weight vehicles)
• Bridge stress and potential structural failure
• Increased accident risk from longer stopping distances
• Tire blowouts and loss of vehicle control

Beyond infrastructure concerns, there’s a real safety issue. An overloaded semi weighing 90,000 pounds instead of the legal 80,000 pounds needs significantly more distance to stop. That extra weight affects steering response, brake performance, and overall stability.

Read more about safe heavy haul transport in Mississippi.

The Core Weight Limits You Must Follow

Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight

The standard maximum gross vehicle weight in Mississippi is 80,000 pounds. This matches federal interstate highway limits and applies to most commercial trucks operating in the state.

This 80,000-pound limit isn’t arbitrary. It represents the threshold where vehicle weight and road engineering meet safely. Cross it without proper permits, and you’re asking for trouble.

Steer Axle Weight Limit

Your steer axle can carry a maximum of 12,000 pounds. This is one of the most critical limits because the steer axle controls your entire rig.

I’ve seen drivers try to squeeze extra weight up front, thinking they can distribute the load better. Bad idea. The legal weight on steer axle exists because steering control depends on proper weight distribution. Exceed the max weight on steer axle, and you’re compromising your ability to maneuver safely.

The DOT steer axle weight limits aren’t flexible. Many states use similar restrictions, but Mississippi enforces this strictly at weigh stations.

Single Axle Weight

A single axle maxes out at 20,000 pounds. This applies to any individual axle on your truck or trailer.

Tandem Axle Weight

Tandem axles get 34,000 pounds maximum. Most semi-trailers run on tandem axles, so this limit directly affects how you load your trailer.

Tridem Axle Weight

If you’re running tridem axles, you can carry up to 42,000 pounds on that axle group. Tridems distribute weight across three axles, allowing heavier loads while staying within legal limits.

Read more about Axle Weight Calculator Mississippi.

Mississippi Weight Limits Quick Reference

Axle Configuration	Maximum Weight	Common Use
Steer Axle	12,000 lbs	Front steering control
Single Axle	20,000 lbs	Individual axle loads
Tandem Axle	34,000 lbs	Standard trailer axles
Tridem Axle	42,000 lbs	Heavy-duty configurations
Maximum GVW	80,000 lbs	Total vehicle weight
Daylight Permit Max	180,000 lbs	Special heavy haul only
24-Hour Permit Max	150,000 lbs	Extended movement window
Superload Max	190,000 lbs	Extreme oversized loads

When You Need a Mississippi Overweight Permit

Sometimes your load simply won’t fit under 80,000 pounds. That’s where Mississippi overweight permits come in.

Daylight Movement Permits

These permits allow gross weights up to 180,000 pounds, but you’re restricted to daylight hours only. The Mississippi Department of Transportation wants maximum visibility when you’re moving that kind of weight.

You’ll need to specify your exact route, and MDOT will evaluate whether your planned roads can handle the load. Not every highway qualifies for 180,000-pound movements.

24-Hour Movement Permits

Need more flexibility? A 24-hour movement permit lets you haul up to 150,000 pounds at any time of day. The reduced weight limit compared to daylight permits reflects the additional risk of nighttime transport.

Superload Permits

Superloads are a different beast entirely. At weights up to 190,000 pounds, you’re moving equipment that requires serious planning.

Getting a superload permit means:

• Detailed route planning with MDOT
• Possible escort vehicle requirements
• Specific travel time windows
• Coordination with local authorities
• Bridge inspections along your route

These aren’t quick approvals. Plan weeks in advance.

Read more about trucking industry in Mississippi

Mississippi Weigh Stations: What to Expect

Mississippi operates permanent and temporary DOT weigh stations across the state. You’ll find them on major interstates like I-10, I-20, I-55, and I-59.

When you pull into a weigh station, inspectors check:

• Gross vehicle weight
• Individual axle weights
• Permit compliance
• Vehicle safety equipment
• Driver logs and documentation

The weigh stations in Mississippi use certified scales, and their readings are legally binding. If you’re overweight, you can’t just promise to lighten your load later. You’ll need to address it immediately.

The Real Cost of Weight Violations

Mississippi structures fines based on how much you exceed legal limits. The penalties escalate quickly.

Being 1,000 pounds over might cost you a few hundred dollars. But 5,000 pounds over? You’re looking at fines that can hit four figures easily. And these Mississippi semi truck weight limit tickets stay on your record.

For commercial carriers, violations affect your CSA scores, which impacts insurance rates and customer contracts. One overweight citation can ripple through your business for months.

Beyond fines, there’s the operational cost. Getting pulled off the road means:

• Delayed deliveries
• Customer dissatisfaction
• Potential load transfer costs
• Lost revenue from downtime

Other Mississippi Trucking Rules That Matter

Routing Restrictions

Oversized and overweight loads face specific routing restrictions. MDOT designates which roads can handle heavy haul traffic. Your permit will specify approved routes, and deviating from them violates your permit conditions.

Idling Regulations

Mississippi limits vehicle idling within city limits. This environmental regulation affects where and how long you can keep your engine running during stops.

Federal Compliance Requirements

Mississippi integrates federal trucking regulations into state law. This means you’re also dealing with:

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Required for tracking hours of service. Your ELD must comply with FMCSA standards.

CVSA Inspections: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspections check vehicle condition, driver qualifications, and compliance with safety regulations.

FMCSA Standards: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rules apply to all commercial vehicles, covering everything from driver licensing to cargo securement.

How Weight Distribution Actually Works

Understanding weight distribution helps you load legally and safely. A semi truck’s weight in tons needs proper distribution across all axles.

The front axle weight limit exists because your steer axle bears the engine weight plus a portion of the cargo. Overloading it affects steering and braking.

Your drive axles (usually tandem) carry the bulk of your load. The tandem axle setup distributes weight across two axles close together, which is why they get 34,000 pounds combined rather than 20,000 each.

Trailer axles (also typically tandem) support the rear cargo weight. Proper loading means positioning cargo so no single axle group exceeds its limit while staying under the 80,000-pound total.

This is where an axle weight calculator becomes invaluable for planning loads.

Smart Loading Strategies for Mississippi Compliance

Getting your load legal starts at the shipper’s dock, not at the weigh station.

Weigh before you roll: Use a certified truck scale before leaving the shipping facility. Finding out you’re overweight at a DOT weigh station costs money and time.

Know your truck’s empty weight: You can’t calculate legal payload without knowing how much your truck and trailer weigh empty.

Position cargo strategically: Where you place cargo affects axle weights. Sometimes sliding your trailer tandems or fifth wheel can bring you into compliance.

Account for fuel weight: A full tank adds significant weight. Factor this into your calculations.

Use bridge formulas: The federal bridge formula determines how weight must be distributed based on axle spacing. Mississippi follows these formulas.

Mississippi Oversize Regulations

Weight and size often overlap. Mississippi oversize regulations govern dimensions as well as weight.

Standard legal dimensions are:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 13 feet 6 inches
• Length: Varies by vehicle type

Exceed these, and you need an oversize permit in addition to any overweight permit. Some loads require both.

What About Weight Limit for Hauling Personal Equipment?

The weight limit for hauling personal property in non-commercial vehicles differs from commercial regulations. If you’re hauling personal items in a pickup with a trailer, you’re not subject to commercial weight limits unless you exceed your vehicle’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating).

However, once you cross into commercial territory—hauling for hire or business purposes—Mississippi’s commercial weight limits apply regardless of vehicle type.

Your Compliance Checklist

Before any Mississippi haul:

Check Item	Requirement / Action
Total Gross Weight	Verify total gross weight is under 80,000 lbs (or within permitted weight)
Steer Axle Weight	Confirm steer axle weight is under 12,000 lbs
Single Axle Weight	Check all single axles are under 20,000 lbs
Tandem Axle Weight	Ensure tandem axles are under 34,000 lbs
Permits	Obtain necessary permits for overweight or oversize loads
Route Planning	Plan routes according to permit restrictions
ELD Compliance	Update ELD and maintain proper driver logs
Vehicle Inspection	Confirm current vehicle inspection status

The Bottom Line on Mississippi Truck Weight Limits

Mississippi’s weight regulations exist for good reasons: safety and infrastructure protection. The state balances commercial transportation needs with road preservation and public safety.

Understanding these limits isn’t optional if you’re running freight through Mississippi. One violation can cost you hundreds or thousands in fines, damage your safety rating, and delay your delivery.

The smart approach? Know the limits, load carefully, get permits when needed, and plan your routes. Heavy haul shipping service providers who take compliance seriously avoid the expensive lessons that come from cutting corners.

Whether you’re running a single rig or managing a fleet, Mississippi truck weight limits should be second nature. The roads, the law, and your bottom line all depend on getting it right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum weight allowed on a steer axle in Mississippi? 

The steer axle weight limit in Mississippi is 12,000 pounds maximum. This limit applies statewide and is strictly enforced at weigh stations.

How much does a Mississippi overweight permit cost? 

Permit costs vary based on load weight, dimensions, and travel distance. Contact MDOT directly for current pricing specific to your load specifications.

Can I operate at night with an overweight load in Mississippi? 

Yes, with a 24-hour movement permit allowing up to 150,000 pounds. Daylight-only permits allow higher weights (180,000 lbs) but restrict movement to daylight hours.

What happens if I get caught overweight in Mississippi? 

You’ll receive a citation with fines based on how much you exceed the limit. You must immediately address the overweight condition before continuing, and the violation affects your CSA score.

Do Mississippi weigh stations check every truck? 

Not always. Weigh stations may use weigh-in-motion technology or wave through certain vehicles, but commercial trucks are subject to inspection. Bypass programs like PrePass are available for compliant carriers.