Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

If you need to transport large or heavy cargo in Colorado, you must follow specific regulations to avoid fines and delays. Oversize and overweight (OS/OW) vehicles require special permits, route approvals, and safety measures to ensure smooth and legal transportation. Freedom Heavy Haul specializes in handling these requirements, making the process hassle-free for you.

Understanding Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Requirements in Colorado

Colorado has strict limits on vehicle size and weight. If your truck, trailer, or load exceeds these limits, you must secure an OS/OW permit before transport.

Legal Limits for Standard Vehicles

If your vehicle meets these dimensions, you do not need an OS/OW permit:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches)
• Height: 14 feet 6 inches
• Length:
  • Single vehicle: 45 feet
  • Semi-trailer combination: 70 feet (including load)
  • Truck and trailer combination: 75 feet
• Weight:
  • Single axle: 20,000 lbs
  • Tandem axle: 36,000 lbs
  • Gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs (without a permit)

If your load surpasses these dimensions, you will need the proper authorization before transport.

What Makes a Vehicle Oversize or Overweight?

Your truck, trailer, or equipment is considered OS/OW if it exceeds the legal height, width, length, or weight limits. This includes construction machinery, mobile homes, wind turbine blades, and industrial equipment. Freedom Heavy Haul ensures that your oversized cargo moves safely while complying with state regulations.

Permit Requirements for Oversize and Overweight Transport

Before you move an OS/OW vehicle, you must obtain the correct permit. This prevents damage to infrastructure and ensures safety for all road users.

Types of Permits

Depending on your transport needs, Colorado offers different types of permits:

• Single-Trip Permit: For one-time moves that exceed standard size or weight limits.
• Annual Permit: Ideal for frequent transport along the same routes.
• Super Load Permit: Required for loads exceeding 200,000 lbs, extreme width, or excessive height.
• Special Transport Permit: Covers unique loads such as cranes, modular buildings, and extra-long equipment.

Freedom Heavy Haul can help you determine which permit suits your shipment, ensuring compliance with Colorado regulations.

Permit Application and Fees

Permits are issued through the COOPR (Colorado Overweight/Oversize Permit System), managed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Fees depend on your load’s size and weight, with additional costs for specialized routing and bridge assessments.

Escort and Safety Regulations for Oversized Loads

Transporting oversized freight comes with added responsibilities, including safety escorts and warning signs. These precautions protect your cargo and other drivers on the road.

When Are Escort Vehicles Required?

The need for escort vehicles depends on the size of your load:

• One escort vehicle is required for loads over 12 feet wide or 85 feet long.
• Two escort vehicles are necessary for loads over 14 feet wide or 110 feet long.
• A police escort may be required for extreme cases, especially in congested areas.

Freedom Heavy Haul arranges escort services when needed, so your shipment moves without interruption.

Mandatory Signage and Lighting

Colorado requires specific markings on oversize loads for visibility:

• “Oversize Load” signs must be displayed at the front and rear of your vehicle.
• Red flags and amber lights should mark the widest points of the load.
• Flashing warning lights are required in low-visibility conditions or during nighttime travel.

These precautions keep your load visible and prevent accidents during transport.

Route Restrictions and Travel Limitations

Colorado has designated routes for oversized transport to prevent congestion and protect infrastructure. Some roads, bridges, and tunnels have strict weight and size restrictions.

Time and Day Restrictions

OS/OW vehicle movement is subject to timing limitations:

• Daylight travel only: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• Weekend and holiday restrictions: Some highways ban oversized loads during peak travel times.
• Nighttime travel: Only allowed under special conditions with added safety measures.

Freedom Heavy Haul helps you plan the best time for transport, avoiding unnecessary delays and penalties.

Preferred Routes for Oversized Transport

Colorado has pre-approved routes for oversized loads, keeping them away from congested areas and structurally weak bridges. If your load is exceptionally heavy, additional bridge assessments may be required.

Overweight Load Considerations

Transporting heavy equipment requires extra attention to road conditions, weight distribution, and bridge capacity. Colorado enforces strict weight limits to prevent road damage.

Weight-Specific Restrictions

• Loads over 150,000 lbs may need a structural analysis before approval.
• Certain bridges impose axle weight limits to prevent excessive stress.
• Pavement condition reviews may be required for loads exceeding standard weight limits.

Freedom Heavy Haul ensures your overweight shipment complies with these rules, securing all necessary approvals before transport.

Enforcement and Penalties for Violations

Colorado State Patrol and CDOT monitor OS/OW transport closely. Failure to follow regulations can result in heavy fines or legal consequences.

Fines and Penalties

• Operating without a permit: Penalties vary based on excess size or weight.
• Failure to use escorts or proper signage: Fines and possible permit suspension.
• Overweight violations: Charges increase with the level of excess weight.

Avoid costly fines by working with Freedom Heavy Haul. Our team ensures your shipment meets all legal requirements before it hits the road.

Why Choose Freedom Heavy Haul for Oversized Transport?

Transporting oversized and overweight cargo in Colorado doesn’t have to be complicated. Freedom Heavy Haul takes care of everything—permits, routing, escorts, and compliance—so you can focus on your business.

With years of experience in OS/OW logistics, we provide:

• Permit assistance to get your shipment approved quickly.
• Route planning to avoid restrictions and delays.
• Escort coordination for safe and legal transport.
• Reliable service to ensure your freight reaches its destination on time.

If you need to move an oversized or overweight load in Colorado, contact Freedom Heavy Haul today. Our team is ready to handle the details, so your shipment arrives safely and legally.