Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

Transporting large and heavy loads in Delaware requires careful planning to comply with state regulations. If your vehicle exceeds standard size or weight limits, you must obtain the proper permits and follow specific travel guidelines. Freedom Heavy Haul specializes in helping you navigate these regulations, securing permits, and ensuring your load reaches its destination safely and legally.

Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Requirements in Delaware

Delaware enforces strict size and weight limits to protect roadways and ensure safe transport. If your load surpasses these limits, it qualifies as oversize or overweight and requires special authorization.

Standard Vehicle Dimensions

Before moving a large load, you need to confirm whether your vehicle fits within legal size limits:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches (102 inches)
• Height: 13 feet 6 inches
• Length:
  • Single-unit vehicle: 40 feet
  • Combination vehicles: 60 feet
  • Semi-trailers: 53 feet (with specific axle spacing conditions)

Maximum Weight Allowances

Weight restrictions help maintain road integrity and prevent excessive strain on bridges. If your vehicle exceeds these limits, a permit is required:

• Single Axle: 20,000 pounds
• Tandem Axle: 34,000 pounds
• Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 80,000 pounds

Freedom Heavy Haul ensures your load meets the necessary weight distribution to comply with state laws.

Permit Requirements for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles

If your vehicle or load is larger or heavier than Delaware’s legal limits, you must obtain a permit from the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT). These permits allow you to transport oversized loads while minimizing risks to infrastructure and traffic flow.

Types of Permits

Depending on your transportation needs, different permit options are available:

• Single Trip Permit: Ideal for one-time moves, valid for a limited duration.
• Annual Permit: If you frequently transport oversized loads along the same routes, this permit allows multiple trips within a year.
• Superload Permit: Required when your load exceeds extreme size or weight thresholds, such as:
  • 120,000 pounds
  • 15 feet in width
  • 15 feet in height
  • 120 feet in length

Freedom Heavy Haul helps you determine the right permit for your transport, ensuring compliance with all state requirements.

Application Process

To secure a permit, you must provide detailed information about your load and planned route. The application typically requires:

• Exact dimensions and weight of your vehicle and cargo
• Axle configuration and weight distribution
• Proposed route and travel dates

Permits can be obtained through DelDOT’s online system or by working with experienced professionals like Freedom Heavy Haul, who handle the paperwork for you.

Travel Restrictions and Safety Regulations

Moving an oversized load comes with specific rules to ensure public safety. These include time restrictions, escort vehicle requirements, and visibility enhancements.

Permitted Travel Hours

Delaware limits when you can transport oversized loads to prevent congestion and maintain road safety.

• Travel is allowed Monday through Friday from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
• Night travel is not permitted unless explicitly approved.
• Weekend restrictions may apply, especially in busy areas.
• No travel is allowed on major holidays such as Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Escort and Pilot Car Requirements

Escort vehicles, also known as pilot cars, help guide oversized loads and alert other drivers. Depending on the size of your load, you may need one or more escort vehicles:

• Wider than 12 feet: One escort car required
• Wider than 14 feet: Two escort cars (one in front, one in the rear)
• Taller than 15 feet: Route survey may be required
• Longer than 100 feet: Escort requirements vary based on the route

Freedom Heavy Haul arranges the necessary escort vehicles for your transport, ensuring compliance and safety.

Signage and Visibility Requirements

To warn other drivers, your oversized load must display proper markings:

• “Oversize Load” signs must be placed on the front and rear of the vehicle.
• Red or orange flags (minimum 18 inches) must be attached at the widest points.
• Flashing amber lights are required for both the transport vehicle and escort cars when necessary.

Approved Routes and Restricted Areas

Not all roads in Delaware can accommodate oversized loads, so planning your route carefully is essential.

Routing Considerations

Certain routes are designated for oversized transport based on road width, bridge weight limits, and clearance heights.

• Bridges may have weight restrictions that limit which roads you can use.
• Toll roads require additional fees for oversized loads.
• Urban restrictions may apply in high-traffic areas.

Freedom Heavy Haul helps you select the best route to avoid complications and unnecessary delays.

Superload Route Surveys

If your load exceeds standard oversized limits, you may need a route survey to check for potential obstacles. Low bridges, narrow roads, and sharp turns can pose challenges, so a survey ensures that your planned route is safe.

Compliance and Enforcement

Delaware actively enforces its size and weight regulations to prevent unsafe transport and road damage.

Weigh Stations and Inspections

Your vehicle may be required to stop at weigh stations for compliance checks. Enforcement officers verify:

• Proper weight distribution
• Valid permits
• Required escort vehicles and safety equipment

Freedom Heavy Haul ensures all necessary documentation is in place, reducing the risk of delays at inspection points.

Fines and Violations

Failing to follow size and weight regulations can result in hefty penalties.

• Overweight fines are calculated based on how much your vehicle exceeds legal limits.
• Permit violations can lead to additional fines and potential travel restrictions.
• Safety violations such as missing escort vehicles or improper signage can result in citations.

To avoid costly fines, Freedom Heavy Haul ensures that your transport meets all state requirements before hitting the road.

Why Choose Freedom Heavy Haul?

Transporting oversized and overweight loads can be complex, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Freedom Heavy Haul specializes in securing the right permits, planning efficient routes, and coordinating escort vehicles so you can focus on your business.

Whether you’re moving construction equipment, industrial machinery, or oversized freight, we provide the expertise needed to transport your load safely and legally.

If you need assistance with oversize and overweight vehicle permits in Delaware, contact Freedom Heavy Haul today. Let us take the hassle out of the process and get your cargo where it needs to go without delays.