Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

If you’re planning to transport an oversized or overweight load through Maryland, understanding the state’s regulations is crucial. Freedom Heavy Haul specializes in handling these complex transport needs, ensuring that your shipment complies with all legal requirements. Whether you’re moving heavy machinery, large equipment, or extra-wide materials, knowing the permit process, escort requirements, and travel restrictions can save you time and money.

Oversize and Overweight Vehicle Requirements in Maryland

Maryland enforces strict size and weight limits for commercial vehicles. If your load exceeds these limits, you’ll need a permit before hitting the road.

Standard Size and Weight Restrictions

Before applying for an oversize or overweight (OS/OW) permit, your vehicle must stay within these legal dimensions:

• Width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: 13 feet 6 inches
• Length:
  • Single-unit vehicle: 40 feet
  • Semi-trailer: 53 feet
  • Truck and trailer combination: 65 feet
• Weight Limits:
  • Single axle: 20,000 lbs
  • Tandem axle: 34,000 lbs
  • Tridem axle: 42,500 lbs
  • Maximum gross vehicle weight: 80,000 lbs

If your load exceeds any of these limits, Freedom Heavy Haul can assist in obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring a smooth transport process.

Permit Requirements for Oversized and Overweight Vehicles

If your shipment exceeds Maryland’s legal size or weight limits, you’ll need to apply for an OS/OW permit. The type of permit you require depends on the specifics of your haul.

Types of Oversize/Overweight Permits

Maryland offers several permit options to accommodate different transport needs:

• Single Trip Permit: If you’re moving an oversized load on a one-time basis, this permit covers a specific route for a single journey.
• Annual Permit: If you transport oversized loads regularly, this permit allows repeated travel along pre-approved routes, saving you time and paperwork.
• Superload Permit: If your shipment is exceptionally large or heavy, this permit requires additional approvals, engineering analysis, and potentially police escorts.

Freedom Heavy Haul handles the permit application process for you, ensuring that your transport stays compliant and avoids costly delays.

Escort Vehicle and Safety Requirements

For large or heavy shipments, Maryland requires escort vehicles to ensure road safety and assist with navigation. If your load meets certain size thresholds, you may need one or more escort vehicles to accompany your transport.

Escort Vehicle Guidelines

The number of escort vehicles required depends on your load’s dimensions:

• Width between 12 and 14 feet: One escort vehicle
• Width between 14 and 16 feet: Two escort vehicles (front and rear)
• Height over 14 feet 6 inches: Route survey and possible escort requirement
• Length over 85 feet: Escort needs depend on road conditions and traffic patterns

Freedom Heavy Haul can coordinate all escort vehicle requirements for your shipment, ensuring compliance with Maryland regulations.

Travel Restrictions for Oversized and Overweight Vehicles

To minimize traffic disruptions and improve road safety, Maryland enforces specific travel restrictions on OS/OW vehicles. Knowing these restrictions can help you plan your shipment more efficiently.

Time-Based Restrictions

To avoid peak traffic times, OS/OW vehicles must operate within the following hours:

• Travel is allowed Monday through Friday, from 9 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Rush-hour travel is restricted (6 AM – 9 AM and 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM) in high-traffic areas such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C. suburbs.
• Certain loads are restricted from moving on weekends and holidays.

Route and Infrastructure Considerations

Not all roads in Maryland can accommodate oversized or overweight shipments. Some routes have additional limitations:

• Chesapeake Bay Bridge: Wide loads require pre-arranged crossings at designated times.
• I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel: Height and hazardous material restrictions apply.
• Local Road Limitations: Some roads impose further restrictions based on bridge weight capacities and lane widths.

Freedom Heavy Haul will map out the best route for your shipment, ensuring compliance with all Maryland road regulations.

Weather-Related Restrictions

Maryland may suspend OS/OW travel during hazardous weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, fog, or high winds. If weather affects your scheduled shipment, Freedom Heavy Haul will work with you to adjust your transport plans accordingly.

Fines and Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with Maryland’s OS/OW regulations can result in costly fines and delays. To avoid penalties, make sure your load is properly permitted and follows all travel guidelines.

Weight Violation Penalties

• Up to 5,000 lbs overweight: $0.02 per excess pound
• More than 5,000 lbs overweight: $0.05 per excess pound
• Extreme overweight violations: Additional fines and possible impoundment

Oversize Violation Fines

• Base fines start at $250 and increase based on the level of non-compliance.
• Unauthorized travel on restricted routes leads to higher penalties.

Permit Violations

Operating without a required permit can result in:

• Fines up to $10,000
• Possible seizure of your vehicle until compliance is met

Freedom Heavy Haul ensures that your shipment is legally compliant, helping you avoid unnecessary fines and complications.

Superload Requirements and Special Considerations

Some shipments exceed even standard OS/OW limits, requiring a Superload Permit. These hauls involve extra steps, including structural analysis and police escorts.

Superload Criteria

Your shipment is classified as a superload if it exceeds:

• Width: 16 feet
• Height: 16 feet
• Length: 120 feet
• Weight: 120,000 lbs

Additional Requirements for Superloads

Superloads demand more planning and approvals:

• Detailed engineering reviews to ensure roads and bridges can handle the load
• Mandatory police escorts in certain areas
• Strict travel time restrictions

Freedom Heavy Haul manages the entire superload permitting process, so you can focus on your business while we handle the logistics.

Let Freedom Heavy Haul Handle Your Oversized and Overweight Transport

If you need to move an oversized or overweight shipment through Maryland, Freedom Heavy Haul is here to help. We handle permit applications, route planning, escort coordination, and compliance with state regulations, so you don’t have to worry about the details.

By partnering with us, you’ll get:

✅ Expert permit processing for hassle-free transport
✅ Route planning to avoid delays and fines
✅ Escort coordination for safe and legal travel
✅ Full compliance with Maryland regulations

Let Freedom Heavy Haul take care of your OS/OW transport needs. Contact us today for a quote and get your heavy haul moving safely and efficiently!