Mastering Alabama Oversize Permits: Your Complete Guide with A Permits

 

For trucking professionals and heavy haulers navigating the highways of the South, understanding Alabama Oversize Permits is essential to keep your load moving safely, legally, and on time. A Permits is proud to be your trusted permit agency, providing all kinds of trucking oversize permits including Alabama DOT permits, ALDOT Oversize permits, and ALDOT Truck permits for haul routes across Alabama and nationwide. 

 

What Are Alabama Oversize Permits and Why Do You Need Them? 

 

When transporting loads that exceed the legal size or weight limits set by the state, obtaining Alabama Oversize Permits is mandatory. These permits not only help you avoid costly fines but also ensure public safety and protect infrastructure. Whether you’re hauling heavy machinery, modular buildings, or industrial equipment, having the right permits from A Permits keeps your operation compliant with Alabama regulations. 

 

The state’s legal dimensions for regular hauling without a permit are: 

Maximum trailer length of 57 feet (53’6″ on roads less than 12 feet wide) 

Maximum width of 8’6″ (8 feet wide on narrow lanes under 12 feet) 

Maximum height of 13’6″ 

Maximum gross weight of 80,000 pounds 

If your load exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, you must have an Alabama Oversize Permit before entering the state. A Permits helps you obtain permits quickly and conveniently, including Online Oversize Permits for hassle-free application. 

 

Types of Alabama Oversize Permits Available 

 

As your dedicated permit agency, A Permits issues a full spectrum of permits necessary for trucking in Alabama: 

Alabama Oversize Permits: For loads exceeding length, width, or height limits 

Alabama Overweight Permits: For loads exceeding Alabama’s weight restrictions 

Alabama Overhang Permits: For shipments with front or rear overhang above allowable limits 

Alabama Single Trip Permits: For one-time moves across the state 

Alabama Annual Permits: For frequent haulers needing continuous coverage 

We also provide Overweight Permits All States, making it simple to stay compliant when crossing multiple jurisdictions, and we work closely with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to secure all ALDOT Truck permits and ALDOT Oversize permits accurately and promptly. 

 

Validity and Operating Rules for Alabama Oversize Permits 

 

Each Alabama Oversize Permit is valid for five consecutive days. It is mandatory to obtain and have the permit prior to entering Alabama for oversize or overweight transport. Operating times are restricted to daylight only from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset Monday through Saturday. Travel is strictly prohibited on Sundays, major holidays, and holiday weekends. 

These operating restrictions are enforced to enhance safety, reduce traffic congestion, and minimize roadway impact during peak travel times. 

 

Alabama Legal Dimensions and Routine Permit Limits 

 

Understanding Alabama dimensional laws is crucial for obtaining the right permits. Here are the specifics: 

 

Legal Dimensions without Permit: 

Trailer Length: 57′ (53’6″ on narrow roads) 

Overall Length: Up to 85′ unless trailer is longer than 57′ 

Width: 8’6″ (8′ on narrow lanes) 

Height: 13’6″ 

Weight: Gross 80,000 lbs (Single axle: 20,000 lbs; Tandem: 34,000 lbs; Tridem: 42,000 lbs) 

Overhang: 10′ front, 5′ rear (with 60′ structural steel exempt) 

 

Routine Permit Limits: 

Length: Max 150′ (max rear overhang 20′) 

Width: Max 16′ (loads over 16′ cannot use Interstate highways) 

Height: Max 16′ 

Weight Limits Vary by Axle Count: 

5 axles: 102,000 lbs 

6 axles: 124,000 lbs 

7 axles: 146,000 lbs 

8 axles: 168,000 lbs 

Loads exceeding these limits or over 180,000 lbs class as Super Loads, requiring special arrangements and additional permits. 

 

Escort Requirements for Oversize and Overweight Loads in Alabama 

 

Escort vehicles, or pilot cars, play a vital role in guaranteeing safe transport of large loads. Alabama requires escorts in certain situations, and A Permits helps coordinate these essential safety measures: 

Length over 90′ requires 1 escort; over 105′ requires 2 escorts. 

Trailer lengths exceeding 57′ mandate 1 rear escort. 

Overhang beyond 5′ at the rear requires 1 escort. 

Loads wider than 12′ require 1 escort. 

Height above 16′ may require escorts depending on the route. 

Additionally, Alabama enforces the Blade and Bucket Rule: equipment such as bulldozers and excavators must be loaded with blades or buckets to the rear if these protrude past the sides of a 12′ wide trailer. Two pilot cars are required for these loads. 

Notably, 60′ structural steel loads are exempt from both permits and escort requirements. 

 

Signs, Flags, and Lights: Essential Safety Equipment 

 

To comply with Alabama’s safety laws, the following must be displayed on oversize or overlength vehicles: 

“Oversize Load” signs prominently displayed on front and rear. 

Brightly colored flags at all four corners of the load. 

Lights at night for over 4′ rear overhang loads (with over 5′ overhang loads not permitted at night). 

No additional sign or flag requirements are necessary for overheight-only or overweight-only loads. 

These equipment requirements reduce risk on the road and alert other drivers to take caution. 

 

Alabama Oversize Permit Cost and How to Apply 

 

The Alabama Oversize permit cost depends on weight and trip duration. For overweight loads, fees include: 

$10 for 80,001 to 100,000 lbs 

$30 for 100,001 to 125,000 lbs 

$60 for 125,001 to 150,000 lbs 

$100 for loads exceeding 150,000 lbs 

Annual permits are available for $100, which can be ideal for companies hauling regularly. 

A Permits simplifies the application process by providing a secure Alabama Oversize permit login portal for direct submissions or handling submissions on your behalf. For assistance or direct communication with Alabama permit authorities, you can also use the Alabama Oversize permit phone number provided by the state. 

 

Why Choose A Permits for Your Alabama Oversize Permits? 

 

Navigating Alabama permitting requirements can be complicated and time-consuming. As a seasoned permit agency, Compare Transport LLC specializes in obtaining Alabama Oversize Permits and all related permits quickly and accurately. Our dedicated team understands all federal and state regulations, ensuring complete compliance so you can focus on your load. 

We serve as your single point of contact for all permits required across the country, including Overweight Permits All States, and we handle the complex paperwork and coordination necessary to keep your project on schedule. 

 

Start Your Oversize Shipment Today Stress-Free and Compliant 

 

With detailed knowledge of Alabama trucking laws and years of experience in permit acquisition, Compare Transport LLC offers seamless service for acquiring your Alabama Oversize Permits, escort coordination, and compliance management. By choosing us, you gain a reliable partner dedicated to your safety, legality, and convenience. 

Contact A Permits now or visit our online system to get started. Your large load deserves the best permitting agency trust A Permits to get your Alabama Overweight Permits fast and hassle-free!