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A super load in Delaware is vehicle and/or load that has a:
- Width of 15 feet or more;
- Height of 15 feet or more;
- Length of 120 feet or more; and/or
- Gross weight of 120,000 pounds or more.
A super load is further defined as follows:
- Type 1, Length only;
- Type 2, Width only;
- Type 3, Height only;
- Type 4, Gross vehicle weight only; or
- Type 5, Combination of two or more physical characteristics.
These moves may require additional information, review, restrictions, and/or fees prior to issuance. All moves are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Application reviews may take five days up to 10 days, or more, depending on type of super load and complexity of move.
Route surveys or maintenance of traffic requirements (traffic control at the expense of the hauler) may be required; see the DelDOT OSOW Hauling Permit Policy and Procedures Manual, sections 5.4 and 5.5.
Superload haulers are required to give notice of a superload move to the local 911 office (using their nonemergency phone number) and the Department's Traffic Management Center (TMC) in Smyrna, Delaware.
Super load permits are valid from one day to five days. Blanket permits will not be issued for super loads.
Super load movements are subject to the following:
- Escort, sign, and flag requirements;
- A route survey;
- A Delaware Super Load Gate-Keeping Checklist;
- Delaware State Police notification within 48 hours in advance of the move;
- A dimensioned cross-sectional view of the vehicle and/or load; and
- The requirements as provided in the DelDOT OSOW Hauling Permit Policy and Procedures Manual, Appendix A (containing required forms, applications, and the gate-keeping checklist).
Complete details regarding super load requirements by type of movement can be found in the DelDOT OSOW Hauling Permit Policy and Procedures Manual, section 5.0 and 5.6.
Super load movements must observe the following travel times and escort requirements:
| Super Load Type | Travel Authorization* |
|---|---|
| *Movements may be further restricted by DelDOT. Movements outside these times may be allowed upon request. If movements allowed between sunset and sunrise, additional lighting requirements may apply. **Type 3 permits may require a route survey, adjustment/removal of traffic signals/utility lines, or the removal of vegetation along the route. Haulers are responsible; see the DelDOT OSOW Hauling Permit Policy and Procedures Manual, section 5.3.3. | |
| Type 1, Length only | Authorized to move from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday between the permit effective and expiration dates |
| Type 2, Width only | Authorized to move from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday between the permit effective and expiration dates. Movement should be avoided from 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. |
| Type 3, Height only** | Authorized to move from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday between the permit effective and expiration dates. Movement should be avoided from 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. |
| Type 4, Gross vehicle weight only | Authorized to move from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday between the permit effective and expiration dates as long as they can maintain a continuous travel speed greater than or equal to 10 mph below the posted speed limit. If the continuous travel speed is less than 10 mph below the posted speed, super load moves should avoid moving 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. through 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. |
| Type 5, Combination of two or more physical characteristics | Authorized to move from sunrise to sunset Monday through Sunday between the permit effective and expiration dates and comply with all restrictions above. Permitted loads are recommended to move Tuesday through Thursday, except during the hours of 6 a.m. through 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. through 7 p.m, along routes located in beach resort areas from May 15 through October 1. Permitted vehicles should not be moved along routes located in beach resort areas on Mondays, Fridays, and weekends from May 15 through October 1. Holiday and event restrictions can be found on the OOPS System webpage by clicking on the Holiday Restrictions link. |
Type 1 through 5 super load movements are required to have one front escort, one rear escort, and one Delaware State Police Trooper and patrol car escort. Permitted loads may require additional troopers based on the physical characteristics of the load.