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Single Trips
Super load single trip permits are issued for loads that exceed the maximum weight or size limitations allowed on a single trip permit.
A letter of variance is required on all movements that exceed the following:
- 18 feet in width;
- 250,000 pounds;
- 200 feet in length; or
- 16 feet in height.
The shipper or the manufacturer of the oversize/overweight item must submit the information listed below to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles:
- Name and description of the item being moved;
- Overall loaded dimensions for the vehicle configuration to include height, width, length, and gross weight;
- Explanation of why the load cannot be reduced;
- Explanation of why the load cannot be transported by air, rail, or water;
- Origin and destination specific to Virginia, including mileage and specific routes (e.g., Route 65 – one mile south of Route 2 in Campbell County);
- Preferred routes of travel; and
- Point of contact, someone within the company that can speak to the requested movement in case additional information is needed.
In addition to the letter of variance, all movers of movements that exceed 18 feet in width or 16 feet in height may be required to submit a detailed travel plan, depending on the time and routes of travel. The plan should include, but is not limited to, the following:
- How to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles responding to emergencies. The plan will also identify locations where the overdimensional configuration will pull over to allow movement of traffic. Traffic shall not be detained for more than 10 minutes if at all possible. The plan will also address layover locations.
- Letters from property owners or public facilities giving permission to layover on their property until able to proceed in accordance with the permit. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and e-mail address of the primary point of contact.
- Letters from local law-enforcement personnel agreeing to escort the overdimensional configuration through their jurisdiction. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact.
- Letters from affected utility, cable and telephone companies, agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead wires. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact.
- Letters from the Department of Transportation agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead traffic signals, remove traffic signal arms, or remove guardrails, or remove signs, or remove and or adjust any inventory maintained by their department. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact.
The hauling permit staff will contact the various point of contact to confirm their role(s) in the super load move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.
Allow at least 10 working days for processing.
Blanket Permits
When the vehicle configuration exceeds the parameters allowed for the general blanket permit, the applicant may apply for a super load blanket permit. These permits may be issued on a case-by-case basis.
The super load blanket permit allows frequent movements within a specified time period statewide or on specific routes. All requests for the super load blanket permit must be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section at least 10 workdays in advance of the anticipated movement date. These permits are vehicle specific and can not be transferred between vehicle configurations. Super load blanket permits are issued only after the appropriate reviews or VDOT engineering analysis have been completed to ensure that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges, structures, or other state inventory on the routes of travel. Results of the reviews or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible to move under the authority of a super load blanket permit.