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A super load is a vehicle or combination with a non-divisible load having a gross weight exceeding 200,000 pounds and/or a total width or height exceeding 16 feet.
An application for a special permit for a gross weight of any combination of vehicles exceeding 200,000 pounds shall be submitted in writing to the Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) at least 30 days in advance.
Loads exceeding 16 feet wide or 16 feet high shall be submitted seven days in advance of move.
The motor carrier or the shipper must provide the following information to the Motor Carrier Services Office (WAC 468-38-405 Super load Movement Criteria):
- Evidence describing the purpose of the movement and whether the move is necessary (and in the public interest)
- Written certification by military officials or officials of public or private power facilities that the movement is necessary must also be included when appropriate
- The item being transported must be clearly shown to be non-divisible. A sketch or photograph of the item with an explanation of why it cannot be shipped in parts must be provided
- A sketch of the transporting laden vehicle showing axle loadings, axle spacings, tire sizes, tires per axle, width, and height
If the load can be barged or shipped by rail for all or part of the route, the shipper must review those alternatives. If it is not reasonable for economic or operational considerations to ship it by water or rail, the shipper must present whatever data is needed to support that judgment.
The applicant must propose a route that he knows is adequate to accommodate the width and height of the laden vehicle, and appears adequate to support the weight of the vehicle and load.
If the route includes the use of county roads or city streets, the applicant must show that permits from each of those jurisdictions will be issued. The written request will describe at what point county roads or city streets will be utilized, the name or number of the road or street, and the county or city official who has approved the proposed move using its roads or streets.
A traffic control plan depicting the route and specific procedures that will be followed to control traffic flow along the route, including estimated traffic delays, lane restriction, use of escort vehicles and flag persons, movement of overhead obstacles, railroad schedules for crossings, must also be provided.
Physical examination of all railroad crossings by the carrier or his designee is critical. A lack of sufficient ground clearance can be fatal.