WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Iowa

Hauling oversize loads in Iowa involves several steps.

In Iowa, you need an oversize load permit if your vehicle exceeds 8’6″ wide, 14’0″ high, 65′ long or 80,000 pounds. 

But the preparation does not end with obtaining oversize load permits. Oversize loads often need pilot cars and specialized equipment is required for travel, including oversize load signs and specialized oversize load LED lights for trucks. 

There are standard pilot car requirements when hauling an oversize load in Iowa.

Permit regulations such as night and weekend travel restrictions and specific curfews should be known prior to travel. 

Routing is another major step in the heavy haul process. Most state agencies will not be aware of temporary construction, bridge heights or travel restrictions on some city/county townships or on Indian reservations. If you have a complicated load, it’s best to check your route or conduct a route survey in advance.   

Iowa oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Iowa does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Iowa cities and counties require additional permits. Choosing not to obtain city or county permits raises liability concerns, specifically two. 

  1.  Ticket/fine: Fines for illegally traveling on city or county roads without a permit range from a few hundred dollars to $30,000 or more.
  2. Accident/Insurance: If you get into an accident while traveling on a city or county road without a permit, your insurance may deny you coverage costing you more than just money.

If you want to speak to a WCS Transportation Consultant about planning your oversize load haul in Iowa, call (888) 737-6483 now or contact us. An oversize load transport is much more than just permits, a heavy haul transport also includes routing, permit regulations, liability and more.

Order Iowa Oversize Permits Now
IA PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 1 pilot required -OR-
      • In lieu of pilot, vehicle can display
        an Amber light/strobe, on power
        unit & on the rear of the load.
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 pilot required, two-lane highway
    • 1 pilot required, four-lane highway
      -OR-
      • In lieu of pilot, vehicle can display
        an Amber light/strobe, on power
        unit & on the rear of the load.
  • Greater than 16’6
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 120’0
    • 1 pilot required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 pilot required with Height sensor
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN IA
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or strobe Amber light
  • Must be visible for 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Located at front of the unit and rear of the
    load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording;
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1 1/2″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • Mounted on front bumper and rear of
      the load

Mobile Homes:

  • A rear sign must be mounted 7’0 above
    highway surface
    • Measuring from the sign to highway
      surface
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red squares
  • Located on all four corners of load and all
    protrusions

IA PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN
IA
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Iowa pilot cars:

  • Amber revolving light required
Sign Requirements:

Sign Requirements for Iowa pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 7’0 x 18′
  • Lettering:
    • 12″ high x 1.5″ brush stroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Iowa pilot cars:

  • Red and/or Orange 18″ square flags
  • Displayed on front corners of bumper
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Iowa pilot cars:

  • Mid-size automobile or truck minimum
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Iowa pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

WCS Permits & Pilot Cars is North America’s oversize load permit authority. 

Phone: 888-737-6483

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