WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Louisiana

Hauling oversize loads in Louisiana involves several steps.

In Louisiana, 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 Louisiana.

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.   

Louisiana oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Louisiana does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Louisiana 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 Louisiana, 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 Louisiana Oversize Permits Now
LA PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 State Police required
    • Interstate travel NOT allowed
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 90’0
    • 1 rear pilot required
  • Greater than 125’0
    • 1 State police required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 15’10
    • 1 front pilot required with Height sensor
      • Only on State Maintained Highways
  • Greater than 16’8
    • 1  front pilot required w/ Utility Line
      lifting capabilities
      • Waived if the load is stripped with
        PVC pipes/boards for movement
        under utility lines
      • Permit department approval
        required
  • Greater than 18’0
    • Bucket Truck required
      • Permit department may require a
        lower height due to routing
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

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

Lights Specs:

Required at 10’0 wide or greater

  • 2 Amber lights required
    • Widest points on front edges
    • Widest points on the read edges
    • Must be visible from front sides & rear
      sides
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

Required at 10’0 wide or greater

  •  Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  •  Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
  • Location:
    • At front of vehicle & rear of load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

Required at 10’0 wide or greater

  • 18″ x 18″ Red squares
  • Located at four corners of the vehicle & load
    at the widest points

LA PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN
LA
Certification Requirements:

Certification Requirements for Louisiana pilot cars:

  • LA ESCORT VEHICLE PERMIT required
    • Stationary scale location
    • Louisiana Truck Center
      • Out-of-state companies $10.00 fee per calendar year.
      • Each pilot/vehicle must have a valid operator license.
      • Renewed annually
  • Insurance Required
    • Refer to Louisiana Insurance link below
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Louisiana pilot cars:

  • Amber “Emergency Warning Lamp” required
    • Bar, strobe, revolving and stationary
      lamps allowed
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Louisiana pilot cars:

  • Wording
      • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
    • Size
      • 5’0 x 12″
    • Lettering
      • 10” high x 1 1/2” Brush stroke
    • Colors
      • Yellow background, Black lettering
Flag Requirments:

Flag Requirments for Louisiana pilot cars:

  • 2 Red/Fluorescent Orange 18″ square flags
  • Mounted atop vehicle at 45 degree angle
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Louisiana pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Rear-view mirrors
  • 10 lb. BC dry and/or equivalent fire
    extinguisher
  • 4, 15-minute burning flares
  • 2 Red/Fluorescent Orange hand-held flags
  • 4 Red/Fluorescent Orange 18″ square flags
Important Links: Louisiana Insurance Requirements

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WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Phone: 888-737-6483

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