WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Minnesota

Hauling oversize loads in Minnesota involves several steps.

In Minnesota, 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 Minnesota.

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.   

Minnesota oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Minnesota does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Minnesota 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota Oversize Permits Now
MN PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’6
    • Night travel only
      • 1 pilot car required or
      • MN approved Truck LED lighting
        package
  • Greater than 14’6
    • 1 pilot required,  4-lane highway
    • 2 pilots required,  2-lane highway
  • Greater than 15’0 (bottom of load) or 16’0 (top of the load)
    • 2 pilots required, on undivided
      roadways
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 95’0
    • Night travel only
      • 1 pilot car required or
      • MN approved Truck LED lighting
        package
  • Greater than 110’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 pilot with height sensor
      recommended/not required
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

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

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing, strobe or rotating beacon
  • Must be visible 500 ft.
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 8″ x 1″
  • Colors:
    • Black letters on Yellow background
    • Lighted or reflective
      • Visible 500 ft.
  • Location:
    • Front & rear of transport vehicle
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Red or orange squares
  • Must be at the end of the load or widest
    points

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

Certification Requirements for Minnesota pilot
cars:

  • MN Department of Public Safety’s
    Certification required.
  • Refer to Pilot/Escort Driver Certification
    Process link below
  • State Certifications accepted:
    • Arizona
    • Colorado
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • North Carolina
    • Oklahoma
    • Utah
    • Washington
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Minnesota pilot cars:

  • Amber disc, strobe or rotating light
  • Mounted above or at sides of sign
  • 5 ft. minimum above road surface
  • Flash at a rate of 60-90 flashes/minute
  • Must be visible from 500 ft.
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Minnesota pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "WIDE LOAD", "LONG LOAD" or
      "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0
  • Lettering:
    • 8” high x 1 1/8” brush stroke
  • Color:
    • Yellow background, Black lettering
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Minnesota pilot cars:

  • Passenger car, Light duty van or 2-axle Pickup truck
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Minnesota pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
Important links: Pilot/Escort Driver Certification Process

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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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