WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Missouri

Hauling oversize loads in Missouri involves several steps.

In Missouri, 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 Missouri.

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.   

Missouri oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Missouri does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Missouri 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 Missouri, 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 Missouri Oversize Permits Now
MO PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 12’6
    • 1 pilot car required, Interstate & MO
      designated route system
    • 2 pilot cars required, MO Primary routes
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 1 pilot car required, Interstate & divided highways
    • 2 pilot cars required, 2-lane highways & undivided highways
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 2 pilots cars required on all highways
  • Greater than 18’0
    • 2 pilot cars required
    • SHP on all 2-lane highways
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 110’0 or longer
    • 1 rear pilot required on all highways,
      except divided highways
  • Exceeding 125’0 long or greater
    • 1 rear pilot required on all highways
  • Exceeding 150’0 long, requires a rear pilot on all highways
    • An additional front pilot is required on
      2-lane highways 
  • Exceeding 200’0 long
    • Requires a rear pilot & SHP on all
      highways
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 15’6
    • 1 pilot car required with height pole
    • Additional pilot requirements may be
      added if concern for size, speed or
      operation of movement exist
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 1 pilot car required with height pole on
      all highways
      • Additional front pilot required on
        2-lane highways
  • Greater than 17’0
    • 1 pilot car required with height pole on
      all highways
      • Additional front pilot required on
        2-lane highways.
  • Greater than 18’0
    • 1 pilot car required with a height pole
      & SHP on all highways.
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:

Weight:

  • Exceeding 160,000 lbs., that have other
    dimensional pilot require a front pilot on
    2-lane highways
  • Exceeding 220,00 lbs. require a front pilot on 2-lane highways
  • Exceeding 350,000 lbs. requires a front and
    rear pilot on all highways and an additional
    front pilot on 2-lane highways
  • BRIDGE CRAWL requirements:
    • Exceeding 160,000 lbs. require a front
      and 2 rear pilots when bridge crawling in the cities of Kansas City and St. Louis

Piloted loads may not convoy, a separate pilot must be provided for each load and each
dimension.

Important Links: MO Vehicle Route Map 2021-2022
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN MO
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Flashing or strobe Amber or red lights
  • Must be visible 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Must be on the extremities of the load & any projections
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18″
  • Lettering:
    • 10″ x 1 5/8″
  • Colors:
    • Black lettering on Yellow background
  • Locations:
    • Front of vehicle & rear of the load
Flag Requirements:

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or red squares
  • Must be on four corners of the load or
    extremities

MO PILOT CAR EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS TO HAUL OVERSIZE
IN MO
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Missouri pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE LOAD”
  • Location:
    • Displayed on the front for lead pilot cars
    • Displayed on the rear for chase pilot
      cars
    • Mounting on the top of the vehicle with printing on both sides is acceptable
  • Size:
    • 5’0 x 1’0 minimum
  • Lettering:
    •  8″ high letters minimum
  • Color:
    • Yellow background with black letters
      • Visible for at least 300 ft.
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Missouri pilot cars:

  • 2 Red or orange fluorescent warning flags
    mounted on a staff:
    • Mounted at front extremities for lead
      pilot car
    • Mounted at rear extremities for a chase pilot car
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Missouri pilot cars:

  • pickup truck, utility vehicle, station wagon or
    equivalent

Insurance:

  • Minimum amount of insurance required by
    law
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Missouri pilot cars:

  • 2-Way Radio
  • Height pole

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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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