WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Tennessee

Hauling oversize loads in Tennessee involves several steps.

In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee.

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.   

Tennessee oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Tennessee does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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 Tennessee Oversize Permits Now
TN PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • 10’1 or greater
    • 1 pilot required
      • If the roadway is less than 24 ft.
        wide
  • 12’7 or greater
    • 1 pilot required
  • 13’7 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • 90’1 or greater
    • 1 pilot required
  • 120’1 or greater
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • 15’1 or greater
    • 1 pilot required, with a Height sensor
  • Greater than 17’0
    • Houseboats only
      • 3 pilots required
        • 2 front & 1 rear pilots
Pilot Car Overhang:

N/A

Additional Info:

**At the discretion of the permit office,
additional escorts may be required for complex or very large loads**
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN TN
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • 2 Red Lanterns
    • Rear side required
  • 2 Red Reflectors
    • On each rear side at the widest points
  • Vehicles, or combinations, with an overall
    length in excess of 75 ft. shall be fitted with a rotating or strobe type amber light.
    • Must be mounted to allow for visibility
      from a distance of 500 feet and from all directions, 360 degrees.
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

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

Flag Specs:

  • 18″ x 18″ Fluorescent Orange or Red squares
  • Mounted on all four corners of the load
    and/or the widest points on the top and
    bottom
    • Where a lamp is required

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

Light Requirements for Tennessee pilot cars:

  • Amber Rotating or strobe light required
  • Must be visible from 500 ft., 360 degrees
  • Pilot headlights on low beam at all times
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Tennessee pilot cars:

  • Wording:
    • "OVERSIZE LOAD"
  • Size:
    • Not specified
  • Lettering:
    • 10” high x 1 1/2” brushstroke
  • Colors:
    • Yellow background, black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Tennessee pilot cars:

  • 2 Red/Fluorescent Orange flags 18” squares
  • Mounted at 40-70 degree angle on roof rack
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Tennessee pilot cars:

  • Passenger automobile, pickup truck, or SUV
    that allows unobstructed 360˚ view
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Tennessee pilot cars:

  • 2-way electronic communication
  • 2-5 lb. Fire extinguishers
  • “STOP”/”SLOW” paddle (18” w/ 6” letters)
  • Safety orange vest/shirt/jacket; hand-held red flag (18” square)
  • 2 “OVERSIZE LOAD” banners
  • Hard hat
  • Reflecting triangles or 18” traffic cones
  • Recommended (not required):
    • hand-held 2-way electronic
      communications
    • flares
    • maps
    • 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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