WCS Permits & Pilot Cars - Oversize Load Permits

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Hauling Oversize Loads in Texas

Hauling oversize loads in Texas involves several steps.

In Texas, 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 Texas.

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.   

Texas oversize load hauls also may require local city and county permits. Obtaining a state permit in Texas does not relieve you of the liability of cities and counties. Most Texas 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 Texas, 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 Texas Oversize Permits Now
TX PILOT CAR REQUIREMENTS FOR HAULING OVERSIZE LOADS
Pilot Car Width:
  • Greater than 14’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 16’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Length:
  • Greater than 110’0
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 125’0
    • 2 pilots required
Pilot Car Height:
  • Greater than 17’0
    • 1 pilot required, with height pole
  • Greater than 18’0
    •  2 pilots required, 1 with height pole
Pilot Car Overhang:
  • Greater than 20’0 front
    • 1 pilot required
  • Greater than 20’0 rear
    • 1 rear pilot required, 2-lane & 4-lane
      highway
Additional Info:
  • Convoy allowed
    • See Escort & Equipment Requirement
      link for requirements.

Pilot cars required for each infraction

    • Example:  
      • If a load is 16’0 wide and 112’0
        long, one escort is required for the
        width and one escort is required for
        the length.
    • This rule does not apply if the two
      dimensions are length and overhang.
Important Links: Pilot Car Requirements
LIGHTS & SIGNAGE REQUIRED TO HAUL OVERSIZE IN TX
Light Requirements:

Lights Specs:

  • Minimum of 2 flashing or rotating Amber
    beacons
  • Must be visible 500 ft.
  • Mount on top of the power unit and rear of
    the load
Sign Requirements:

Sign Specs:

  • Wording:
    • “OVERSIZE” or “WIDE LOAD”
  • Size:
    • 7′ x 18”
  • Lettering:
    • 8″- 10″ x 1.4″
  • 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 or
    widest points
  • Or mounted on staffs on all four corners of
    the load or widest points

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

Certification Requirements for Texas pilot
cars:

Escort Flaggers:

  • Required to complete a training program in
    traffic direction.
  • Requirement link below;
    • Training requirements do not apply to
      escort vehicle operators and/or flaggers who do not direct traffic.
Light Requirements:

Light Requirements for Texas pilot cars:

  • 2 Flashing or 1 rotating amber light required
  • 8″ in diameter minimum
  • Must be mounted on the roof of vehicle
  • Must be visible 360 degrees

Escort Flag Vehicle:

  • Allowed alternating and/or flashing amber
    and blue lights.
    • Effect Sept. 1, 2019
Sign Requirments:

Sign Requirements for Texas pilot cars:

Wording:

  • "OVERSIZE LOAD" or "WIDE LOAD"

Size:

  • 5’0 to 7’0 ft. in length x 12″ to 18″ in height

Lettering:

  • 8″ high x 1.41″ brushstroke (minimum)

Colors:

  • Yellow background, black lettering
Flag Requirements:

Flag Requirements for Texas pilot cars:

  • Red or orange fluorescent 12″ square
    (minimum)
  • Mounted on a staff or fastened to the widest extremities
Vehicle Requirements:

Vehicle Requirements for Texas pilot cars:

  • Single unit
    • GVW of 1,000 to 10,000 lbs.
Additional Equipment:

Additional Equipment for Texas 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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