Understanding Michigan Oversized Permits

Michigan oversize Permits are required for moving loads larger than the state's permitted size and weight restrictions. These licenses are required to maintain the safety of the roadways and the general public while allowing for the seamless transportation of enormous and overweight cargo. The following sections describe the various kinds of permits available, the application procedure, and the restrictions that must be followed while carrying such loads in Michigan. 

Types of Michigan Oversize Permits

1. Single-trip/temporary permits: These licenses are authorized for a single journey and normally last 72 hours. They may be used instead of registering with the state under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) Programme. For further information about single-trip IFTA permits, contact the Registry of Motor Vehicles at 630-222-5770.

2. Overdimension/Overweight Permits: These licenses are required for loads that exceed the usual legal dimensions and weights. Michigan oversize permits are valid for five travel days and must be secured before to entering the state.

3. Superload Permits: Superload licenses are necessary for loads that are very big or heavy. These permits may take up to ten days to issue, depending on the required documents, such as shipper letters and route surveys.

Michigan Operating Times and Restricted Travel

- Standard operating hours: Loads often travel from dawn to sundown. Michigan is now testing weekend travel for cargo no larger than 10 feet in width, 14 feet in height, and 90 feet in length, permitting movement from daylight until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

- Travel Restrictions: In some counties, including Genesee, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Macomb, Oakland, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wayne, loads exceeding 12 feet broad or 90 feet long are not permitted to travel between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., or 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Travel is not authorized on major holidays or holiday weekends.

Key Considerations for Bridge Crossings

- The Mackinaw Bridge: You must notify the Mackinaw Bridge Authority 24 hours before crossing. For cargo that exceed the permitted weight or breadth of 10 feet, an escort is supplied free of charge. Crossings are forbidden when winds reach 25 mph.

- The Ambassador Bridge: Oversized shipments between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, incur more cost. A one-day notice may be needed, with limited crossing hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For further information, contact us.

Legal Dimensions and Routine Permit Limits

- Legal dimensions:
- Semi-trailers may be up to 53 feet long on authorized roadways and 50 feet on non-marked roads.
- Width is 8 feet-6 inches on authorized highways and 8 feet on other roadways.
- Height: 13 feet, 6 inches.
- Maximum gross weight: 80,000 pounds.

- Regular Permit Limits:
- Length: up to 150 feet.
- Width: Up to 16 feet (14 feet with spring thaw limits).
- Height: Up to 15 feet, with the shipper/driver responsible for identifying safe ways for heights more than 13 feet-6 inches.
- Weight is determined on a case-by-case basis, with all lift axles having to be on the ground.

Escort Requirements

- Length: weights more than 90 feet need one escort, while weights greater than 100 feet require two.
- Width: weights more than 12 feet need one escort, while weights greater than 14 feet require two.
- Height: One escort with a high pole for loads over 14 feet-5 inches; two escorts plus a route survey for loads above 15 feet.

Seasonal Load Restrictions

Seasonal load limitations are usually in force from February to April. During this time, there are no overweight permits granted, and maximum axle weights may be decreased by up to 35%. For specific seasonal limitations.

Safety Measures: Signage, Flags, and Lights

Any overdimensional load must be marked with "Oversize Load" indicators on both the front and back. Flags must be set at each corner of the cargo, with extra flags at the broadest places. Loads having a rear overhang of four feet or more need a flag during the day and a red light or lantern at night.

At IRP Trucks, we are committed to ensuring that your large loads adhere to all Michigan rules, resulting in a smooth and fast permitting procedure. We have you covered for Michigan single-trip/temporary permits, Michigan trip permits, and Michigan superload permits. For further information, help, or to apply for permits, please contact us or visit our Michigan Overweight Permits login page. IRP Trucks can meet all of your Michigan DOT permit requirements.