Complete Guide to Heavy Haul Paperwork in Texas (2025 Edition)

Planning to move oversized or overweight loads across Texas? Here’s the most comprehensive and up-to-date breakdown of everything you need to legally haul heavy equipment in the Lone Star State—permits, requirements, costs, and expert tips to avoid delays and fines.

What Size and Weight Limits Trigger a Heavy Haul Permit in Texas?

Understanding when you need a permit is key to staying compliant with state law. In Texas, your load must meet ALL of the following dimensions to avoid permitting:

Texas legal maximums before requiring a permit:

• Width: up to 8 feet 6 inches
• Height: up to 14 feet
• Length: up to 59 feet (single) or 100 feet (combo)
• Gross Vehicle Weight: up to 80,000 pounds (or 20K per axle / 34K per tandem)

If your load exceeds any one of these limits, a Texas Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) permit is mandatory.

Types of Permits Required for Oversize or Overweight Loads

Texas offers multiple permit types depending on your haul. Choosing the correct one is critical for legal operation.

Most common permits include:

• General Single-Trip Permit: Covers one route for most over-limit hauls. Valid for 3–5 days. Required before entry into Texas.
• Superload Permit: Needed for extra-large loads exceeding 20′ wide, 18′11″ tall, 125′ long, or 254,300+ lbs (or 200,000+ lbs with less than 95′ axle spacing).
• Trip & Fuel Permits: Required for non-IFTA-registered trucks operating across state lines.
• Local Permits: Some counties and municipalities require supplemental approvals or surety bonds in addition to state permits.

What You Need to Apply for a Texas Heavy Haul Permit

Permit applications are submitted through TxPROS (Texas Permitting & Routing Optimization System), and incorrect data can result in delays or rejections.

Before you apply, gather the following:

• Exact load dimensions (height, width, length, weight)
• Axle configurations and spacing
• Truck and trailer details (VIN, license, insurance, USDOT or MC number)
• Intended route, including entry and exit points
• Shipper’s Certificate of Weight (Form 2280) for any GVW over 200,000 lbs
• Proof of Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) or bonded status

When and How You Can Legally Travel With an Oversize Load

Not all hauls can move anytime, anywhere. Know your travel restrictions before dispatching the truck.

Texas travel window for oversize loads:

• Legal daylight hours only: from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
• Night travel: allowed on interstates only if your load is under 10′ wide, 14′ high, and 100′ long
• Escort vehicles: required if your dimensions exceed specific thresholds
• Equipment: Red flags, “Oversize Load” signs, rotating amber beacon lights are often required

Permit Costs: How Much You’ll Pay to Haul Heavy in Texas

Heavy haul permit pricing in Texas includes a base fee plus a weight-based maintenance fee. Failure to calculate this accurately could delay approvals.

2025 Oversize/Overweight permit fee schedule:

Most permits are processed within 24–48 hours, but Superloads may require several weeks for engineering approval and route analysis.

Common Mistakes That Get Haulers Fined or Delayed

Avoiding these frequent missteps can save you thousands in penalties or wasted time.

Top Texas heavy haul violations:

• Assuming legal dimensions mean legal weight—80,001+ lbs still requires a permit
• Leaving out one county on your route—permits must list all counties traversed
• Underestimating permit timelines for superloads—these need 10–20 business days
• Operating across state lines without trip/fuel permits for non-IFTA trucks
• Failing to carry printed permit documents in the truck cab during transport

Pro Hauling Checklist for Texas Compliance

Before any heavy haul job in Texas, use this checklist to ensure your team is 100% covered.

Texas heavy haul compliance checklist:

• Confirm exact weight, length, height, and width of load
• Select the right permit type for your route and dimensions
• Gather required forms: weight certificate, shipper letter, VIN, insurance
• Apply via TxPROS with complete route and equipment details
• Arrange escorts or pilot cars, if needed
• Print and carry permit copies onboard
• Check travel restrictions and weather delays
• Ensure your carrier is bonded or UCR-compliant

Final Thoughts: Why Doing It Right in 2025 Matters More Than Ever

With more state-level inspections and electronic tracking of commercial vehicles, Texas is cracking down on noncompliant hauls. Improperly permitted loads can face citations up to $5,000, and in some cases, impoundment. The best way to avoid disruptions and keep your hauls on schedule is to prepare thoroughly and follow the latest regulations.

Bookmark this guide or share it with your dispatcher—it’s the only 2025 Texas heavy haul permit resource you need.