According to the Federal Highway Administration, all U.S. states require specific permits for farm equipment hauling, if these equipment exceeds the state’s legal dimensions or weight limits. So if you’re planning agricultural equipment transport in the near future, learn in this guide about the permit requirements, types, application process, and safety guidelines for safe equipment hauling.
Farm Equipment Hauling Permit Requirements
Each state in the U.S. has specific rules regarding heavy equipment transport for farms. The state’s DOT office decides when a permit is required. What is the application process? And what fee will be charged? More, if there are any route restrictions or the need for safety gear.
For instance, in the case of California state, a transportation permit is required for any load that weighs over 80,000 pounds and 8’-6’’ width. For instance, the permit requirements for the Florida state require a permit if the single-axel weight exceeds 20,000 pounds or gross weight with multiple axles exceeds 80,000..
Similarly, these permits have different fees depending on the permit type. And you need to contact the state’s DOT office for specific details or to apply for the permit at least one to two months before shipping.
If you’re looking for an expert agriculture equipment shipping company to safely ship your farming machines or vehicles across the US, call (888) 687-3243 for free, no-obligation quotes right now!
5 Common Types of Farm Equipment Hauling Permits
Depending on the type of load, your farm machinery shipping company can apply for a range of farm equipment transport permits. In fact, you can even apply for these permits yourself.
Here’s a list of five common types of farm equipment shipping permits that you need to know about.
Single Trip Oversized Permits
This is the most common type of shipping permit you may require when hauling heavy farm machinery. It is needed when the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is more than 80,000 pounds and the equipment exceeds its standard legal size limits (8’-6" wide, 13’-6" tall, and 65’ overall length). However, you must confirm the length limits with your state’s DOT office, as they differ everywhere.
Keep in mind you may need other documents as well for the legal shipping. So it’s best to hire a trusty tractor hauling service, as they’re well-equipped with all the local legal laws and regulations.
Single Trip Oversized City and County Permits
If you’re shipping farm equipment within the city or within the country where the shipping truck travels on local city roads, streets, and bridges, you need a single-trip oversized City/County permit. This is to legally ship your heavy agricultural equipment that exceeds the normal size limits on the local roads.
Usually during long-distance farm equipment transport, you need this permit along with the state-issued oversized/overweight permit. And it’s only valid for a few days. For instance, in the case of the state of Iowa, single-trip permits are only valid for five days.
Superload Permits
You may need a single-trip superload permit if the farm equipment exceeds the standard oversize/overweight limits defined in a permit. For instance, in the state of Texas, a superheavy permit is required when the load exceeds 254,300 pounds. Or when it is between 200,001 pounds and 254,300 pounds with not more than 95 feet of axle spacing.
But keep in mind, acquiring a superload permit takes longer than the regular one. So you must apply long in advance, as it can take more than 6 months sometimes.
Annual Permits
You need to apply for an annual oversize/overweight permit, if you ship heavy farm machinery quite frequently in a year. This is to avoid the long wait period and the repetitive fees to acquire a permit. But the weight limits to apply for an annual permit and the fees are different.
For instance, in California state, you can apply for the annual permit if the equipment exceeds 12’-0" width and 14’-6" height. Also, these permits have their own weekly short-term restrictions updated on the Transportation Permits homepage.
Repetitive Permits
Similar to annual permits, repetitive permits are also required when you ship oversize, overweight machinery repeatedly on the same route. However, you can acquire this permit when the shipments are not frequent enough to get an annual permit.
Also, keep in mind, repetitive permits can only be obtained if you’re shipping equipment between two same locations and the size and weight of your machinery remains the same. For example, when shipping equipment during the harvest season. And these permits are also valid for only one year.
Looking for an expert agriculture equipment shipping company? Call (888) 687-3243 for free, no-obligation quotes right now!
List of Different Farm Equipment - Their Average Sizes and Weights and When You Need a Permit
| No. | Farm Equipment Type | Average Sizes (L×W×H) | Average Weight (lbs) | Permit Required (Yes or No, Depends on the state) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tractor Truck | 20×8.5×13.1 ft | 19,800 | Depends on state (if width is over 8.5 ft, YES) |
| 2. | Combine Harvester | 25×10×12 ft | 4,000-36,000+ | Yes. Oversize Permit is required |
| 3. | Seeder | 18×9×10 ft | 14,000 | Yes |
| 4. | Planter (12-row) | 23×12.5×11.5 ft | 10,000 | Yes |
| 5. | Sprayer | 20×10×11 ft | 16,000 | Yes |
| 6. | Cultivator | 18×8×8 ft | 9,000 | Depends on the state |
| 7. | Large Round Baler | 12×7×8.5 ft | 7,000 | Usually No |
| 8. | Grain Cart | 25×12×12.5 ft | 15,000 | Yes |
| 9. | Disc Harrow | 14×10×11 ft | 10,000 | Depends |
| 10. | Forage Harvester | 20×13×12 ft | 14,000 | Yes |
| 11. | Grain Drill | 13×7×7 ft | 6,000 | Depends on the state |
| 12. | Swather | 20×10×9 ft | 14,000 | Yes |
| 13. | Windrower | 18×12.2×12.3 ft | 16,000 | Yes |
| 14. | Field Roller | 15×8×7 ft | 8,000 | Usually No |
| 15. | Manure Spreader | 13×6.5×4 ft | over 12,000 (empty) | Depends |
| 16. | Corn Header | 25×12×10 ft | 8,000-10,000 | Yes |
| 17. | Cotton Picker | 30×12×13 ft | 35,000 | Yes |
| 18. | Silage Wagon | 20×8×8 ft | 8,000+ | Yes |
| 19. | Mower Conditioner | 16×9×8 ft | 9,000 | Depends |
| 20. | Fertilizer Spreader | 18×9×9 ft | 10,000 | Depends |
Note: All dimensions and weights are approximate. Check the local DOT for current permit requirements.
What is the Permit Application Process for Agricultural Equipment Transport?
If you’ve hired a farm machinery hauling service, they’ll apply for the permit with all the right documents required
But if you’re handling this on your own, follow these application steps to obtain a permit:
- First, go to the state’s DOT office and ask about all the necessary documentation. You must provide confirmation of ownership, details about the weight and size of your large farm equipment, and the shipping route you want to take in the majority of states.
- Next, confirm that all state-specific rules have been read and followed.
- Fill out your application form carefully, then bring it in with all the necessary paperwork.
- Then, hold up for the permit approval which usually takes a few days or even months, depending on your type of permit.
- Remember, if it’s a multi-state travel, you might be required to get multiple permits (one for each state)
Note: You can either apply for the permit in person or through the online application form, as specified by the state’s DOT office. However, different permits will have different fees and can range from $10 to $40. For example, in Florida State, the price for a single-trip permit to haul heavy-load machinery that exceeds the dimension limits of 14 feet width, 18 feet height, and up to 120 feet length is $25.
That said, permits can be in hundreds as well for super loads and then additional fees like engineering analysis fees and escort costs.
Safety Considerations for Hauling Heavy Farm Machinery
In order to protect your equipment, prevent possible damage, and cut down on waiting times, you must adhere to certain safety regulations for heavy equipment transport for farms. For example:
Wash and Clean Your Machinery Before Transportation
In order to reduce biosecurity concerns in farms, you must wash and clean your heavy farm machinery before transport. For example, according to the University of Minnesota Extension, if farm equipment are not rightly washed, these can carry diseases, pests, or weeds in plant material and manure. So hiring professional cleaning services for your heavy-load machinery is very important.
Even though it will take some time and your money, it’s worth the investment, as not complying with the local state’s health regulations can cost hefty fines and penalties.
Make Sure the Driver is Well-Rested
It’s very important to check the driver is restful and not under the impact of any drugs or alcohol. According to research, 31 percent of fatal-to-the-driver car accidents are strictly linked to fatigue. So you know it’s one of the main causes of accidents in large truck hauling.
Also, since drugs and alcohol can weaken your judgment and lead to an accident, you should make sure the driver is sober before hauling your farm equipment. Of course, that’s not an issue if you hire a car shipping company like Easy Auto Ship to not only arrange all the permits, but also safely move your farming equipment while staying compliant.
Confirm Safety Features
According to the Pennsylvania State University, farm machinery and equipment hauling tractors must use proper lighting, reflectors, slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signage, and other safety devices as required by the state and local laws to ensure safe shipping. This is important because visibility is the key, and if proper safety features are not used, transporting heavy equipment over public roads is not safe.
When professional carriers move oversized equipment, they put ‘Oversized’ or ‘OVERWEIGHT’ signs on the truck and pilot car bumpers. Flashing and low-beam lights are also used.
Easy Auto Ship Handles Permits & Transportation of Heavy Equipment:
Understanding the specific permit requirements when transporting heavy farm machinery is very important. You need to learn when you need a permit. What permit would work for you, and what is the application process for a permit?
The key is to check with your state’s DOT office, as they’ll provide you with all the required information surrounding farm equipment shipping permits.
But remember, you need to follow safety requirements as well, such as cleaning your machinery before moving, to safeguard the equipment, public property, and the driver.
If you want to avoid all the hassle of compliance and permits and want someone professional to handle that and the actual transportation, Easy Auto Ship can help. Call (888) 687-3243 to get free, no-obligation agriculture equipment transportation quotes right now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What rules you must follow for transporting heavy farm equipment?
There are many rules to follow. But most importantly, you must obtain state permits from the state your farm equipment is going to pass through. Also, you need to follow specific safety requirements like the use of escort vehicles, warning signs, and flashlights.
What if I don’t get the necessary permits for farm machinery shipping?
Not getting the necessary permits before shipping your heavy agricultural machinery can lead to fines and increased liability. You can also face legal problems, if you don’t follow the rules and regulations. Therefore, getting a permit is very important.
How to apply for hauling permits when shipping agricultural vehicles?
Visit your state’s DOT office, present all the required documents, submit your application form, and wait for at least two weeks before you get your permit.
How should I prepare my tractor for tractor hauling service?
To prepare your tractor for safe hauling service, ensure it is clean and washed before pickup and take its multiple photos and videos. Also, confirm it follows local health laws for safe shipping.
How much do I need to pay to ship a tractor across the U.S.?
When moving your tractor across the U.S., expect to pay up to two thousand to thirty five hundred U.S. dollars. However, the actual cost may vary depending on the permit type and the total distance.
