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Oregon Superloads

Superload Definition

A superload is a load, or combination of load and hauling equipment, that exceeds one or more of the following dimensions:
  • Over 16 feet wide on the Interstate and multi-lane state highways.
  • Over 14 feet wide on any state two-lane highway for non-divisible loads other than mobile/modular units (see last bullet).
  • Over 17 feet high on any highway.
  • Overall length greater than 150 feet.
  • Mobile with a box width over 14 feet wide and/or overall width greater than 15 feet.
The Attachment SL (form 2364) outlines the size definition of a superload, driver requirements and other travel requirements specific to superloads. This attachment is required to accompany all superload permits.

Requirements for Superloads

Driver Requirements for Superloads

Driver must:
  • Have a minimum of three years of experience driving commercial vehicle combinations; one of these years must be driving/hauling oversize loads.
  • Not have a conviction of more than one moving violation while operating commercial motor vehicles in any state, country or province within the last one year.
  • Not have more than one preventable, recordable accident involving a commercial motor vehicle in any state, country or province within the last two years.
  • Not have a suspension or revocation of driving privileges from operation of a commercial motor vehicle in any state, country or province during the past three years.
  • Not have conviction of DUII while operating a commercial motor vehicle in any state, country or province within the last five years.

Superload Permit Information

Superload permits can be issued up to 4 days in advance and are only effective for 10 days. A permit could take up to 10 days to issue. Special circumstances may require longer processing time. On your permit request, please include:
1) Contact information.
  • Contact name.
  • Phone number.
  • Email used only for online orders.
2) Move request date.
3) Commodity.
4) Loaded dimensions.
5) Diagrams are required when load width, trailer width or axle width exceeds 16 feet.
6) Axle spacings and weights.
  • Recommended for all heavy haul permits.
  • Required on Weight Table 5 or greater.
7) Starting location, ending location and proposed route.
8) Travel speeds.
  • Estimated surface level speed.
  • Estimated uphill speed.
9) Vehicle information.
  • Year, Make, VIN and license plate.
  • Equipment lists are not allowed on superloads.

Traffic Control Plans

A Traffic Control Plan is considered a mobile operation that controls normal traffic from both directions using approved signs and procedures found in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Oregon Temporary Traffic Control Handbook. The operation shall include Oregon certified flaggers in conjunction with the carrier’s pilot cars.

The Principal Function of a Traffic Control Plan

  • Provide reasonably safe and effective movement of road users through or around temporary work zones.
  • Reasonably protect road users in specified areas of a route when less than 12 feet of paved surface is available for oncoming traffic.
  • Reasonably protect road users, workers, traffic incident responders and equipment.

Traffic Control Plan Design

Each Traffic Control Plan should be uniquely designed for each load. Some superloads may or may not require a Traffic Control Plan due to the specific orientation of the load, speed of travel, configuration of vehicles and/or a variety of other reasons.
The motor carrier shall submit the following information in their Traffic Control Plan:
  • A detailed outline of their plan.
  • Key personnel contact information.
  • Necessary traffic control equipment/devices.
  • Planned pullout locations.
  • Details of side roads that will need to be controlled.
  • Safety concerns regarding bridges, double guardrail areas, utility wires, etc.
  • Identify overnight parking areas.
  • Method used to communicate between load, pilots and flaggers.

Basics of a Traffic Control Plan for Moving Over-Dimension Loads

  • Multiple flagger stations will be “leap-frogging” in advance of the oversize load while pilot cars provide advance warning and block approaching traffic from the rear.
  • Locations to stop and clear traffic will be based on the speed of the load and shall occur within a maximum 20 minute time frame.
  • The selected locations for stopping must be adequate for the load to be completely outside of the travel lanes.
    o If locations are not adequate, the carrier or the carrier’s contractor shall be prepared to release traffic in 2 stages.
    o Pilot the rear traffic around the load if necessary.
  • Traffic is held at every entrance to each section of the road being closed until the load passes.
  • Pilot vehicles may not stop traffic. Traffic control plans must be in accordance with the Oregon Temporary Traffic Control Handbook. An additional reference source is the Traffic Control Plan Design Manual.

Route Surveys

Prior to approval of a superload permit, a Route Survey may be required by the regional electrical crews in one or more of Oregon’s five regions. Our Over-Dimension Permit Analyst will check routes for physical structures and overpasses. This route check does not include:
  • Signal lines.
  • Utility lines.
  • Traffic signals.
  • Other obstacles the load may encounter.

Route Survey Information

  • A list with locations of low obstacles along a route.
    o Specific locations of obstacles.
    o A plan for navigating around obstacles if possible.
  • The date a route survey was performed.

Monitored Moves

Some oversize moves will be monitored by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) staff as a condition of the permit. Regional, District or Electrical staff may determine whether an oversize load will need monitoring based on the following criteria:
  • Load geometry.
  • Travel speeds.
  • Impact on traffic.
  • Construction zones.
  • Costs Associated with Monitored Moves
If it is determined by Regional, District or Electrical staff that an oversize load will need to be monitored by personnel on sight or accommodations made for the load, they may assess costs for services (such as moving signals or adjusting state-maintained utility lines). In these instances, ODOT will bill the motor carrier directly.

Alternate Route Guideline

Road construction or other constraints along I-84 may require some oversize loads to detour onto secondary two-lane highways in Central Oregon, including:
  • US26 from Portland to Prineville.
  • US97 from Biggs Junction to Bend.
  • OR126 from Redmond to Prineville.
  • US20 from Bend to Burns.
  • OR78 from Burns to Burns Junction.
  • US95 from Idaho to Nevada.
ODOT created guidelines so carriers will know what to expect for pilot vehicle and traffic control requirements. Pullout locations are available to help aid carriers with preparing a traffic control plan if one is required. Contact the Over-Dimension Permit Unit for additional information.