FROM THE PERMIT DESK
Read the estimate.
Know what comes next.
An oversize permit estimate starts with the complete loaded vehicle and the states on the proposed move. Here is how ODPermit turns those inputs into a useful number.
Measure the truck, trailer, and load together.
A cargo sheet may describe the machine sitting on the ground. A permit calculation needs the combination moving down the road. Review which basis your document uses before calculating.
- Loaded height
- Road surface to the highest point of the loaded combination. Cargo height plus the loaded deck height is a starting estimate; the tractor or another part of the load may be higher.
- Loaded width
- The widest point of the complete load and vehicle, including projecting cargo and transport packaging.
- Overall length
- The full combination from its foremost to rearmost point, including load projections. Cargo length and trailer length alone do not give this number.
- Gross weight
- The tractor, trailer, fuel, equipment, and cargo together. Gross weight alone does not establish legal axle weights or bridge compliance.
Federal weight guidance also considers axle groups and spacing. See the FHWA size, weight, and permit reference for that distinction.
The same cargo can produce a different loaded height.
For a 12-foot-tall commodity, these editable ODPermit equipment assumptions produce the following starting heights. They illustrate the arithmetic; they do not certify that the trailer can carry the load.
| Planning equipment | Deck height | Cargo + deck |
|---|---|---|
| 48 ft flatbed · 5 axles | 5′ 0″ | 17′ 0″ |
| 53 ft flatbed · 5 axles | 5′ 1″ | 17′ 1″ |
| 48 ft step deck · 5 axles | 3′ 4″ | 15′ 4″ |
| 53 ft step deck · 5 axles | 3′ 4″ | 15′ 4″ |
| Double drop · 29 ft well · 5 axles | 1′ 6″ | 13′ 6″ |
| Low double drop · 5 axles | 1′ 0″ | 13′ 0″ |
| RGN · 26 ft well · 6 axles | 1′ 6″ | 13′ 6″ |
ODPermit also checks the proposed tractor height when producing its loaded-height estimate. Confirm payload capacity, deck length, axle loading, overhangs, and your actual equipment measurements. The calculator lets you change the assumptions or enter the loaded measurements directly.
Equipment references and assumption basis
48 ft flatbed · 5 axles
Drop-deck option: 20–26 in drop from the upper deck with a 40–34 in rear deck height, which gives the 60 in upper-deck planning height. Platform length, combined tare and tractor geometry are editable ODPermit assumptions. Great Dane Freedom flatbed brochure
53 ft flatbed · 5 axles
53 ft platform with two trailer axles. The reference drawing shows a 60.25 in front deck height (49 + 11.25 in) and 56.75 in loaded rear height; this whole-inch estimate rounds the higher reference up to 61 in. Combined tare of 34,000 lb, a three-axle tractor, 75 ft combination and tractor height are editable ODPermit assumptions, not manufacturer combination specifications. Fontaine Infinity SuperiorSlide specifications
48 ft step deck · 5 axles
40 in loaded lower deck, 47 ft 10 in overall trailer, 10 ft upper deck; base trailer weight 9,995 lb. Combined tare assumes approximately 22,000 lb for tractor, fuel and equipment. Trail King TK80ACS-40 specifications
53 ft step deck · 5 axles
53 ft trailer with 11 ft upper / 42 ft lower deck, 40 in loaded lower deck and two trailer axles. Reference stock trailer tare is 11,501 lb ±3%; planning tare adds 22,000 lb for a three-axle tractor, fuel and equipment. A 75 ft combination and tractor height are editable assumptions. Cargo must fit entirely on the lower deck for this estimate. Fontaine HAICD22RSA factory specification, Hale stock configuration
Double drop · 29 ft well · 5 axles
47 ft 11 in trailer, 29 ft clear well, 18 in loaded deck, tandem trailer and 16,140 lb base tare ±3%. Planning setup adds a three-axle tractor, 22,000 lb for tractor/fuel/equipment, and 22 ft of combination length beyond the trailer. Confirm the actual loaded deck height and setup; no capacity approval is implied. Fontaine Renegade 18 specifications
Low double drop · 5 axles
53 ft trailer, 32 ft 11 in clear well, tandem trailer and 20,525 lb base tare ±3%. The 12 in deck height is specified fully loaded; confirm actual ride height. Planning setup adds a three-axle tractor, 22,000 lb for tractor/fuel/equipment, and 22 ft beyond the trailer. Capacity and load distribution must be checked for the actual trailer. Fontaine Renegade N12 specifications
RGN · 26 ft well · 6 axles
18 in loaded deck, 26 ft well, standard tridem trailer, estimated base weight 24,020 lb ±3%. Planning tare adds 22,000 lb for tractor, fuel and equipment. Trailer and combination lengths are editable estimates; no payload approval is implied. Fontaine Magnitude 55L Plus specifications
The subtotal is estimated agency fees.
State permit schedules differ. A fee may be flat, based on distance, or calculated from weight above a stated legal or registered limit. Some loads require an agency assessment before the amount is known.
ODPermit shows the priced states and the basis for each amount. An unpriced state is excluded from the subtotal and remains visible as a separate item; it is never silently treated as a free permit.
Texas and Oklahoma, for the CAT 336 sample and its recorded assumptions. No ODPermit service fee or markup. Pilot-car costs are separate.
Try the CAT 336 sample →The TxDMV general single-trip schedule is one example of an agency’s published permit charges. Read the state references attached to your own result, since your route and load may select a different fee.
An escort finding is a planning requirement, not a booking.
Review potential pilot-car count and placement together with the stated conditions. Road type, dimensions, and permit directions can change the plan. A height pole, police escort, utility coordination, or route survey may also need attention.
The pricing itinerary identifies states and mileage for an estimate. It does not verify every bridge, overhead line, work zone, or turn. Final routing and movement conditions come from the authorities and the issued permit.
Find the states on your routeKeep the load with the request.
Choose “Order permits” after you see the result. Your shipment, equipment assumptions, route, and calculation are attached so you can focus on timing and the help you need.
A request receipt confirms the information was saved. It does not confirm permit issuance or an escort reservation.
Get a free estimateEXPLORE THE MEASUREMENTS
The same 16-foot cargo sits higher on a flatbed. Actual loaded height includes dunnage and every projection.