MissouriOversize & overweight permits.

A load is a superload in Missouri when it exceeds any one of these:

• 16′ wide
• 16′ high
• 150′ overall length
• 160,000 lb gross vehicle weight
• The maximum allowable weight on an axle, or it is not arranged in a routine configuration

Apply online in MoDOT Carrier Express. MoDOT runs a structure analysis and feasibility study before issuing, which takes about two weeks.

• A route survey is required once MoDOT approves the route
• Fees: $250 movement feasibility fee over 16′ wide, 16′ high or 150′ long
• Over 160,000 lb: a bridge and roadway analysis fee of $425 (0–50 miles), $625 (51–200 miles) or $925 (over 200 miles)

Above 350,000 lb gross, an additional power unit must go with the load and is counted in the road and bridge analysis. MoDOT may waive this for short moves.

Every superload needs a route survey. The survey must:

• Physically travel the roadways in the route
• Measure the roadways, overhead structures, wires and traffic signals
• List obstacles needing special attention, turns needing extra time, and low-clearance bridges that can be bypassed on ramps
• Include an emergency plan with tow company, company and driver contacts, and safe parking spots
• Over 17′ high: letters from all utility companies approving travel under or disturbing aerial lines

The Superload Route Survey and Emergency Plan form must be completed no more than 14 days before the permit start date and submitted before the permit is issued.

For a load over 150′ long, drive the route before the permit is issued (or use MoDOT-approved roadway geometric modeling software) and attest every turn and curve can be made safely.

MoDOT routinely permits up to:

• 16′ wide
• 16′ high
• 150′ overall length; 60′ for a single unit
• Tandem 46,000 lb and quadrum 72,000 lb; gross up to 160,000 lb depending on axle count and layout

A MoDOT permit covers the state highway system only. For city streets or county roads, get approval from the agency responsible for that road and obey its bridge postings.

Over 15′6″ high, a height detection vehicle with a vertical clearance detection device runs ahead of the load, in continuous two-way communication with the truck. It counts as the front escort unless more than one front escort is required.

Under a MoDOT pilot that began January 1, 2026, law enforcement escorts for superloads start at higher sizes than the written rule:

• Width on two-lane highways: over 18′ (rule: over 16′)
• Length on all highways: over 200′ (rule: over 150′)
• Height on all highways: over 18′ (rule: over 17′)
• Temporary: monitored through 2026; MoDOT can end it without notice or require more escorts

When the Missouri State Highway Patrol escorts a superload:

• The Patrol sets travel dates and times unless the permit says otherwise
• Needed for part of the trip only: escort for that continuous part; needed on and off: escort for the whole move
• The Patrol may do a Level I inspection first
• Unpaid escort bills can cost the carrier all future permits

Escort requirements are cumulative for each load, but normally no more than two front and two rear pilot cars are required. Law enforcement may be added on top.

A licensed, insured single-unit car, pickup or similar, driven by a licensed operator at least 18, with:

• OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD sign, at least 5′ by 1′ with 10″ letters, black on yellow, front and/or rear (roof sign printed both sides is OK)
• Two red or orange fluorescent flags on staffs at the front corners (front escort) or rear corners (rear escort)
• Height cars: a vertical clearance detection device and continuous two-way communication with the truck

Front escorts run about 300′ ahead of the load and rear escorts about 300′ behind. In heavy traffic or in towns, keep a distance that fits traffic.

Each load and each dimension gets its own escort. Travel in convoy is not allowed.

• Over 12′6″ to 16′ wide: keep at least 1,000′ between oversize vehicles

Flagging is required when:

• An overwidth load is as wide as or wider than the travel lane on a two-lane bridge
• The load's width or length infringes on the next lane of traffic
• The load breaks down partly in the travel lane
• The escort driver may act as the flagger; flaggers need proper training in directing traffic

Loads over 160,000 lb that must crawl across bridges in Kansas City or St. Louis need one front and two rear pilot cars.

On permitted oversize loads:

• 18″ square red, yellow or orange fluorescent flags at the extreme ends of overwidth and overlength loads, and all four corners of manufactured homes
• OVERSIZE LOAD or WIDE LOAD signs (7′ by 18″, 10″ letters, black on yellow) front and rear over 10′6″ wide
• A rear sign when a combination is over 110′ or a single unit is over 50′ long

Minimum combined single limit auto liability for the permit:

• Routine moves: $750,000
• Super heavy and large loads: $2,000,000
• House moves: $2,000,000
• Cargo must be insured under a separate policy

The permit must stay with the move until the move is finished.

• One load, one origin and one destination per single-trip permit
• Moves must be completed in 7 moving days
• Leaving the permitted route without MoDOT authorization voids the permit

Annual blanket permits cover moves up to 12′6″ wide and 150′ overall, at legal height and weight, on the state highway system only.

• One permit per power unit; they expire January 1
• Single-commodity blankets include manufactured homes, hay, farm implements and construction equipment
• Farmers and implement dealers: 100-mile radius blanket up to 14′6″ wide

All house moves need a front and rear pilot car on two-lane and undivided highways, a rear car on divided highways, and a law enforcement escort on all highways.

For a confirmed emergency only, call MoDOT's after-hours number. Non-emergency permits are never issued through it.