ODPERMIT / STATE FIELD GUIDE NJ
New JerseyOversize & overweight permits.
New Jersey State permits, local permissions and toll-road requirements can differ. Check loaded size, the applicable permit product and escorts for each road segment.
General information only, not legal advice or a permit. Confirm with the issuing agency before you move. Read the disclaimer
AI-generated illustration · not to scale
- 01Legal size
What is legal without a permit?
Axle limits Legal With a permit- A tandem is two consecutive axles 40″ to 96″ apart.
- On Interstate highways, groups of two or more axles also follow the statute's Table of Maximum Gross Weights.
The rule in full4 official sources
General width: 8′–8′6″
General maximum is 102″; Commissioner-designated roads may be limited to 96″.
Loaded height: 13′6″
Ordinary vehicle-and-load limit; listed exceptions and actual route clearances apply.
NN semitrailer: 48′
Federal National Network allowance for a tractor with one semitrailer. Longer trailers may qualify under state axle-position and route rules; local roads can differ.
Overall length: No NN cap*
*For a tractor with one compliant semitrailer on the National Network. Other combinations, trailers, projecting loads and local access have separate limits; see the state measurements below.
Interstate weight: 80,000 lb*
*Federal baseline, subject to the bridge formula, registration and postings: 20,000 lb single axle and 34,000 lb tandem. A particular configuration may have a lower limit; state grandfather allowances need verified spacing and route eligibility.
Legal size
Up to 96 inches wide and 13′6″ high is legal on any road. Up to 102 inches wide is legal only on designated roads. Length and weight depend on the setup, axle spacing tables and route.
Width
The general maximum width is 102 inches, but some roads are limited to 96 inches. Over 96 inches, check each road's designation.
Axle limits: legal and with a permit
Legal: single 22,400 lb, tandem 34,000 lb. With a permit: . A tandem is two consecutive axles 40″ to 96″ apart. On Interstate highways, groups of two or more axles also follow the statute's Table of Maximum Gross Weights.
- 02Requirements
Where each requirement starts
Pilot carsWidth over 14′Over 14′ wide: 1 escort, in front on highways with fewer than four lanes and behind on highways with four or more lanes.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026What official sources leave open12
Where New Jersey’s official sources disagree or say nothing, confirm with the agency before dispatch.
- Rule currency: NJDOT's portal links current-rule.pdf as its "OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", and the rule items here cite it. That PDF is the 2010 text. The nj.gov courtesy copy reads "Expires on March 9, 2018", but the MVC readopted N.J.A.C. 13:18 with amendments as R.2018 d.178 (effective August 30, 2018; next expiration August 30, 2025), adding new permit categories to 13:18-1.2 that the 2010 PDF lacks. The MVC Board approved a proposed readoption with amendment on June 12, 2025 and its final adoption on January 12, 2026. The amended 2026 text could not be found, so check the issued permit for any changed conditions.
- The rule text still names the Motor Vehicle Commission and its Chief Administrator (for example for extensions and waivers), while NJDOT now issues the permits on the MVC's behalf.
- No superload class, maximum permit dimensions or permit axle/gross caps were found in NJDOT's rule, guidebook or portal. Single-trip applications are reviewed route by route against the load and axle configuration; SUPERLOAD's FAQ says permits over unpublished system limits go to state staff for review.
- No height-pole requirement is stated; over 14′ high, the permittee must notify utility and road owners instead.
- No police-escort threshold is published; NJDOT's guidebook says only private escorts are assigned. The only police escort found is the Port Authority Police escort for oversize loads through the port (Port St. bulletin).
- No escort-vehicle equipment rules beyond signs, 18″ flags and low-beam headlamps/red taillamps; no escort certification, and reciprocity is not addressed.
- Electronic permit copies for single-trip permits are not addressed; the statute requires the written permit in the driver's possession, and the annual ocean container permit must be the original (no photocopies).
- Holiday dates for Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving (and the Friday/Wednesday before them) are not published as dates, so they are not listed.
- No statewide rush-hour or metro curfew is published. SUPERLOAD route analysis can add area restrictions, such as rush-hour limits, which are printed on the permit.
- Conflict: the 2024 guidebook (5.3.1) says daylight-only applies on highways with less than 10′ of clear space, but the rule (13:18-1.11) bans all oversize moves from sunset to sunrise and separately bans highways with less than 10′ clear space. The rule is followed here.
- Unclear: the guidebook note under Table 6 says three escorts are required "such as when a vehicle and/or load exceeds 16’ in width or 120’ in length", while Table 6 and the rule list two escorts at those sizes. The rule does not say when a third escort applies.
- Conflict on permit-office hours for 609-963-2085: the SUPERLOAD FAQ says 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., NJDOT's oversize page says 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., and the 2024 guidebook says 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (weekdays).
The rule in full4 official sources
Width 8′: Legal width off the network
Up to 8′ (96″) wide is legal on routes that are not National Network or NJ Access Routes.
Width 8′6″: Legal width on the network
Up to 8′6″ (102″) wide is legal on the National Network and NJ Access Routes; wider needs a permit.
Width 14′: 1 escort
Over 14′ wide: 1 escort, in front on highways with fewer than four lanes and behind on highways with four or more lanes.
Width 16′: 2 escorts
Over 16′ wide: 2 escorts, one in front and one behind.
Width 16′: Route survey
Over 16′ wide: a route survey must be attached to the permit application.
Height 13′6″: Legal height
Up to 13′6″ high moves without a permit; taller needs one.
Height 14′: Notify utilities and road owners
Over 14′ high: before the move, notify all utility companies, NJDOT, and the county and municipal traffic engineering offices that control overhead wires, cables, signals or bridges on the route. The permit is void if you don't.
Height 14′6″: Route survey
Over 14′6″ high: a route survey must be attached to the permit application.
Length 53′: Legal semitrailer length
A semitrailer may be up to 53′ long in a single-trailer combination; trailers over 48′ must stay on the National Network except for food, fuel, rest, repairs or reaching a terminal.
Length 63′: Legal trailer, nondivisible load
A trailer hauling poles, piling, structural units or other nondivisible articles may be up to 63′ long.
Length 100′: 1 escort
Over 100′ long: 1 escort, in front on highways with fewer than four lanes and behind on highways with four or more lanes.
Length 120′: 2 escorts
Over 120′ long: 2 escorts, one in front and one behind.
Overhang 4′ rear: Rear lamps at night
A load more than 4′ past the rear needs a red side marker lamp on each side and two red lamps and two red reflectors on the rear whenever headlamps are required.
Weight 80,000 lb: Legal gross
80,000 lb gross maximum without a permit.
- 03The permit
Which permit do you need?
- NJDOT issues State permits.
- The 96-inch roads, toll roads, parkways, bridge authorities, towns and federal or private facilities each have their own rules.
Who issues the permitNJDOT, for the MVC
NJDOT issues New Jersey's oversize, overweight, Code 23 trailer and annual ocean-borne container permits on behalf of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
3NJDOT — Oversize and Overweight Vehicles · checked Oct 13, 2026Single-trip permit5 days · one-way trip
Each one-way oversize or overweight trip needs its own single-trip permit, good for five days.
- If hazardous roads or a breakdown keep you from finishing the trip, a one-day extension may be granted if you ask before the permit expires
Route surveyOver 16′ W · over 14′6″ H
Attach a route survey to the application when the load is:
- Over 16′ wide
- Over 14′6″ high
Engineering and state reviewAllow up to 3 business days
When an application goes to engineering/state review, allow up to 3 business days; NJDOT normally responds within 1 business day.
- Bridge analysis or load questions: 609-963-1334, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Load size and weight and route length can affect how long review takes
Route review for bridgesOverstressed route = rejected
A single-trip application is rejected when the load and axle configuration overstress structures on the route; change the load, axle weights or spacing, or choose another route.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026Tire limit on overweight permits800 lb per inch of tire
An overweight permit is not valid above 800 lb per inch of tire width, on all wheels or on any one wheel, or for an NJ-registered vehicle not registered at the maximum registration weight.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026Toll roads need their own approvalTurnpike · Parkway · AC Expwy
An NJDOT permit is not valid on a toll road without the tolling authority's express approval.
- New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway: New Jersey Turnpike Authority
- Atlantic City Expressway: South Jersey Transportation Authority
County and local roadsSeparate county/local permits
SUPERLOAD issues permits on State routes only; permits for county, local or toll roads go through those agencies.
- If county or local segments connect two State routes, name them in the comment area of the request, or it will be returned or denied
Official route and permit tools- NJDOT SUPERLOAD permit systemApply for State-route permits; current bulletins
- NJ county and municipal government directoryCounty and local contacts, linked from the SUPERLOAD bulletin for county/local road permits
- NJDOT Oversize and Overweight VehiclesProgram page and SUPERLOAD training videos
- Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Guidebook (2024)NJDOT size, weight and permit rules in one place
- NJ Large Truck MapNational Network and 102″ truck routes
- 2024 NJ Truck Map and BrochureLegal size and weight quick reference
- NJ Turnpike Authority — contactNJTA contact page; permits are not valid on the Turnpike or Garden State Parkway without NJTA's approval
- Port Authority of NY & NJ — trucker resourcesBi-state bridges and tunnels
- NJ MVC Code 23 trailer registrationMVC's Code 23 trailer registration page, with the Code 23 permit conditions
The rule in full6 official sources
The permit authority
NJDOT issues State permits. The 96-inch roads, toll roads, parkways, bridge authorities, towns and federal or private facilities each have their own rules.
Code 23 route permits
A Code 23 permit is a one-way route permit, valid for 30 days. Not every load qualifies.
Who issues the permit
NJDOT issues New Jersey's oversize, overweight, Code 23 trailer and annual ocean-borne container permits on behalf of the Motor Vehicle Commission.
Single-trip permit
Each one-way oversize or overweight trip needs its own single-trip permit, good for five days. If hazardous roads or a breakdown keep you from finishing the trip, a one-day extension may be granted if you ask before the permit expires.
Route survey
Attach a route survey to the application when the load is: Over 16′ wide. Over 14′6″ high.
Engineering and state review
When an application goes to engineering/state review, allow up to 3 business days; NJDOT normally responds within 1 business day. Bridge analysis or load questions: 609-963-1334, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Load size and weight and route length can affect how long review takes.
Route review for bridges
A single-trip application is rejected when the load and axle configuration overstress structures on the route; change the load, axle weights or spacing, or choose another route.
Tire limit on overweight permits
An overweight permit is not valid above 800 lb per inch of tire width, on all wheels or on any one wheel, or for an NJ-registered vehicle not registered at the maximum registration weight.
Toll roads need their own approval
An NJDOT permit is not valid on a toll road without the tolling authority's express approval. New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway: New Jersey Turnpike Authority. Atlantic City Expressway: South Jersey Transportation Authority.
County and local roads
SUPERLOAD issues permits on State routes only; permits for county, local or toll roads go through those agencies. If county or local segments connect two State routes, name them in the comment area of the request, or it will be returned or denied.
- 04Permit cost
What does the permit cost?
Example agency fee$23.10- 8′7″ W
- 13′ H
- 70′
- 72,000 lb
- 100 miles
The rule in full3 official sources
Example agency fee
$23.10 for a nondivisible load 8′7″ wide, 13′ high and 70′ long at 72,000 lb gross, on a five-axle truck with a 48′ trailer, for 100 miles in New Jersey. Enter your own load in the calculator below.
What the fee covers
New Jersey's fee depends on the permit product and the loaded vehicle. The calculator itemizes the published charges it can price. Local permits, escorts, tolls, payment charges and ODPermit services are separate.
- 05Pilot cars
When do you need pilot cars?
WidthHeightLength1 front on highways with fewer than four lanes1 rear on highways with four or more lanesMinimums by size alone. Combined dimensions, night moves and the issued permit can add escorts.
Where escorts ride1: front <4 lanes, rear 4+
With one escort, it leads on highways with fewer than four lanes and follows on highways with four or more.
- Two escorts: one in front, one behind
Escort spacingFront 200′–500′ · rear 100′–250′
The lead escort stays 200′ to 500′ ahead of the load; the following escort stays 100′ to 250′ behind it.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026Three escortsThird rides alongside on 3+ lanes
When three escorts are required, one leads, one follows and one rides in the adjacent lane alongside the load on highways with three or more lanes; with fewer lanes the third also follows.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026Night moves add an escort+1 escort under night waiver
A load moving between sunset and sunrise under a waiver needs one more escort than its daytime count, or one escort if it needs none by day.
10NJDOT — Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Guidebook (January 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026Escort drivers and vehiclesPrivate escorts · no certification
Only private escorts are assigned to permitted loads. NJ currently has no escort certification and no limit on the size or type of escort vehicle; carriers schedule and pay for their own escorts.
10NJDOT — Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Guidebook (January 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026Port Authority Police escortPort St.: call PAPD
For an escort for any oversize load travelling through the port, call the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) at (973) 578-2180.
6NJDOT SUPERLOAD online permitting system — home page bulletin · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full3 official sources
Daytime pilot-car thresholds
One escort applies above 14′ width or 100′ length; two apply above 16′ width or 120′ length. One escort leads on roads with fewer than four traffic lanes and follows on roads with four or more. Two escorts take the front and rear positions. Authorized night travel adds an escort.
Where escorts ride
With one escort, it leads on highways with fewer than four lanes and follows on highways with four or more. Two escorts: one in front, one behind.
Escort spacing
The lead escort stays 200′ to 500′ ahead of the load; the following escort stays 100′ to 250′ behind it.
Three escorts
When three escorts are required, one leads, one follows and one rides in the adjacent lane alongside the load on highways with three or more lanes; with fewer lanes the third also follows.
Night moves add an escort
A load moving between sunset and sunrise under a waiver needs one more escort than its daytime count, or one escort if it needs none by day.
Escort drivers and vehicles
Only private escorts are assigned to permitted loads. NJ currently has no escort certification and no limit on the size or type of escort vehicle; carriers schedule and pay for their own escorts.
Port Authority Police escort
For an escort for any oversize load travelling through the port, call the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) at (973) 578-2180.
On any oversize move
A nighttime waiver requires one pilot car when no daytime width/length escort is triggered, or one additional car beyond the daytime assignment.
Over 14′ wide
Highways with fewer than four lanes: 1 front pilot car. Highways with four or more lanes: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 16′ wide
NJDOT’s current permit portal requires a route survey above 16 ft wide or 14 ft 6 in high. All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
Over 14′ high
Notify the responsible road and utility authorities before moving an over-14-ft-high load under their infrastructure. The issued route controls clearance requirements.
Over 14′6″ high
Notify the responsible road and utility authorities before moving an over-14-ft-high load under their infrastructure. The issued route controls clearance requirements. NJDOT’s current permit portal requires a route survey above 16 ft wide or 14 ft 6 in high.
Over 100′ long
Highways with fewer than four lanes: 1 front pilot car. Highways with four or more lanes: 1 rear pilot car.
Over 120′ long
All road types: 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars.
- 06Travel hours
When can you move?
Sunrise to sunset only.- No travel on the listed holidays; night or holiday travel needs a written waiver.
Oversize permits are not valid on New Year's Day, Memorial Day and the Friday before, Independence Day, Labor Day and the Friday before, Thanksgiving Day and the Wednesday before, and Christmas Day. Only the fixed-date holidays are listed below; NJ publishes no dates for Memorial Day, Labor Day or Thanksgiving.
- Dec ’2625Christmas Day
- Jan ’271New Year's Day
- Jul ’274Independence Day
- Dec ’2725Christmas Day
The rule in full3 official sources
Daylight, holidays & visibility
Ordinary oversize loads cannot move from sunset to sunrise, with visibility under 500 feet, in hazardous road conditions, or on the listed holidays. Night or holiday travel needs a written waiver, requested with the application. Check the permit's exact dates and hours.
Port St. oversize restrictions
From August 3, 2026, until further notice, Port St. between Brewster Rd. and Marlin St. is down to one 11′ lane in each direction. Eastbound oversize loads must use the Corbin St. ramp. Westbound oversize loads follow the Marlin St./Kellogg St. detour or use Outer Port St. All oversize loads must exit to the south via North Ave.
Daylight only
An oversize permit is not valid from sunset to sunrise. It is also not valid: When daytime visibility is under 500′. When hazardous road conditions exist.
Narrow roads and slow loads
An oversize permit is not valid: On highways with less than 10′ of clear space for passing traffic, counting roadway and improved shoulder. For a load that can't safely do 40 mph during hours when lamps are required.
Night or holiday waiver
Night or holiday travel needs a written waiver, requested with the permit application. It may be granted when: The waiver would reduce traffic congestion. The restriction causes a business hardship you can justify. An emergency exists.
Overweight-only loads
Overweight permits for loads of legal dimensions may travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except when visibility is under 500′, roads are hazardous, or the load can't safely do 40 mph when lamps are required.
Oversize holiday ban
Oversize permits are not valid on New Year's Day, Memorial Day and the Friday before, Independence Day, Labor Day and the Friday before, Thanksgiving Day and the Wednesday before, and Christmas Day. Only the fixed-date holidays are listed below; NJ publishes no dates for Memorial Day, Labor Day or Thanksgiving. Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2026), New Year's Day (Jan 1, 2027), Independence Day (Jul 4, 2027), Christmas Day (Dec 25, 2027).
Weekend holiday shift
When a listed holiday falls on a Sunday, oversize moves are also barred the Monday after; when it falls on a Saturday, the Friday before. Monday after Independence Day (July 4 falls on Sunday) (Jul 5, 2027), Friday before Christmas Day (December 25 falls on Saturday) (Dec 24, 2027), Friday before New Year's Day 2028 (January 1 falls on Saturday) (Dec 31, 2027).
- 07Flags & lamps
Signs, flags and lights
OVERSIZE LOAD signs6′ × 1′ · 10″ black on yellow
Signs read WIDE LOAD or OVERSIZE LOAD, at least 6′ wide by 1′ high, in 10″ black letters on yellow.
- No escort: signs on the front and rear of the oversize vehicle combination
Where the signs go with escortsSigns move to the escorts
With escorts, the warning signs go on the escorts and the load:
- Two escorts: front of the lead escort and rear of the following escort
- One escort leading: front of the escort and rear of the rearmost escorted vehicle
- One escort following: rear of the escort and front of the lead escorted vehicle
Red warning flags18″ square red flags
Flags are red and at least 18 inches square:
- Four corners of an oversize vehicle
- Four corners of the load when it sticks out past the sides
- Two front corners of the lead escort and two rear corners of the trailing escort
Headlamps and taillamps onLow beams on load and escorts
Low-beam headlamps and red taillamps stay on for every escort, the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026Over 14′ high: notify firstNotify utilities over 14′
Before an over-14′ move, notify all utility companies, NJDOT, and the county and municipal traffic engineering offices that control overhead wires, cables, signals or bridges on the route. Skipping this voids the permit.
10NJDOT — Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Guidebook (January 2024) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full3 official sources
Cargo securement
Fasten, cover and secure cargo under interstate or intrastate rules. A permit does not waive this.
Warning signs & flags
Warning signs must be at least 6′ wide × 1′ high, with black lettering at least 10″ high on yellow. Red warning flags must be at least 18″ square; placement follows the vehicle, projecting load and escort arrangement. Escort, towing and towed vehicles use low-beam headlights and red taillights.
OVERSIZE LOAD signs
Signs read WIDE LOAD or OVERSIZE LOAD, at least 6′ wide by 1′ high, in 10″ black letters on yellow. No escort: signs on the front and rear of the oversize vehicle combination.
Where the signs go with escorts
With escorts, the warning signs go on the escorts and the load: Two escorts: front of the lead escort and rear of the following escort. One escort leading: front of the escort and rear of the rearmost escorted vehicle. One escort following: rear of the escort and front of the lead escorted vehicle.
Red warning flags
Flags are red and at least 18 inches square: Four corners of an oversize vehicle. Four corners of the load when it sticks out past the sides. Two front corners of the lead escort and two rear corners of the trailing escort.
Headlamps and taillamps on
Low-beam headlamps and red taillamps stay on for every escort, the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle.
Over 14′ high: notify first
Before an over-14′ move, notify all utility companies, NJDOT, and the county and municipal traffic engineering offices that control overhead wires, cables, signals or bridges on the route. Skipping this voids the permit.
- 08Driver paperwork
What the driver carries
- Carry the permitThe driver must carry the written special permit for a nondivisible load over legal limits.
- Insurance proofAn application is not accepted without proof of insurance at these minimums, and the policy must give the Motor Vehicle Commission 10 days' notice before cancellation: $100,000 bodily injury or death, one person. $300,000 bodily injury or death, two or more people. $100,000 property damage.
- What the application asks forA route-specific permit application may require: Carrier name and USDOT number, if applicable.
- Carry the permitThe special written permit must be in the possession of the driver of the permitted vehicle.
- Container permit: original onlyThe original annual container permit must be carried in the truck; photocopies are not accepted.
Insurance proof$100k / $300k / $100k
An application is not accepted without proof of insurance at these minimums, and the policy must give the Motor Vehicle Commission 10 days' notice before cancellation:
- $100,000 bodily injury or death, one person
- $300,000 bodily injury or death, two or more people
- $100,000 property damage
What the application asks forUSDOT # if applicable
A route-specific permit application may require:
- Carrier name and USDOT number, if applicable
- Truck and trailer VIN, plate, make, model and year
- Insurance provider, policy number and expiration date
Carry the permitWritten permit with the driver
The special written permit must be in the possession of the driver of the permitted vehicle.
2N.J.S.A. 39:3-84 — Vehicle dimensions and weight (NJDOT SUPERLOAD reference copy) · checked Oct 13, 2026Container permit: original onlyOriginal permit · no oversize
The original annual container permit must be carried in the truck; photocopies are not accepted. The permit is not valid for oversize loads.
5NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf) · checked Oct 13, 2026The rule in full5 official sources
Carry the permit
The driver must carry the written special permit for a nondivisible load over legal limits.
Insurance proof
An application is not accepted without proof of insurance at these minimums, and the policy must give the Motor Vehicle Commission 10 days' notice before cancellation: $100,000 bodily injury or death, one person. $300,000 bodily injury or death, two or more people. $100,000 property damage.
What the application asks for
A route-specific permit application may require: Carrier name and USDOT number, if applicable. Truck and trailer VIN, plate, make, model and year. Insurance provider, policy number and expiration date.
Carry the permit
The special written permit must be in the possession of the driver of the permitted vehicle.
Container permit: original only
The original annual container permit must be carried in the truck; photocopies are not accepted. The permit is not valid for oversize loads.
- 09Special permits
Special loads and permit programs
Code 23 route permitCode 23 trailer · 30 days
For heavy construction or road-building machinery hauled on a Code 23 registered trailer.
- Route specific, one-way trip, valid 30 days
- Nondivisible loads only
- No excess weight fees
Annual ocean container permitSealed containers · 90,000 lb
An annual permit for a tractor-semitrailer carrying sealed ocean-borne containers:
- 90,000 lb gross maximum
- 38,000 lb per tandem; 56,400 lb per tri-axle trailer
House-type trailersOver 14′ wide: on a lowboy
A house-type or private utility trailer over 14′ wide can't move on its own wheels under a permit; it goes on a low-bed trailer or registered dolly.
- Exception: a manufactured home on a HUD-standard transportation system may be up to 16′ wide
- Over 12′ wide: two sway control devices between tow vehicle and trailer
The rule in full3 official sources
Special permits
Code 23 route permits and annual ocean-container permits each have their own vehicle, registration, route, cargo and paperwork rules. The cargo type alone does not qualify a load.
Code 23 route permit
For heavy construction or road-building machinery hauled on a Code 23 registered trailer. Route specific, one-way trip, valid 30 days. Nondivisible loads only. No excess weight fees.
Annual ocean container permit
An annual permit for a tractor-semitrailer carrying sealed ocean-borne containers: 90,000 lb gross maximum. 38,000 lb per tandem; 56,400 lb per tri-axle trailer.
House-type trailers
A house-type or private utility trailer over 14′ wide can't move on its own wheels under a permit; it goes on a low-bed trailer or registered dolly. Exception: a manufactured home on a HUD-standard transportation system may be up to 16′ wide. Over 12′ wide: two sway control devices between tow vehicle and trailer.
Price your New Jersey loadAgency fees and pilot-car needs for your loaded rig. Free, no contact details.Open worksheet
NJ / Permit worksheet
Price your New Jersey movement.
Enter the complete loaded vehicle. Get estimated agency fees and escort requirements before sharing your contact details.
The numbers behind your next move.
Your result will show the agency fee breakdown, potential pilot-car requirements, and the rules used to calculate them.
- 01 State agency fee subtotal
- 02 Escort & survey considerations
- 03 Sources & pricing assumptions
Single-state pricing uses the mileage you enter. For a proposed route and intermediate states, use the route calculator.
About the example equipment
The samples use ODPermit’s editable 48 ft flatbed · 5 axles planning profile. Loaded dimensions, gross weight, 100 state miles and New Jersey registration are example inputs, not a capacity rating or a route approval. Replace them with your actual setup.
Great Dane Freedom flatbed brochure — 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.
Disclaimer
General information only. It is not legal advice and not a permit. ODPermit is operated by Frontline Express LLC, a private company, not a government agency.
We summarize official sources as of the dates shown, but rules change often and a summary can be incomplete or out of date. Only a permit issued by the state or local agency authorizes an oversize or overweight move, and that permit and the agency’s current rules control. Confirm limits, escorts, routes and travel times with the issuing agency before you move a load.
This information is provided “as is,” without warranties of any kind. To the extent the law allows, Frontline Express LLC is not liable for losses, fines or delays that result from relying on it.
Terms of service apply.
BEFORE THE TRUCK ROLLS
Turn the estimate
into a permitted move.
Confirm the loaded measurements, carrier details, travel dates and exact pickup and delivery. We can help coordinate permits, escorts and route surveys around those facts.
THE SOURCE RECORD
Official references.
Read the rule behind each requirement. These are dated references; current restrictions and the issued permit control your move.
- 01
- 02N.J.S.A. 39:3-84 — Vehicle dimensions and weight (NJDOT SUPERLOAD reference copy)
39:3-84 a.(2), b.(1)–(4), d.(1)–(2)
Source record: - 03NJDOT — Oversize and Overweight Vehicles
Oversize and Overweight Vehicles (opening paragraph)
Source record: - 04NJ MVC — Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Trailer Registration
Code 23 Overweight/Overdimensional Route Specific Permit
Source record: - 05NJDOT SUPERLOAD — N.J.A.C. 13:18-1 ("OS/OW Rules under N.J.A.C. 13:18", current-rule.pdf)
13:18-1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.7, 1.9–1.16
Source record: - 06NJDOT SUPERLOAD online permitting system — home page bulletin
Bulletin: Port St. restrictions; county/local routes; Route Survey Requirements
Source record: - 07NJDOT at GotPermits.com — Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started Q2; Post-Application Q5
Source record: - 08NJDOT permit portal — current posted permit fee table
NJDOT permit portal — current posted permit fee table
Source record:
All 13 references
- 09NJDOT permit guide — agency transaction-fee examples
NJDOT permit guide — agency transaction-fee examples
Source record: - 10NJDOT — Commercial Vehicle Size and Weight Guidebook (January 2024)
2.1 Size Limitations; 3.1 Single-Trip Permit; 4.1; 5.3–5.8; Table 6
Source record: - 11New Jersey Motor Vehicle Laws and Regulations Impacting Farmers — Securing Loads
Securing Loads and Cargo Tie Down Requirements
Source record: - 1223 CFR 658 Appendix B — National Network semitrailer lengths
Appendix B; 23 CFR 658.13(a)
Source record: - 1323 CFR 658.17 — Interstate gross, axle and bridge weights
23 CFR 658.17(a)–(e); grandfather exceptions are configuration-specific
Source record: