What is the purpose of this permit?
A superload is a vehicle or combination with a non-divisible load having a gross weight exceeding 200,000 pounds and/or a total width or height exceeding sixteen feet and/or a load length exceeding one hundred and twenty-five feet. A Request for Approval of Oversize/Overweight Movement for loads over 200,000 must be submitted in writing and received at least 30 days before the proposed date of movement
RCW 46.44.091(5). A Request for Approval of Oversize/Overweight Movement for loads over sixteen feet wide or sixteen feet high must be submitted in writing at least seven (7) calendar days before the proposed date of movement.
Once the Request for Approval of Oversize/Overweight Movement has been approved by the agency the carrier completes and submits the Oversize Overweight Load permit application (see above)
A request for approval of Oversize/Overweight Movement for loads exceeding sixteen feet of width, sixteen feet of height, and or 125 feet of load length must be submitted in writing at least seven (7) calendar days before the proposed date of movement.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Transportation
What activities require this permit?
As the title implies, this is a overweight or oversized permit for superloads, loads that exceed 200,000 pounds, and/or exceed 16 feet in height or width, and/or 125 feet load length. In order to ensure safety to the public, the highways systems and carriers, these permits require application at least 30 days prior to the movement date for overweight superloads and at least 7 days prior for overheight superloads.
How much will this permit cost?
Fee is based on weight over total registered weight at a fee per mile on State Highways. To Calculate estimated fee amount visit:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/commercial-vehicle/permits/homeWhere can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called '
DOT Form 560-021' is online and can be accessed at
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/commercial-vehicles/commercial-vehicle-permits.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
Yes - Prior to application for permit, a request for superload must include the following items: Applications in advance of movement date, as outlined above; evidence describing the purpose of the movement; item being transported must be clearly shown to be not divisible; A sketch of transporting laden vehicle showing axle loadings, axle space, tire size, tires per axle, width, height; evidence that shipper must review alternatives, if the load could be barged or shipped by rail; proposed route, to include railroad crossings; and traffic control plan, which must include impact to traffic, use of escort vehicles, railroad schedules, provisions for emergency vehicles to navigate around load. When request approved oversize overweight application can be submitted (see above).
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
Yes - approval is based on the bridge and pavement analysis and review of WSDOT Regions affected by the proposed move.
How long will it take to review my application?
5 working days for dimension only applications and 22 working days for super load weight applications.
Where do I submit my application?
Superload requests and superload applications must only be submitted to the WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services (CVS) Office for processing. Contact CVS at 360-704-6340 or at
CVSPermits@wsdot.wa.gov.
How long is my permit valid?
Permits are valid for a single trip, up to three (3) days from the date of purchase
What is the appeal process for the permit?
The permit may be further negotiated based on the analysis of the bridges and pavement. Further negotiations can include escort requirements, hours of movement, route, etc.
Permit Timeliness Results
Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.
All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:
Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 1Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 7Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 22(Summary results based on 2292 submittals in 2023)
Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/commercial-vehicles/commercial-vehicle-permitsHelpdesk phone: (360) 704-6340
Subject matter expert phone: (360) 704-6340 - 3 Permit Specialists
Subject matter expert email:
CVSpermits@wsdot.wa.govOther:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/commercial-vehicles/commercial-vehicle-permits/superloads