Section 100. Superload single trip permit

A. Like the single trip permit, superload single trip permits are issued to cover one movement between two specific points. Superload single trip permit requests exceed the maximum weight or size limitations allowed on a single trip permit. Superload single trip permit requests require various levels of research and analysis and should be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section at least 10 working days prior to the anticipated date of movement. All superload single trip permits are issued on a case-by-case basis, and only after an appropriate review or VDOT engineering analysis has determined that the vehicle configuration will not harm or damage bridges and structures on the designated routes of travel. Results of the review or engineering analysis may render the vehicle configuration ineligible for movement.

Superload single trip permits are vehicle specific and cannot be transferred between vehicles. Since superload single trip permits are vehicle specific, the original permit or a legible copy of the entire permit is required to be carried in the transport vehicle. This permit shall be presented to Department of Motor Vehicles, law enforcement or Department of Transportation officials when requested.

In cases where the superload single trip permit request has been denied due to weight, the customer may request that an in-depth engineering analysis be performed on the desired route of travel. VDOT structures and bridges engineers will perform the in-depth engineering analysis. The applicant is responsible for paying all expenses associated with the in-depth engineering analysis. All requests for an in-depth analysis must be submitted to the Hauling Permit Section in writing. Upon receipt of the letter requesting the in-depth analysis a member of the hauling permit staff will assist the applicant through the remainder of the process.

B. Requirements for superload single trip permits exceeding certain parameters are described in this subsection:

A letter of variance is required on all movements that exceed any of the following parameters: 18 feet in width; 250,000 pounds in weight; 200 feet in length; or 16 feet in height. The shipper or the manufacturer of the oversized or overweight item will submit the information listed below to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles: FAX: [phone] or mailed to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, Hauling Permit Section, P.O. Box 26302, Richmond, VA 23260. The letter shall list, in detail:

1. Name and description of the item being moved;

2. Overall loaded dimensions for the vehicle configuration to include height, width, length and gross weight;

3. Explanation of why the load cannot be reduced;

4. Explanation of why the load cannot be transported by air, rail or water;

5. Origin and destination specific to Virginia, including mileage and specific intersecting routes (e.g., Route 65 - one mile south of Route 2 in Campbell County);

6. Preferred routes of travel; and

7. Point of contact, someone within the company that can speak to the requested movement in case additional information is needed.

C. In addition to the letter of variance all movements that exceed 18 feet in width or 16 feet in height may be required to submit a detailed travel plan, depending on the time of travel and the routes of travel. The plan should include but is not limited to the following:

1. The plan should address how to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles responding to emergencies. The plan will also identify locations where the overdimensional configuration will pull over to allow movement of traffic. Traffic shall not be detained for more than 10 minutes if at all possible. The plan will also address layover locations.

2. Letters from property owners or public facilities giving permission to layover on their property until able to proceed in accordance with the permit. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm the layover privileges on their property prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit.

3. Letters from local law-enforcement personnel agreeing to escort the overdimensional configuration through their jurisdiction. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their escorting role prior to DMV issuing the superload single trip permit.

4. Letters from affected utility, cable and telephone companies, agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead wires. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

5. Letters from the Department of Transportation agreeing to accompany the overdimensional configuration to lift overhead traffic signals, remove traffic signal arms, or remove guardrails, or remove signs, or remove and or adjust any inventory maintained by their department. Each letter shall include the name, phone number and email address of the primary point of contact. The hauling permit staff will contact the point of contact to confirm their role in the move prior to DMV issuing the hauling permit.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 25, Issue 26, eff. September 30, 2009.

Statutory Authority

§ 46.2-203 and Article 18 (§ 46.2-1139 et seq.) of Chapter 10 of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia.