Need a Single Trip Permit for oversize/overweight load OR a Temporary Trip Permit for registration or fuel tax compliance (IRP/IFTA) for all U.S. states and Canadian provinces? We help truckers and carriers obtain Trucking Permits or services quickly and affordably. Whether you’re hauling heavy equipment, wide loads, or overlength trailers, we’ve got you covered

What is a Single Trip Permit?

A Single Trip Permit is a temporary permit that authorizes the movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle along a designated route. This permit is issued for a specific vehicle, load, and time period usually covering a one-time entry and exit within a state or province. It applies to loads that exceed legal dimensions, such as width, height, length, or gross weight limits.

Why and when do I need a Single Trip Permit?

You need a Single Trip Permit when transporting an oversized or overweight load that does not comply with standard vehicle limits and is not frequently hauled. These permits are essential for legal transport of non-divisible loads on public roads, especially when crossing state or provincial boundaries.

You’ll likely need a Single Trip Permit if:

• You’re moving heavy equipment like bulldozers, cranes, or farm machinery
• Your vehicle and load exceed legal weight or size limits for a route
• You’re making a one-time delivery or temporary haul
• You’re crossing into a jurisdiction where your vehicle is not currently registered or permitted

By obtaining a Single Trip Permit, you reduce the risk of fines, delays, or safety violations during your haul.

What is a Temporary Trip Permit?

A Temporary Trip Permit is a short-term authorization that allows a commercial vehicle to travel in a state or province where it is not currently registered under the International Registration Plan (IRP). Instead of acquiring full registration, carriers can use a temporary trip permit to operate legally for a limited time typically up to 72 hours.

These permits are essential for interstate or cross-border hauls when IRP registration is not practical or immediately available. They ensure legal compliance and help avoid costly fines or roadside delays.

Are Single Trip Permits and Temporary Trip Permits the same?

Most U.S. states issue Single Trip Permits for oversize or overweight loads, which are valid for one specific journey. Some states also offer Temporary Trip Permits, but these are typically used for registration or fuel tax compliance (IRP/IFTA), not for oversize dimensions.

Although both permits are temporary in nature, they serve different purposes.

A Single Trip Permit is issued for oversize or overweight loads, allowing one-time travel on a designated route. In contrast, a Temporary Trip Permit is used for registration compliance, allowing a vehicle without IRP or IFTA credentials to operate legally in a state or province for a short period.

In most cases:

• Single Trip Permit: Used for hauling an oversize or overweight load
• Temporary Trip Permit: Used when entering a jurisdiction and you are not register in IFTA and IRP

What is the permit limit for oversize or overweight loads?

• The maximum legal gross vehicle weight without a permit is 80,000 pounds.
• Single axle weight limit is 20,000 pounds.
• Tandem axle weight limit is 34,000 pounds.
• Loads exceeding these weight limits require an overweight permit.
• Standard maximum dimensions without a permit are:
  • Width: 8 feet 6 inches
  • Height: 13 feet 6 inches to 14 feet (varies by state)
  • Length: 53 feet for a trailer; overall length limits vary by state
• Any load that exceeds these dimensions or weight limits is considered oversize or overweight and requires a special permit.

 How long is a single trip permit valid?

• A single trip permit is typically valid for 5 days in most states.
• Some states, such as California and Minnesota, offer up to 7 days validity.
• In a few cases like Georgia, permits can be valid for up to 10 days, sometimes with special approval.
• The validity is based on a specific route and timeframe, and extensions usually require re-approval.

What is the cost of a single trip permit?

Fees vary by state, load dimensions, weight, and distance traveled Although most common base fee is $15–$60 per trip, overweight loads add $5 $10 per axle or per 1,000 lbs over the legal limit & Superloads require custom routing and can cost hundreds of dollars.