When is a load oversize?
A load is oversize (also called overdimensional, or OD) when the freight on the trailer goes past the legal width, height or length, and overweight when it goes past axle or gross weight limits. Any of those makes it a permitted load: it needs a permit from every province and state it travels through.
| Limit | Manitoba (general) | Many U.S. states (general) |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) | 8 ft 6 in |
| Height (overall) | 4.15 m (about 13 ft 7 in) | 13 ft 6 in in many states; some allow 14 ft |
| Semitrailer length | Up to 16.2 m (53 ft) | 48 to 53 ft is typical; rules vary by state |
| Weight | Axle and gross limits vary by road class and season | 80,000 lb gross on Interstates without a permit |
General guidance only. Limits change by road, season and configuration, and the permit issued for a move is what counts.
Permits for every jurisdiction
Manitoba issues oversize and overweight permits through its provincial transportation department, and Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario and every U.S. state do the same for their own roads. A permit spells out the route, the hours the load can travel, the signs, flags and lights it needs, and whether escorts are required. A Winnipeg to Minnesota wide load, for example, needs a Manitoba permit, a North Dakota permit and a Minnesota permit. The carrier handles the permits for its truck; we coordinate the plan and include the cost in your quote so there are no surprises later.
Pilot cars and escorts
Depending on width, height, length and the highway, a load may need one or more pilot cars (escort vehicles) in front, behind or both. Very wide or tall moves can also need a police escort, a height pole on the lead vehicle to check overhead wires and structures, or utility crews to lift lines. These are booked ahead, so the more notice you can give, the better.
Travel restrictions to plan around
- Many oversize permits allow travel in daylight hours only
- Weekend, holiday and rush-hour restrictions in some provinces, states and cities
- Weather and visibility rules, which matter in a Prairie winter
- Spring road restrictions in Manitoba, which lower allowed axle weights on many roads during the thaw
- Construction season detours and bridge or overpass limits on some routes
Manitoba to the U.S.: oversize routing
Most oversize loads heading south from Winnipeg use Highway 75 to the Emerson–Pembina crossing and continue on I-29 into North Dakota, then on to Minnesota, the Midwest or further south. Some loads route through other crossings to avoid a low structure or a restricted bridge. Loads from Saskatchewan and Alberta can cross further west. We plan the route with the carrier around the permit, not the other way around. More on the lanes on our Winnipeg to U.S. freight page.
What to send for an oversize quote
- Length, width and height of the piece itself, plus its weight
- Drawings, spec sheets or photos, and lift points if it will be craned
- Whether anything can be removed to reduce size or weight
- Pickup and delivery sites, with any access limits
- Ready date and required delivery date
Use the quote form and choose “Yes” or “Not sure” for oversize, or call or text 204-361-6765. For the trailers themselves, see lowboy and RGN heavy haul and step deck and double drop.
