---
title: Massachusetts Oversize & Overweight Permits (OS/OW) | MassDOT Superload | Alpine Truck Service
description: Expedited Massachusetts MassDOT oversize permits, Boston Route 128 curfews, Mass Pike I-90 clearances, and MSP escorts. Call (918) 607-6547.
image: https://www.alpinetruckservice.com/alpine-third-party-charges.webp
---

# Massachusetts Oversize, Overweight & Superload Permitting Services

Comprehensive commercial trucking permits and heavy haul compliance across Massachusetts.

## Agency & Permitting Authority
- **Agency**: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
- **Portal**: MassDOT Highway Division Oversize/Overweight Permitting System
- **Regulatory Advisory**: State DOT regulations and permit processing queues are determined by individual state transportation authorities and vary by agency workload. Carriers should verify active route advisories and state requirements prior to movement.

## Legal vs. Routine Permitted Dimensions
- **Legal Width**: 8' 6" | **Max Routine**: 15' 0"
- **Legal Height**: 13' 6" | **Max Routine**: 14' 0"
- **Legal Length**: 53' Semi-Trailer / 65' Overall | **Max Routine**: 110' 0"
- **Legal Gross Weight**: 80,000 lbs (up to 99,000 lbs on 5-axle divisible state permits) | **Max Routine**: 130,000 lbs
- **Axle Limits**: Single: 22,400 lbs, Tandem: 36,000 lbs, Tridem: 42,000 lbs

## Permitting Scope & Services in Massachusetts
- **Routine Oversize (OS) Cab-Cards**: Single-trip authorizations for dimensions exceeding 8' 6" width or 13' 6" height.
- **Overweight (OW) Axle Permits**: Overload cab-cards for heavy machinery and configurations exceeding 80,000 lbs GVW.
- **Multi-Axle Superload Permits**: Specialized filings exceeding Over 130,000, including State DOT and certified partner bridge reviews, route surveys, and police escorts.
- **Annual & Blanket Fleet Permits**: Continuous-operation annual highway authorizations for construction fleets.
- **Temporary Trip & Fuel Permits**: 72-hour IRP vehicle registration and IFTA fuel tax credentials.
- **County, City & Toll Road Clearances**: Municipal authorizations and turnpike clearances.

## Superload Permitting & State Review Protocol
- **Weight Trigger**: Over 130,000 lbs GVW or exceeding MassDOT structural bridge formulas
- **Width Trigger**: Over 15' 0" wide
- **Height Trigger**: Over 14' 0" high
- **Length Trigger**: Over 110' 0" overall length
- **State & Partner Bridge Review**: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) electronic systems and certified structural engineering partners evaluate axle load distribution across bridge structures upon submission.
- **Route Surveys & Clearances**: Required for extreme heights/widths to verify overhead physical clearances.
- **Utility & Escorts**: Coordinated wire lifts with power utilities and State Police / Highway Patrol escorts.

## Pilot Cars & Escort Vehicle Requirements
- **Front Escort**: Required over 12' 0" wide on two-lane roads; over 13' 0" wide on multi-lane highways
- **Rear Escort**: Required over 13' 0" wide on multi-lane highways; length exceeding 90' 0"
- **Height Pole**: Required for loads exceeding 14' 0" in height (lead vehicle with calibrated pole)
- **Police Escort**: Massachusetts State Police (MSP) escort required over 14' 0" wide, 14' 0" high, 100' 0" long, or over 130,000 lbs

## Metro Curfews & Travel Restrictions
- **Curfew Zones**:
  - Boston Metro / Route 128 / I-95 / I-93: 6:00–9:00 AM & 3:30–6:30 PM M-F
  - I-90 Massachusetts Turnpike urban interchanges during peak morning and evening traffic
- **Travel Rules**: Daylight only (sunrise to sunset) Monday through Friday. Saturday travel allowed until 12:00 noon for loads under 12' wide. No Sunday or holiday travel.

## Key Freight Corridors
- I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike / Mass Pike)
- I-95 (Route 128 Boston Circumferential)
- I-93 (North-South Boston Spine)
- I-84 (Sturbridge to Hartford)
- I-495 (Outer Beltway)
- I-290

## Frequently Asked Questions
### Can commercial trucks use Storrow Drive or Memorial Drive in Boston?
No. All commercial trucks, buses, and oversize vehicles are strictly prohibited on Storrow Drive, Memorial Drive, and DCR parkways due to historic low-clearance pedestrian overpasses.

### What are Massachusetts State Police escort requirements?
Massachusetts mandates State Police escorts for loads exceeding 14' wide, 14' high, 100' long, or 130,000 lbs gross weight.

### What are the Boston rush hour curfew hours?
Oversize vehicles cannot travel on Boston highways (inside Route 128 / I-95) between 6:00–9:00 AM and 3:30–6:30 PM on weekdays.

### How long does MassDOT take to process an oversize permit?
Routine single-trip permits are typically processed in 1–2 business days. Superloads requiring bridge structural reviews and State Police escorts require 5–10 business days.

## Contact & Direct Dispatch
- **Direct Phone**: (918) 607-6547 (CALL: [918-607-6547](tel:9186076547))
- **Email**: [permits@alpinetruck.com](mailto:permits@alpinetruck.com)
- **Online Intake**: [alpinetruckservice.com/permits/massachusetts](https://www.alpinetruckservice.com/permits/massachusetts)