---
title: Missouri Oversize & Overweight Permits (OS/OW) | MoDOT Superload | Alpine Truck Service
description: Expedited Missouri MoDOT oversize permits, St. Louis/KC curfews, commercial zone rules, and MSHP escorts across I-70 and I-44. Call (918) 607-6547.
image: https://www.alpinetruckservice.com/alpine-third-party-charges.webp
---

# Missouri Oversize, Overweight & Superload Permitting Services

Comprehensive commercial trucking permits and heavy haul compliance across Missouri.

## Agency & Permitting Authority
- **Agency**: Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT)
- **Portal**: MoDOT Motor Carrier Services MoMCS Portal
- **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" (8' 0" on non-designated routes) | **Max Routine**: 16' 0"
- **Legal Height**: 14' 0" (15' 0" within designated commercial zones) | **Max Routine**: 16' 0"
- **Legal Length**: 53' Semi-Trailer / 60' Overall | **Max Routine**: 150' 0"
- **Legal Gross Weight**: 80,000 lbs | **Max Routine**: 160,000 lbs
- **Axle Limits**: Single: 20,000 lbs (22,400 in commercial zones), Tandem: 34,000 lbs (36,000 in commercial zones), Tridem: 42,000 lbs

## Permitting Scope & Services in Missouri
- **Routine Oversize (OS) Cab-Cards**: Single-trip authorizations for dimensions exceeding 8' 6" (8' 0" on non-designated routes) width or 14' 0" (15' 0" within designated commercial zones) 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 160,000, 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 160,000 lbs GVW or exceeding standard MoDOT bridge formulas
- **Width Trigger**: Over 16' 0" wide
- **Height Trigger**: Over 16' 0" high
- **Length Trigger**: Over 150' 0" overall length
- **State & Partner Bridge Review**: Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) 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' 4" wide on two-lane highways; over 14' 0" wide on multi-lane highways
- **Rear Escort**: Required over 14' 0" wide on multi-lane highways; length exceeding 90' 0" (2-lane) or 100' 0" (4-lane); rear overhang > 15' 0"
- **Height Pole**: Required for loads exceeding 15' 6" in height (lead vehicle with calibrated pole)
- **Police Escort**: Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) escort required over 16' 0" wide, 16' 0" high, or over 160,000 lbs

## Metro Curfews & Travel Restrictions
- **Curfew Zones**:
  - St. Louis Metro Area (I-70, I-64, I-44, I-55, I-270, I-170): 6:30–9:00 AM & 4:00–6:30 PM M-F
  - Kansas City Metro Area (I-70, I-35, I-435, I-670, I-470): 6:30–9:00 AM & 4:00–6:30 PM M-F
  - Springfield Metro (I-44, US-65) during peak commuter hours
- **Travel Rules**: Daylight only (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset), 7 days a week for loads up to 14' wide and legal height. Overweight-only continuous travel allowed with lighting.

## Key Freight Corridors
- I-70 (St. Louis to Kansas City)
- I-44 (St. Louis to Springfield/Joplin)
- I-55 (St. Louis to Delta)
- I-35 (Kansas City North)
- I-29 (Kansas City to St. Joseph)
- US-65
- US-63

## Frequently Asked Questions
### What is Missouri's legal height limit?
Missouri allows a standard legal height of 14'0" statewide, and up to 15'0" within designated commercial zones (such as Greater St. Louis and Kansas City).

### How fast does MoDOT process a Missouri oversize permit?
Routine single-trip permits submitted via MoMCS are typically processed in 2–4 business hours. Superloads requiring bridge structural reviews take 3–5 business days.

### What are St. Louis and Kansas City rush hour curfews for wide loads?
Oversize vehicles cannot travel on St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan expressways between 6:30–9:00 AM and 4:00–6:30 PM on weekdays.

### What are Missouri pilot car escort triggers?
Missouri requires 1 escort for loads over 12'4" wide on 2-lane roads and over 14' wide on multi-lane highways. Loads over 90' long require an escort. Height over 15'6" requires a height pole.

## 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/missouri](https://www.alpinetruckservice.com/permits/missouri)