Commercial Vehicle Services - Superload applications and permits
On this page:
Superload applications and permits
Source: WSDOT Commercial Vehicle Services Office
Note: Applications for project superload permits, such as an application to move multiple windmills to a windmill farm, may result in multiple permits being issued (one for each separate load).
Superload permits
Vehicle loads exceeding 125 feet long, 16 feet wide, 16 feet high or 200,000 pounds are considered superloads. Because of their size and the effects these loads can have on state highways and traffic, superloads require special approval from WSDOT before permits are issued. Approving superload permits can require analysis from region maintenance offices, bridge preservation, pavement preservation, and include specific travel conditions.
- Regular superload permits include single loads, such as an excavator or bulldozer.
- Project permits can include multiple larger loads, such as girders, or refinery or windmill components.
Performance analysis
2023
Superload applications decrease 43.8% in 2023
WSDOT issued 2,292 superload permits in 2023, a 43.8% decrease from the 4,077 issued in 2022. Regular superload permits decreased 18.7% from 599 in 2023 to 737 in 2022. Project superload (multiple) permits decreased 38.1% from 766 in 2022 to 474 in 2023. Multiple permits can be issued as part of a single application. The overall decrease is being linked to a drop in the number of windmill projects that were headed to Oregon through the ports of Longview and Vancouver.
2022
Superload applications increase 14% in 2022
WSDOT issued 4,077 superload permits in 2022, a 15% increase from the 3,535 issued in 2021.The number of superload applications increased 14% from 1,318 in 2021 to 1,503 in 2022.
Over the past five years, the number of superload permit applications increased by 34%, from 1,124 in 2018, while the number of superload permits issued increased 152%, from 1,616 in 2018. Multiple permits can be issued as part of a single application.
2021
Superload applications increase 3% in 2021
WSDOT issued 3,535 superload permits in 2021, a 7% decrease from the 3,785 issued in 2020 (refer to table below). The number of superload applications increased 3% from 1,284 in 2020 to 1,318 in 2021. From 2017 to 2021, the number of superload permit applications increased by 11%, from 1,186 to 1,318, while the number of superload permits issued increased 136%, from 1,495 to 3,535. Multiple permits can be issued as part of one application.
While project superloads (refer to box at left) continued to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of regular superloads decreased. In 2021, WSDOT received 806 regular superload permit applications—down 16% from an average of 927 regular superload permit applications received annually during the three-year span before the pandemic (2017-2019).
2020
Superload permits see 48% increase in 2020
WSDOT issued 3,785 superload permits,in 2020, a 48% increase from the 2,562 issued in 2019. Superload applications decreased 6% from 1,370 in 2019 to 1,284 permits in 2020. From 2016 to 2020, superload permit applications increased by 6%, from 1,213 to 1,284, while superload permits issued increased 85%, from 2,036 to 3,785.
While project superloads continued to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, regular superloads decreased. In 2020, WSDOT received 839 regular superload permit applications—down 13% from an average of 965 regular superload permit applications received annually during the four-year period prior to the pandemic (2016-2019)
2019
Superload permits see 58% increase in 2019
In 2019, WSDOT's Commercial Vehicle Services Division issued 2,562 superload permits, a 59% increase from the 1,616 issued in 2018. Superload applications increased 22% from 1,124 (which included 918 regular permits and 206 project permits) in 2018 to 1,370 (1,090 regular and 280 project) in 2019. Regular superload permits include single loads, such as an excavator or bulldozer, while project permits can include multiple larger loads, like girders, refineries or windmill components. From 2014 to 2019, superload permit applications increased by 12%, from 1,219 to 1,370, while superload permits issued increased 9%, from 2,360 to 2,562.
Loads exceeding 125 feet long, 16 feet wide, 16 feet high, or 200,000 pounds are considered superloads. Because of their size and the effect these loads can have on state highways and traffic, superloads require special analysis and time to review and their approvals include specific travel conditions.