How Brokers and Dispatchers Can Apply for New York Permits

Dec. 8, 2025, 8:33 p.m.
Brokers and dispatchers often handle the paperwork and routing prep for carriers moving freight into or through New York. Because New York has some of the most complex permitting regulations in the country—especially if a load goes anywhere near NYC—understanding how to properly apply for permits is essential to keep trucks compliant and avoid delays or fines. Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through how brokers and dispatchers can apply for New York permits on behalf of carriers.
Apply for New York Permits

1. Know Which New York Permit You Need

Before submitting anything, determine the type of permit required. The most common trucking permits in New York include:

Statewide (NYSDOT) Permits

  • Oversize/Overweight (OS/OW) Trip Permits

  • Superload Permits

  • 10-Day Trip Permits (for non-IRP vehicles)

NYC DOT Permits

  • NYC Oversize/Overweight Permits

  • NYC Annual Permits

  • Night Travel & Restricted Route Permits

Other Required Authorizations

  • HUT (Highway Use Tax) Permit

  • Thruway Authority OS/OW Permits

  • Escort Vehicle Requirements

As a broker/dispatcher, you need to confirm:

  • The vehicle’s registration type (IRP or not)

  • Axle weights, spacing, and dimensions

  • The exact pickup, delivery, and travel route

2. Gather Required Information from the Carrier

Before applying, collect all details needed on New York permit applications:

  • Truck and trailer license plate numbers

  • VIN and unit numbers

  • Overall length, width, height, and weight

  • Axle weights and axle spacing

  • Carrier name, USDOT, MC, and contact info

  • Load description and commodity type

  • Pickup/delivery locations and proposed route

Missing even one detail can cause delays.

3. Create an NYSDOT OS/OW Permit Account

To apply for oversize/overweight permits, brokers and dispatchers must use:

New York State “New York Permit System (NYPS)”

Register here as a permit service or third-party applicant.

Once registered, you can:

  • Apply for single-trip permits

  • Apply for superload permits

  • Request revisions

  • Check permit status

  • Save carrier profiles for repeat use

4. Applying for Oversize/Overweight State Permits

When applying through NYSDOT:

  1. Log into the NYPS system.

  2. Select Single Trip, Superload, or Route Review, depending on the load.

  3. Enter all unit and load data.

  4. Enter the route (the system may modify it).

  5. Upload any required documentation.

  6. Pay the permit fee.

Important:
Superloads (usually 160,000+ lbs or extremely large dimensions) require engineering review and can take several days.

5. Applying for NYC DOT Permits (For Loads Entering New York City)

If the carrier is entering NYC (especially Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens), you must use the:

NYC DOT OCMC Permit Portal

Here, you can apply for:

  • NYC Single-Trip OS/OW Permits

  • Night Move Permits

  • Weekend Restrictions

  • NYC Annual Permits

NYC has some of the strictest size/weight rules in the country. Oversize loads may be restricted to:

  • Nighttime hours

  • Specific bridges or tunnels

  • Certain streets or boroughs

Never assume a statewide permit covers NYC—it does not.

6. Thruway Authority Permits (If Using I-87 / I-90)

If the truck uses the New York Thruway:

  • A separate Thruway OS/OW permit is required.

  • You can apply through the NY Thruway Authority’s permit system.

The Thruway maintains its own size/weight rules and reviews routes independently of NYSDOT.

7. HUT (Highway Use Tax) Permit for Carriers

If your carrier is not exempt, you may need to assist them with:

  • HUT Certificate of Registration

  • Decal

This is done through the NYS Department of Taxation.

HUT applies to most commercial vehicles over 18,000 pounds operating in New York.

8. Pay Attention to New York Restrictions

Brokers and dispatchers must understand key NY restrictions:

  • No oversize travel during major holidays

  • NYC often requires night-only moves

  • Many oversize loads cannot use parkways

  • Weather restrictions apply (wind, ice, snow)

These details affect delivery windows and driver scheduling.

9. Keep Permits and Documentation With the Driver

Once issued:

  • Email permits to the carrier/driver

  • Attach route maps and conditions

  • Highlight restrictions that must be followed

New York enforcement is strict, and fines for non-compliance can be high.

10. Best Practices for Brokers & Dispatchers

  • Always verify measurements (don’t rely on verbal estimates)

  • Double-check NYC borough restrictions

  • Confirm if escort vehicles are required

  • Use NYPS saved profiles for faster applications

  • Keep a log of all permits issued

  • Plan New York routes ahead of time—NY approvals can be slower than other states