Permits for Transporting Heavy Equipment in New York

1. What Counts as Heavy Equipment Requiring a Permit?

In New York, if your truck and its load exceed state legal size or weight limits, you need special permits before transport. This includes large machinery like bulldozers, cranes, excavators, modular homes, transformers, or self-propelled construction equipment.

States set legal limits for trucks without permits. Anything beyond those — size or weight — typically triggers permitting requirements:

• Width over ~8.5 ft

• Height over ~13.5 ft

• Weight over 80,000 lbs GVW

• Length over standard limits
  These limits may vary slightly depending on local jurisdictions (e.g., NYC vs. statewide).

2. Key Permit Types for Heavy Equipment

 Special Hauling (Oversize/Overweight) Permits

These are the core permits for transporting heavy, indivisible loads — meaning you cannot break the load down without harming its value or requiring more than 8 hours of work to disassemble.
Examples: a large excavator or a modular building.

• Issued by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) through their permitting system.

• Valid for transporting one piece/item at a time.

• If the item can be legally broken down, you may need a different permit or none at all.

•  These permits often require proof of:

• Oversize dimensions or overweight status

• USDOT number and vehicle registration

• Insurance coverage

• Route plan and sometimes special escorts depending on size/weight

Important note: Permits from NYSDOT are valid only on highways under their jurisdiction — local roads and NYC streets require separate local permits.

 Divisible Load Overweight Permits

If your load can be legally divided or reduced but still causes overweight conditions, NYSDOT offers divisible load overweight permits. These allow overweight transport if the cargo meets legal dimension requirements.

This may apply when multiple smaller pieces are moved together without oversize dimension issues.

 NYC Specific and Local Permits

If transporting within or through NYC, you might need:

• Daily Over-Dimensional Permits for oversize vehicles within city limits.

• Special Handling Permits for weights over 80,000 lbs on certain bridges or tunnels (MTA structures).

Local jurisdictions (counties, cities) may also have their own hauling permits and requirements — always check before routing.

3. How to Apply

NYSDOT Permits

• Applications are submitted online through https://newyorktruckingonline.com

• You must have a customer account and often pre-fund permit fees.

• Paper, fax, or mail submissions are possible for certain permit types.

NYC Permits

• Apply directly with https://newyorktruckingonline.com

4. Travel Rules & Restrictions

• Permits may include specific routes you must follow.

• Restrictions can apply for time of day, holidays, or peak traffic hours.

• Some oversized or superloads require pilot/escort vehicles or even state police escorts under certain conditions.

5. Why It Matters

Operating a heavy equipment transport without the right permits can result in:

• Fines and citations

• Routes blocked or transportation delayed

• Increased liability if infrastructure is damaged

Proper permitting ensures legal compliance and safer transport across New York roads.

Summary: What You Need

Permits for Transporting Heavy Equipment in New York