Special Hauling Permits (SHP) in New York

Nov. 21, 2025, 7:12 p.m.
New York requires Special Hauling Permits (SHP) for vehicles or loads that exceed the state’s standard legal size and weight limits. Issued by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), these permits ensure that oversize or overweight freight moves safely while protecting the state’s roads, bridges, and infrastructure. Below is a complete, easy-to-understand guide to how SHPs work, what loads qualify, and what carriers need to know before operating in New York.
Special Hauling Permits (SHP) in New York

What Is a Special Hauling Permit (SHP)?

A Special Hauling Permit authorizes a commercial motor vehicle to operate on New York highways when it exceeds one or more of the following:

  • Width: Over 8 ft 6 in

  • Height: Over 13 ft 6 in

  • Length: Over 40–65 ft (depending on configuration)

  • Weight: Over 80,000 lbs gross or axle group limits

Any oversize or overweight move in NY typically requires an SHP.

Types of Special Hauling Permits in New York

1. Single-Trip Special Hauling Permit

For one-time movements from point A to point B.

Common for:

  • Construction equipment

  • Industrial machinery

  • Oversize beams or components

2. Annual Special Hauling Permit

Valid for 12 months and used for repetitive movements on approved routes.

Typical users:

  • Utility companies

  • Heavy-equipment carriers

  • Repetitive-load haulers

3. New York Thruway SHP

A separate permit required specifically for the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA) system.

Note: An NYSDOT SHP does not cover the Thruway.

4. NYC Special Hauling Permits

Issused by NYCDOT for oversize/overweight movement within New York City.

NYC has stricter:

  • Width limits

  • Bridge clearances

  • Nighttime and weekend travel rules

Legal Limits Without a Permit

Maximum Legal Dimensions (NY Statewide)

  • Width: 8'6"

  • Height: 13'6"

  • Length:

    • Straight truck: 40 ft

    • Truck + trailer: 65 ft max

    • Semitrailer: 53 ft (with route restrictions)

Maximum Legal Weight

  • 80,000 lbs gross weight

  • Axle weights must comply with NY bridge formula limits

Exceeding any of these requires an SHP.

Key Requirements for an SHP

When applying, carriers must provide:

  • Vehicle type and configuration

  • Axle weights and spacing

  • Total weight (for overweight loads)

  • Overall dimensions: height, width, length, and overhang

  • Load type (divisible or non-divisible)

  • Origin and destination

  • Exact route or requested routing

  • USDOT number and insurance details

Non-divisible loads are generally eligible; divisible loads have strict limitations.

Pilot Car / Escort Requirements

New York has specific thresholds for requiring escorts:

  • Width over 12 ft → usually 1 pilot car

  • Width over 14 ft → 2 pilot cars

  • Height over 14 ft → often requires a route survey

  • Extreme length → rear escort may be required

NY pilot car certifications and equipment standards must be followed.

Travel Restrictions

Oversize and overweight loads face travel limitations:

  • No travel during major holidays

  • Travel often restricted to daylight hours

  • NYC has additional night restrictions

  • Thruway rules may differ from NYSDOT rules

Weather may also impact operations—wind and visibility conditions are strictly enforced.

Route Surveys

For over-height loads, New York may require:

  • Utility clearances

  • Low-bridge checks

  • On-site inspections

  • Certified route surveys

New York has many low-clearance bridges (especially in NYC and Long Island), so height compliance is critical.

How to Apply for a Special Hauling Permit

Carriers can apply through:

1. NYSDOT Special Hauling Permit System

  • Online permit ordering

  • Route selection

  • Annual permit management

2. Permit Service Companies

Third-party services may apply on your behalf.

3. New York Thruway Authority

Separate application required for Thruway travel.

4. NYC DOT

Separate system required for any movement within NYC limits.

Penalties for Violations

Operating oversize or overweight in New York without a valid SHP can result in:

  • Heavy fines

  • Vehicle detainment

  • Mandatory offloading

  • Route restrictions

  • Possible denial of future permits

New York enforces its oversize rules aggressively.

Summary

A Special Hauling Permit (SHP) is essential for any oversize or overweight load traveling through New York. Because NY has some of the strictest dimension and routing rules in the U.S.—especially in NYC—carriers must understand permit types, escort rules, travel restrictions, and how state, Thruway, and city permits differ.