Moving loads that exceed legal size and weight limits on Mississippi highways requires a permit from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). This guide covers MDOT permit types, dimension thresholds, escort requirements, and route considerations for heavy haul transport in Meridian, MS.

Mississippi Legal Limits: When Does a Load Need a Permit?

All vehicles and loads that exceed established over-dimensional size and weight limitations traveling on state-maintained roads and bridges require a permit.

Mississippi's maximum legal dimensions without a permit are: 53-foot trailer length (99-foot overall), 8-foot-6-inch width, 13-foot-6-inch height, and 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Single axle limits are 20,000 pounds, tandem axle limits are 34,000 pounds, and tridem axle limits are 42,000 pounds. Any load exceeding these numbers requires an MDOT oversize permit.

What Types of MDOT Permits Apply to Oversized Loads?

MDOT issues single trip permits for one-time movements, multi-trip permits for carriers making several oversized trips within specified timeframes, and annual permits for frequent oversized haulers. A general single-trip permit covers non-divisible loads for a period not to exceed three consecutive days.

For the largest moves, a Super Load Permit is required when any one of four thresholds is exceeded: overall width more than 17 feet, overall length more than 121 feet, overall height more than 15 feet 7 inches, or gross weight at or above 189,999 pounds.

Daylight movement permits allow gross weights up to 180,000 pounds but restrict movement to daylight hours only.

Applying for an MDOT Permit: What You Need

Mississippi oversize permit applications require complete vehicle specifications including make, model, and VIN; exact load dimensions; detailed routing with specific highways; anticipated travel dates and times; and insurance documentation. Carrier credentials including motor carrier authority and DOT number are verified during review.

MDOT's online Express Pass system routes each load to avoid low-clearance bridges, low weight conditions, and other restrictions. Applications should be submitted well before the planned move. Complicated loads requiring route surveys or utility coordination may need additional lead time. Choosing the right heavy haul transport provider before this stage helps ensure specifications are submitted accurately.

Escort Vehicle Requirements in Mississippi

Loads exceeding 95 feet in length require one escort vehicle; those over 105 feet need two. For loads over 13 feet in width, one escort is required, and loads exceeding 16 feet need two escorts. Night travel for loads over 10 feet wide also requires an escort.



Escort vehicles must be equipped with a flashing or revolving amber light, two warning flags, an oversize load sign, and two-way radio communication with the towing vehicle. On a two-lane roadway, the escort leads; on a divided highway, the escort follows.

Travel Time Restrictions and Holiday Blackouts

Operating hours for oversize loads are one half-hour after sunrise until one half-hour before sunset, Monday through Saturday. Sunday travel is not permitted unless the permit specifically includes 24-hour movement.

Movement is prohibited after 12:00 p.m. on days preceding or on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.



Overwidth loads cannot move during inclement weather, including any time there is insufficient light to render persons or vehicles clearly discernible at 500 feet, or when pavement conditions, winds, or other weather constitute hazardous travel.

The I-20/I-59 Corridor and Meridian Route Considerations

Meridian sits at one of Mississippi's most significant freight crossroads, where I-59 meets I-20 and the two routes are co-signed for the remainder of their length through the state. However, not every bridge and roadway segment along this corridor can handle the same loads. Mississippi has posted bridges where all oversize loads are prohibited, which the routing must account for.

Height-sensitive moves require particular attention along urban portions of the corridor, where overhead utilities and bridge clearances vary. Haulers connecting to Lauderdale County roads or US-45 should confirm local restrictions before finalizing a route plan. Working with a heavy haul transport provider familiar with MDOT's Express Pass routing tool can help avoid costly surprises. Visit the oversized load hauling services page for details on what an experienced local team can handle.

Cullum Construction has been serving the Meridian, MS, area with dependable heavy haul transport for construction equipment, machinery, and commercial materials across Mississippi. Their drivers understand permit requirements, route analysis, and the specific demands of the I-20/I-59 corridor.

To get started, contact the team directly or call (601) 350-0145. You can also find Cullum Construction on Google to read reviews and get directions.