Nebraska is home to a lot of firsts. It was the first place to serve the Reuben sandwich, the first place Buffalo Bill held his rodeo and it was the first state to complete its segment of the nation’s mainline Interstate Highway system (a 455-mile stretch of four-lane highway). If you find yourself driving an oversized load on this historic highway, you need an — and we can help.
At The Permit Company, we help you obtain oversize and overweight truck permits by working directly with state and local agencies on your behalf. If you have any questions about moving oversized loads through Nebraska or securing a permit, we have the answers.
1. How long are oversize permits valid for in Nebraska?
Single-trip permits are valid for 10 travel days.
2. What are the legal dimensions for loads in Nebraska?
The legal limits in Nebraska are as follows:
- Gross weight: 80,000 lbs. on designated highways, 95,000 lbs. on all other roads*
- Width: 8’6” on all roads
- Height: 14’6” on all roads
- Length: 40’ for single units and buses on all roads; 53’ for semi-trailers on all roads; 65’ for twins and doubles on designated highways and 65’ overall length on all other roads; 53’ for autotransporters on all roads; 95’ overall for Rocky Mountain doubles on designated highways (not allowed on other roads)**; turnpike doubles not allowed on any roads; 105’ overall for triples on designated highways (not allowed on other roads)***; and 65’ for saddle mounts on all roads).
*Federal Bridge Formula applies.
**Rocky Mountain doubles are considered extra-long vehicle combinations. The shorter trailer shall be located at the rear.
***Triples are considered extra-long vehicle combinations. Trailers must be approximately the same length, and the shorter trailer must be located at the rear and be empty. The staging area must be located within six miles of the designated highway system. Permits are $250 annually. Movement is allowed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. No weekend or holiday travel is allowed. Drivers must have insurance on file in the amount of no less than $1,000,000 combined single liability.
3. What are the permit limits for loads in Nebraska?
The routine-issue permit limits in Nebraska are as follows:
- Weight:
- Single: 20,000 lbs.
- Tandem: 40,000 lbs.
- Tridem: 60,000 lbs.
- Quad: 70,000 lbs.
- Gross weight: 160,000 lbs.; Federal Bridge Formula applies
- Length: 100’; if the vehicle is more than 85’ long on the interstate highway, a light bar must be affixed to the rear of the trailer.
- Width: 16′
- Height: 16’
If the load exceeds any of these dimensions or weights, refer to the section on superloads.
Must be registered to haul more than 80,000 lbs. The maximum weight the state allows you to
register your IRP cab card is 94,000 lbs. Contact your IRP base state to increase your weight.
4. Is continuous travel allowed for oversize permits in Nebraska?
Travel is permitted seven days a week, one half hour before sunrise until one half hour after sunset.
Travel is restricted on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
5. When are escorts needed in Nebraska?
Note: Rear escorts must maintain a minimum distance of 300′ from the rear of the oversized or overweight vehicle.
On all state highway systems:
- One escort is needed for widths of more than 12’ except for mobile homes or modulars.*
- One escort is needed for lengths of more than 100’ depending on route and load.*
- One front escort is needed for heights of more than 14’6” depending on route and load.
- One front escort with a height pole and pre-route survey is needed for heights of more than 16′.
*On the interstate or four-lane divided highway, a light bar attachment may be allowed in lieu of an escort. The vehicle must have oversize signs on the front and/or rear of the vehicle, four 16″ red flags on four vehicle corners, two 6″ revolving amber lights at the rear and one revolving amber light on top of the tractor.
The Department of Roads reserves the right to require an escort vehicle for the front and rear of vehicles or loads at any time it determines it necessary for safety purposes.
Mobile homes on the interstate or defense highway:
- One rear escort is needed for widths of 14’ to 16’ unless the unit has properly affixed lights.
Mobile homes on the state highway system (non-four-lane highways):
- One rear escort is needed for widths of 14’ to 16’.
6. What is a superload in Nebraska?
Loads 16′ wide, 16′ high, 100′ long and 160,000 lbs. are considered superloads. Loads more than 16′ high need a route survey. Drawings must accompany the request, showing axle spacing weights. Please allow two to five days for approval.
If you need help in getting an oversize permit in Nebraska or have a question about permits in any other states, give us a call at (800) 359-9407 or send us an email.