FAQ & everything you never wanted to know about Boston oversized load permitting.

 
 

Here we try to address a few of the challenges in arranging City of Boston oversized transport & trucking permits:

 

Where can i find the boston regulations on oversized and/or overweight permits?

We’ve been looking for regulations since we started in 2004. To our knowledge, there are no posted regulations, guidelines, nor best-practices available from the City of Boston. No information can be found on the City’s website.

do i even need a boston oversized permit?

Based on our of experience, if your load exceeds a length of 80′, a width 8′-6″, a height: 13′-6″ and a gross weight of 80,000 pounds - you need this permit.

what are the risks of proceeding without a permit?

A standard condition on all permits this a requirement to have a POLICE escort (commonly referred to as a police “detail” in Massachusetts) . If you’re found within the City of Boston with an oversized load without a police escort you will, in all likelihood, be pulled over and inspected.

will the city accept my state route survey or do i really need a boston-specific route survey?

It must be a Boston-only certified survey. The BTD traffic engineers do not want to see anything mentioning roadways outside the City’s boundaries.

What do you know about the police escort?

As we understand it, your state escort is now allowed to enter the City with your loads - using your City permit. This is pleasant change as previously, you could only use a Boston City Police escort.

are you qualified to create a certified route survey?

No. We contract this out to a qualified third-party route surveying company.

Your company provided a permit to us a few years back, what’s changed?

In 2018 we were told by the Boston Transportation Department permit the following:

These are “a highly technical permit involving weight calculations and routing that Permit Puller cannot answer questions on due to the technical nature of the request and my Engineers review - The Transport Company or the General Contractor will be the only persons authorized to apply for these permits.”

Can I apply for the permit online somewhere or faxed down in advance? and what about an application document?

No, the permit must be applied for in person at Boston City Hall. And no, there is no known application document.

What does the permit actually cost?

$50 application base fee plus $20 per load.

what’s the normal turnaround for a bonding and the route survey?

Bonding can usually happen same-day. We even deliver the bond certificate to the City of Boston Department of Public Works for you.

The certified route survey takes longer. Usually with 1-3 business days. It really depend on the availability of the survey company and if they have previous knowledge of the route you’re seeking.