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Truck Weight Limits by State Transportation Reference Guide

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2026 state truck weight limit guide for commercial freight transportation

Federal Weight Rules, State Limits, Permit Guidance, and Heavy Haul Planning

Last Updated: July 2026

This guide summarizes common Interstate truck weight limits and state planning considerations. Always verify current permits, routes, bridge postings, and local restrictions with the appropriate authority before transport.

Federal baseline: 80,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight, 20,000 lbs. single axle, and 34,000 lbs. tandem axle. State exceptions may apply only to qualifying routes, facilities, commodities, or vehicle configurations.

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A sign giving weight limits based on truck and trailer type depending on the state laws

Federal Truck Weight Rules

A truck can remain below 80,000 lbs. and still be illegal because of axle weight, axle spacing, tire ratings, bridge postings, or permit conditions. The Federal Bridge Formula considers weight, axle count, and axle spacing.

Planning Levels

  • ● Standard
  • ● Additional
  • ● Advanced

Permit note for all states: Overweight permits may be available. Verify the exact route, vehicle configuration, bridge postings, seasonal restrictions, and permit conditions before departure.

State Index

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

● Alabama

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Manufacturing, steel, automotive. Watch for: Urban congestion and local bridge limits.

Top | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Alaska

At a glance: Route and configuration-specific rules apply.

Interstate GVW State rules Single State rules
Tandem State rules Planning Advanced

Common freight: Mining, oil field, construction. Watch for: Seasonal roads, weather, and remote routes.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Arizona

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Mining, construction, energy. Watch for: Heat, long distances, and route-specific rules.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Arkansas

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Agriculture, forestry, manufacturing. Watch for: Secondary-road bridge postings.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● California

At a glance: Permits and route reviews apply to qualifying loads.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Ports, agriculture, construction. Watch for: Urban limits, mountain passes, and clearances.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Colorado

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Mining, energy, construction. Watch for: Grades, tunnels, mountain passes, and weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Connecticut

At a glance: Grandfather provisions may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem 36,000* lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Manufacturing, distribution. Watch for: Older bridges and dense traffic.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Delaware

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Consumer goods, food, construction. Watch for: Wilmington traffic and bridge restrictions.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Florida

At a glance: Higher operations may apply on designated facilities.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Ports, agriculture, construction. Watch for: Metro traffic, hurricanes, and port congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Georgia

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Ports, automotive, manufacturing. Watch for: Atlanta and Savannah traffic.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Hawaii

At a glance: Island-specific commercial vehicle rules apply.

Interstate GVW State rules Single State rules
Tandem State rules Planning Advanced

Common freight: Retail, food, construction. Watch for: Local roadway and bridge limits.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Idaho

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Agriculture, lumber, mining. Watch for: Mountain terrain and route eligibility.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Illinois

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Steel, intermodal, food. Watch for: Chicago congestion and rail crossings.

Top | State Index | End of States →

Heavy haul truck transporting oversized freight across state highways

● Indiana

At a glance: Certain exceptions may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Steel, automotive, machinery. Watch for: Heavy Interstate traffic and construction.

Top | State Index | End of States →

● Iowa

At a glance: Higher operations may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Agriculture, wind energy, machinery. Watch for: Harvest traffic and local bridge limits.

Top | State Index | End of States →

● Kansas

At a glance: Higher operations may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Agriculture, energy, manufacturing. Watch for: Wind and designated-route requirements.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Kentucky

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Automotive, industrial, consumer goods. Watch for: Louisville and Lexington traffic.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Louisiana

At a glance: Permits are available for qualifying overweight loads.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Refinery, steel, port cargo. Watch for: Industrial corridors, bridges, and weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Maine

At a glance: Higher weights may apply under qualifying provisions.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single Varies*
Tandem Varies* Planning Additional

Common freight: Lumber, paper, construction. Watch for: Spring frost laws and seasonal limits.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Maryland

At a glance: State-specific allowances may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Port cargo, government, construction. Watch for: Baltimore and Washington congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Massachusetts

At a glance: Grandfather provisions may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem 36,000* lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Medical, technology, machinery. Watch for: Historic bridges and Boston traffic.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Michigan

At a glance: Higher weights may apply to multi-axle configurations.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. std. Single Config.
Tandem Config. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Automotive, steel, machinery. Watch for: Unique axle laws and state-line changes.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Minnesota

At a glance: Seasonal and state-specific rules may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Agriculture, mining, wind. Watch for: Spring restrictions and winter conditions.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Mississippi

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Forestry, agriculture, steel. Watch for: Secondary-road bridge postings.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Missouri

At a glance: Higher operations may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Agriculture, manufacturing, steel. Watch for: Route-specific higher-weight allowances.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Montana

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on designated routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. std. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Mining, agriculture, energy. Watch for: Long distances, mountains, and weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Nebraska

At a glance: Higher operations may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Agriculture, food, manufacturing. Watch for: Designated routes and bridge postings.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Nevada

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Mining, energy, construction. Watch for: Heat, remote corridors, and long distances.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● New Hampshire

At a glance: Grandfather provisions may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem 36,000* lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Manufacturing, construction. Watch for: Mountain terrain and winter weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● New Jersey

At a glance: State-specific allowances may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Ports, retail, consumer goods. Watch for: Dense traffic, bridges, and tunnels.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● New Mexico

At a glance: Higher axle allowances may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single Varies*
Tandem Varies* Planning Additional

Common freight: Energy, mining, construction. Watch for: Heat, remote routes, and service gaps.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● New York

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying facilities.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single Config.
Tandem Config. Planning Additional

Common freight: Consumer goods, food, machinery. Watch for: Parkways, bridges, and urban congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● North Carolina

At a glance: Grandfather provisions may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. std. Planning Additional

Common freight: Furniture, agriculture, ports. Watch for: Western grades and metro traffic.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● North Dakota

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on designated routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. std. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Energy, agriculture, wind. Watch for: Winter and seasonal road limits.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Ohio

At a glance: Higher operations may apply on qualifying facilities.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Steel, automotive, machinery. Watch for: Major-city freight congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Oklahoma

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Energy, agriculture, steel. Watch for: Wind and route-specific rules.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Oregon

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on designated routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Lumber, agriculture, machinery. Watch for: Mountain passes and seasonal weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Pennsylvania

At a glance: Permits and route reviews apply to qualifying loads.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Steel, energy, machinery. Watch for: Bridge postings, grades, and construction.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Rhode Island

At a glance: State-specific allowances may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem State-specific* Planning Additional

Common freight: Ports, construction, consumer goods. Watch for: Bridge limits and restricted urban routes.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● South Carolina

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Automotive, ports, steel. Watch for: Port traffic and coastal weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● South Dakota

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on designated routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. std. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Agriculture, wind, construction. Watch for: High winds and winter conditions.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Tennessee

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Standard

Common freight: Automotive, machinery, consumer goods. Watch for: Eastern grades and metro congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Texas

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Energy, construction, wind. Watch for: Long distances and urban congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Utah

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Mining, construction, energy. Watch for: Grades, elevation, and winter weather.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Vermont

At a glance: Seasonal and state-specific rules may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 22,400* lbs.
Tandem 36,000* lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Forestry, agriculture, manufacturing. Watch for: Spring restrictions and mountain roads.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Virginia

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Ports, defense, machinery. Watch for: Tunnels, bridges, and metro traffic.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Washington

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Ports, agriculture, lumber. Watch for: Mountain passes and port congestion.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● West Virginia

At a glance: Standard federal limits generally apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Mining, energy, forestry. Watch for: Grades, narrow roads, and bridge postings.

Top | State Index | Middle of States → | End of States →

● Wisconsin

At a glance: Seasonal and commodity provisions may apply.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Additional

Common freight: Dairy, agriculture, forestry. Watch for: Spring restrictions and local bridge limits.

Top | State Index | Middle of States →

● Wyoming

At a glance: Higher weights may apply on qualifying routes.

Interstate GVW 80,000 lbs. Single 20,000 lbs.
Tandem 34,000 lbs. Planning Advanced

Common freight: Energy, mining, agriculture. Watch for: Wind, winter closures, and remote corridors.

← Wisconsin | State Index | Top

Truck transporting heavy freight across state highways

Trailer Selection Guide

  • Dry van: Enclosed, dock-loaded freight.
  • Flatbed: Side, rear, or overhead loading.
  • Conestoga: Flatbed access with rolling-tarp protection.
  • Step deck: Added height clearance.
  • Double drop: Tall project cargo.
  • RGN or lowboy: Heavy equipment and drive-on loading.
  • Multi-axle: Weight distribution for heavy haul projects.

Learn more about Buchanan's specialized transportation and heavy haul services.

Freight Planning Checklists

Driver

  • Confirm gross and axle weights.
  • Review axle spacing, securement, permits, route, weather, and delivery details.

Dispatcher

  • Verify dimensions, weight, trailer, permits, route, escorts, and travel windows.

Shipper

  • Provide accurate weight, dimensions, center of gravity, loading method, photos, and site restrictions.

Resources

Check out our company overview ebrochures:

Contact us now to get more information
or to get a rate quote for your next project.

Buchanan Hauling & Rigging provides dry van and flatbed, expedited, specialized, heavy haul, and managed logistics services.

Sources and Verification

This guide is for general transportation planning and is not legal advice. It does not replace official laws, permits, route approvals, bridge postings, or agency instructions.

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Commercial truck crossing a bridge with legal weight calculations
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