Oversize/Overweight (OSOW)

Why did my route change after I entered via points?

This may occur due to a system error. If the origin uses an on-system road, then the system will not recognize any via points that are entered. You may fix this by using the “On-System Road Lat/Lon” as the point of origin, then enter any via points.

Note: All permits submitted to Indiana’s OSOW permitting team requires the team perform “Validate and Run.” Via points will not remain in the application, and the system will automatically revert to routing without the via points.

Can I get a return route?

• Return routes are allowed if the travel is within the state of Indiana.
• Return routes or split trips used as return routes are not allowed to/from a border crossing.

To generate a return route, select the “Return Route” checkbox on the “Enter a Route” page. Select “Validate and Run” and the system will attempt to generate the route from your entered destination back to your origin.

If your origin or destination is on a divided road, you will need to change the direction of travel for the route to generate correctly. Select “Lat/Lon,” then “Find on Map” for the route to generate correctly.

Note: Select “Validate and Run” on each segment, one at a time, before entering the return route or a split trip. Always select “Validate and Run” after each change to finalize the change.

Am I entering Crated Items correctly?

For any loads that are being transported in a crate, Indiana requires information about the crate and the load within. For your crated load, do not select “Non-Divisible,” since a crate and the item(s) in the crate are divisible. Instead, select “Crated” as the “Method of Loading (How Loaded)” and then complete the Crated Items list.

The Crated Items list will require:

• The crate’s contents (must specify exactly what is in the crate)
• The reason it needs to be crated
• The dimensions of the load itself (this must include the height, length, width, and weight)
• The dimensions of the load after it is crated (this must include the height, length, width, and weight of the piece including the crate to determine how much dimension is being added by the crate)
• The type of crate used

A Divisible Load Permit, also known as Overweight Commody Permit, is available under certain circumstances for loads that would be hauled at legal weight if divided.

Under Indiana Code (IC) 9-13-2-120.7, an “overweight divisible load” is considered a tractor-semitrailer and load that:

1. can be traditionally separated or reduced to meet the specified regulatory limits for weight;
2. meet other requirements for height, length, and width; and
3. have a gross vehicle weight of more than eighty thousand (80,000) pounds but a gross vehicle weight of not more than one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) pounds.

An Ocean-Sealed Container is not considered a Divisible Load and is only available for an Annual Ocean-Sealed Permit.

To see if your Divisible Load may be permitted, contact MCS at 317-615-7200, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET.

To obtain Special Weight Permits, you must register your Special Weight vehicles. Review the special weight route information before applying for your special weight vehicle registration.

To register your vehicle:

1. Log in to your OSOW online service account and select “Special Weight Vehicle Registration.”
2. Select the year you are registering for and add your vehicle information, include the full Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
3. After adding all your vehicles, you must pay the $25 registration fee before any Special Weight Permits can be ordered.

After registering all your vehicles, you will need to renew your Special Weight Registration annually. You can also add, edit, or delete vehicles at any time at no additional cost.

A permit that is issued for a sealed ocean container is valid for one year. Once the driver has paid $800 for the permit, they must follow these provisions:

• The container is sealed at the place of origin and has not been opened except by an agent of the federal government that may inspect the contents and is being transported to and from a distribution facility.
• Ocean containers cannot exceed 53 feet (trailer and load) in length with a tractor-trailer hook-up, 60 feet overall in length with a truck-trailer hook-up, 8 feet, 6 inches in width, 13 feet, 6 inches overall in height, and weigh 95,000 pounds.

Carriers can apply for Sealed Ocean Container permits online. Separate permits must be ordered for each truck.

Tractor/Trailer – a standard semi unit connected by a fifth wheel.

This combo is overlength if the trailer exceeds 53 feet.

Truck/Trailer – a straight truck or pickup truck with a trailer, not connected by a fifth wheel.

This combo cannot be permitted if the overall length is more than 60 feet.

Truck/Trailer with Fifth Wheel – a truck with the bed removed and a fifth wheel installed. This type of vehicle is often referred to as a “hot shot.”

This combo can be permitted if the overall length is more than 60 feet.

Self-Propelled – a single vehicle that is still oversized or overweight. Examples include a crane, boom truck, or fire truck.

Other/Towed – a vehicle combination with freight that has wheels and is towed behind a tractor or truck. Examples include mobile home, mobile office, or empty oversized trailer.

If you need to make a change to a permit that has already been issued, you may have the option to select two types of amendments. This option is only available within 72 hours of the permit start date. Not all permit types are amendable.

Self Service Amend – Select this type if you need to:

• extend the date of the permit
• change the middle of the route (if there are no restrictions)
• change the vehicle information

Request Amend – Select this type if you need to:

• change the origin or destination
• change the axle weights or spacings
• change the plate
• change the tractor
• move the start date to an earlier date
• increase/decrease weight

When requesting, provide all relevant information in the “Note” section. This allows Indiana’s OSW team to complete the amendment correctly.

An exemption to permitting may apply to some situations:

• A vehicle engaged in the construction of highways, when the movement of the vehicle is confined to highways, roads, or sections that are under construction and not yet open to the public. The only exception to this would be if the authority having jurisdiction over the construction of a public highway gives notice that a permit is needed.
• Machinery or equipment used in highway construction or maintenance by INDOT, or by Indiana counties or municipalities
• Implements of agriculture when used during farming operations or when constructed that the implements can be moved without material damage to highways
• The width or height of a farm vehicle loaded with a farm product. This includes a truck hauling unprocessed tobacco leaf
• Fire-fighting apparatus owned or operated by a political subdivision or volunteer fire company
• The movement of a disabled vehicle or combination of vehicles for a distance that does not exceed 50 highway miles by a registered recovery vehicle or by a vehicle described in IC 9-18.1-6-5 is exempt from the dimension and weight limits as stated

RVs (all classes including travel trailers and fifth wheels) may not exceed 45 feet in length; 8 feet, 6 inches in width; or 13 feet, 6 inches in height. The width must not exceed beyond manufacturer-installed rearview mirrors on the motorhome or tow vehicle. This may be less than 8 feet, 6 inches.

Maximum motor home length is 45 feet.

Total length including the vehicle, trailer, or other towable may not exceed 60 feet (excluding boat transporters).

If your RV exceeds any of the dimensions listed above, contact MCS at IndianaOSW@dor.in.gov or 317-615-7200 for assistance.