If you are getting ready to start a new trucking business, you will need to learn a lot of things, especially things such as the overweight permits. To help you better understand the ins and outs of this type of permit, you will want to keep reading.

1. Know Your Load Weight

The standard weight allowed for a semi-truck is 80,000 pounds. If your truck is going to weigh much more than that, then you will need to go obtain an overweight permit. Even if the weight is over by just a little bit, you will want to make sure that you are not skipping out on that permit. Trying to sneak some extra weight without a permit could cause you to get large fines that you will have to pay.

2. Determine The Number You Need

If your truck is going to be crossing state lines with an oversized load, then you have to make sure that you are getting an overweight permit for each state that you will be traveling through. Just make sure that you are mapping out your planned trip so you do not miss any states. Getting pulled over in a state without the proper overweight permits can cause you to end up with massive fines. They might not allow your truck to travel any further through the state until the proper permits are received. This could drastically delay your deliveries, which in turn could cost you some customers. It's better to pay for as many overweight permits that you need instead of losing high-paying customers.

3. Don't Lose Them

It is important to make sure that the drivers of your trucks know that they need to have proof of their permits at all times. They never know when they could end up getting stopped, especially as an obviously overweight truck. Store all of them together in a clean compartment that they will always be able to reach with ease.

For more information about overweight permits, you will want to contact your local state road department. These services should be able to direct you to the exact permits that you need, as well as any other information that you should have to drive your trucks on the roads safely. Remember, some states might take a few days to get back to you, so you will want to get this process started as soon as possible.