Nebraska Oversize/Overweight Permits

NDOT Permit System

Nebraska Department of Transportation handles all oversize/overweight permits through their online system. The process is straightforward, and Nebraska offers some of the most generous single-trip permit durations in the region.

Permit Types

The 10-Day Single-Trip Advantage

Nebraska’s 10-day single-trip permit is notably generous compared to neighboring states:

That 10-day window gives substantial flexibility for loads that might face delays due to weather, equipment issues, or scheduling changes. It is particularly valuable in winter when I-80 closures can eat multiple days of travel time.

Weight Limits

Standard Limits

Permitted Overweight Limits

The 95,000 lb interstate maximum is generous for permitted loads. Bridge ratings on state highways may restrict weights further — the permit system routes around weight-limited bridges automatically.

Tridem Note

Nebraska’s 42,000 lb tridem limit is lower than neighboring Kansas and Ohio (both 48,000 lb). If you are running a tridem configuration at 48,000 lb in Kansas and crossing into Nebraska, you exceed the legal limit and need a permit. This catches carriers who assume uniform Midwest weight standards.

Dimensional Limits

Nebraska’s dimensional limits are standard for the region. Kansas has more generous height (14 ft) and trailer length (59.5 ft) limits, so loads legal in Kansas may need permits in Nebraska.

The 25 MPH Wind Restriction

Overdimensional loads are prohibited when winds exceed 25 mph. This is the single most important permit restriction in Nebraska.

What This Means Practically

Nebraska experiences sustained winds above 25 mph frequently, especially:

• Western Nebraska (I-80 from North Platte to Wyoming): high wind events are common November through April
• Open prairie sections statewide: no terrain windbreaks
• Spring wind season (March-May): gusts can exceed 50 mph

For oversize haulers, this wind restriction can shut down operations for days at a time. Plan schedules with weather contingency built in. A 10-day permit helps absorb weather delays that would expire a 5-day permit.

Checking Wind Conditions

• 511.nebraska.gov: Real-time wind data by corridor
• National Weather Service: Wind forecasts and advisories
• NDOT permit office: Can provide guidance on current conditions

Emergency Permits

Nebraska offers emergency permits for urgent shipments that cannot wait for standard processing:

Emergency permits do not waive the 25 mph wind restriction. Even urgent loads must stop when winds are too high for overdimensional travel.

Route Restrictions

NDOT permit routes account for:

• Bridge weight and clearance ratings
• Construction zones that may block oversize passage
• Road surface conditions (especially relevant during spring thaw)
• Wind exposure areas (though this is advisory, not route-restricted)

Route deviation is a violation. If your permitted route is blocked, contact NDOT for a route amendment before taking an alternate path.

Agricultural Oversize

Nebraska’s agricultural economy generates oversize loads including:

• Farm equipment moves (combines, headers, planters)
• Wind energy components (tower sections, blades, nacelles)
• Hay bale loads exceeding standard height

Agricultural equipment moves are common on Nebraska highways, especially during planting (March-May) and harvest (September-November) seasons. These moves require oversize permits when dimensions exceed standard limits.

Comparison with Neighboring States

Nebraska’s generous permit duration and interstate weight maximum are advantages. The wind restriction and lower tridem limit are the trade-offs.

For insurance coverage on oversize/overweight operations in Nebraska, contact RMS at (208) 800-0640.