Trucking Permits

The Massachusetts Turnpike and the Metropolitan Highway System are primary arteries for trucking companies in Massachusetts. In 1997, trucks accounted for 13 percent of the vehicle miles on the Massachusetts Turnpike and 5 percent of the vehicle miles on the Boston Extension in the Metropolitan Highway System.

In addition to the pilot car requirements as specified in 730 CMR 7.06 (4)(d), an over-size vehicle, with its load, that is higher than 13 feet 9 inches, wider than 12 feet, or longer than 100 feet, or weighing more than 130,000 lbs., must be escorted by a motor vehicle of the Massachusetts State Police.  Any such vehicle that is wider than 15 feet or longer than 135 feet must be escorted by two motor vehicles of the Massachusetts State Police.

For information on permits and regulations regarding trucking on the MassPike, the Boston Extension and in the Sumner/Callahan and Ted Williams tunnels, call (781) 431-5148; fax, (781) 431-5014. Permits are available at the John Driscoll Building, 668 South Avenue in Weston, Monday thru Friday 7:00 AM till 4:00 PM.

Special Hauling Permit

There is no fee for a Special Hauling Permit for vehicles that are under the following restrictions:

12' 0" Wide Load Banner & Flags (see Additional Requirements below)
13' 9" Height
99,000 lbs. Max
100' Long (Up to 80' long no escort is needed, see Additional Requirements below)

If your vehicle exceeds the above restrictions, there is a $350.00 fee for the permit and you may require a State Police escort.  A copy of a check payable to The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority must accompany the application.

Additional Requirements:

Requirements for vehicles over 80' long:
One private escort is required for vehicles from 80'1" to 85'
Two private escorts are required for vehicles from 85'1" to 100'

Requirements for vehicles traveling in the tunnels:
Wide Loads from 8'6" to 12' must have private escort(s)

You may download the application for Special Hauling Permit as a PDF (53KB) or a RTF (70KB) file.

Please fax the application to (781) 431-5014 or return the application to:

Massachusetts Turnpike Authority
John Driscoll Building
668 South Avenue
Weston, MA  02493
Attn.: Permit Department

Tandem Trailer Trucks

Tandem trailer trucks are allowed on both the MassPike and the Boston Extension. To facilitate the use of tandems, the Turnpike Authority maintains four tandem trailer parking lots between Springfield and Weston.

However, no large tandem trailers are allowed past the tandem trailer lot in Weston at Interchange 14.

Small tandem trailers are allowed on the Boston Extension from that point to I-93 in downtown Boston.

No tandem trailers of any size are allowed inside the Sumner/Callahan and Ted Williams tunnels.