If you’re an owner-operator in Texas hauling aggregate materials, chances are you’ve heard of a Statewide Overweight Permit — and if you haven’t, now’s the time to learn. This permit isn’t optional for many loads; it’s an essential part of staying legal and avoiding costly fines.
The Texas Statewide Overweight Permit allows trucks to legally carry heavier loads on certain roads without violating axle or gross weight limits, as long as they meet specific guidelines.
Without it:
You may be fined at roadside inspections
You risk delays and possibly being turned away from plants or quarries
Many aggregate hauls involve heavy materials like limestone, sand, gravel, or rip rap, which can easily push your truck over the standard legal limit for:
Axle weight
Gross vehicle weight
Having this permit means:
Less risk of overweight citations
Access to more work opportunities (many customers require it)
Peace of mind on every haul
And here’s the big one: More revenue.
With a Statewide Overweight Permit, you can legally haul an additional 4,000 pounds per trip. Here’s what that looks like over the course of a year:
2 extra tons per trip
3 trips per day = 6 extra tons per day
230 working days in a year
Average haul rate = $19 per ton
That adds up to roughly $26,220 per year in additional revenue. For simplicity, call it $25,000 in extra income every year — just by having the permit.
Validity: 1 year from the issue date
Weight Limit: Typically covers up to 84,000 pounds gross (depending on axle configuration)
Route: Applies to Texas state highways, farm-to-market roads, and certain city streets except interstates or posted load-restricted bridges
Vehicle Type: Must be registered and insured properly
Apply Online
Visit the Texas DMV Motor Carrier Permit Portal:
TxDMV Overweight Permit Page
Prepare Your Information
Vehicle identification details (VIN, license plate)
Truck registration info
Insurance proof
Pay the Fee
Current annual fee: $4,000 for the year (subject to change)
Print and Carry Your Permit
Always keep a copy in your truck.
Your truck must still comply with bridge laws and axle weight distribution.
Overweight permit does NOT allow you to exceed manufacturer weight ratings.
Permits are vehicle-specific — each truck needs its own.
Keep the permit handy in case of DOT checks.
Review allowed routes before hauling.
Make sure your insurance coverage meets permit requirements.
Combine this with a proper tarp system and COI compliance for plant access.
We strongly suggest all owner-operators get a Statewide Overweight Permit because:
Most of our aggregate loads are heavy.
Plants often require proof of compliance.
It opens the door to more routes and better-paying jobs.
If you’re thinking about getting into aggregate hauling, we’d love to talk. Whether you already have a truck and trailer or you’re just now exploring the idea, we’re happy to walk you through it.
Reach out to us at trucks@326trucking.com
Or check out our Owner Operator Onboarding Info Page