How Washington Treats Divisible vs Non-Divisible Loads

Nov. 22, 2025, 8:31 p.m.
Understanding whether a load is divisible or non-divisible is one of the most important parts of Washington’s oversize/overweight permitting rules. Washington State strictly limits oversize permits for loads that can be reduced, while allowing much more flexibility for freight that cannot be separated without damage, risk, or unreasonable cost. This guide explains how Washington classifies divisible vs. non-divisible loads and how that affects trucking permits in the state.
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1. What Is a Divisible Load in Washington?

A divisible load is any cargo that can be safely divided into smaller parts in a reasonable amount of time, using standard equipment, without causing:

  • Damage to the cargo

  • Safety risks

  • An unreasonable increase in cost

Examples of divisible loads

  • Lumber

  • Palletized goods

  • Construction materials

  • Crushed rock or sand

  • Agricultural products

  • Steel coils

  • Pipe sections

  • Vehicles or equipment that can be removed from trailers

Washington does NOT issue oversize permits for any load considered divisible.

If the load exceeds legal weight or dimensions and can be reduced, the carrier must divide it.

2. Legal Dimensions for Divisible Loads

Divisible loads must stay within Washington’s standard limits:

  • Width: 8 ft 6 in

  • Height: 14 ft

  • Length:

    • 53 ft semi-trailer

    • 75 ft overall STAA combinations

  • Weight:

    • 20,000 lbs per axle

    • 34,000 lbs tandem

    • 80,000 lbs GVW (federal formula applies)

Divisible loads cannot exceed these limits and still receive an oversize permit.

3. What Is a Non-Divisible Load in Washington?

A non-divisible load is cargo that cannot be separated into smaller units without:

  • Damaging the item

  • Making it unusable

  • Compromising safety

  • Requiring more than eight working hours to dismantle

  • Requiring specialized dismantling equipment

Federal rules (49 CFR § 658.5) guide Washington’s definition.

Examples of non-divisible loads

  • Wind turbine blades

  • Transformers

  • Large tanks

  • Industrial machinery

  • Excavators and heavy equipment

  • Bridge beams

  • Boats and yachts

  • Prefabricated buildings

  • Concrete beams and girders

Washington allows oversize/overweight permits ONLY for non-divisible loads.

4. When Washington Allows Exceptions

Washington may allow limited exceptions for certain bulk commodities under specific permit programs:

Examples

  • Log truck permits

  • Raw milk permits

  • Non-overweight “permit log” operations

These programs typically involve gross-weight allowances—not oversize dimensions.

Bulk goods that can be shifted or rearranged still count as divisible and do not qualify for oversize permits.

5. Multi-Piece Non-Divisible Loads

Washington permits allow a single non-divisible load plus additional small items, but only if:

  • The extra items do not require additional axle weight

  • They do not cause oversize dimensions

  • They don’t increase the permit classification

Example:
A carrier hauling a single excavator (non-divisible) may also transport its removable bucket or small tools, provided they do not change the permitted dimensions or weight.

6. Weight Rules for Non-Divisible Loads

Washington allows overweight permits for non-divisible loads based on:

  • Axle limits

  • Axle spacing

  • Bridge formula results

  • Route analysis

Common Washington overweight permits include:

  • Single-trip overweight permits

  • Continuous operation overweight permits (limited applicability)

  • Special log hauling overweight rules

  • Special hauling permits for cranes and construction machinery

7. Oversize Rules for Non-Divisible Loads

Oversize permits for non-divisible loads allow movement above the legal limits:

Potential allowances

  • Width: Over 8’6”

  • Height: Over 14’

  • Length: Over 53’ or 75’, depending on configuration

  • Overhang: Extended front or rear projections

For extreme sizes (superloads), WSDOT may require:

  • Detailed route surveys

  • Travel restrictions

  • Pilot/escort cars

  • Utility notifications

  • Traffic control plans

8. Consequences of Hauling Divisible Loads Without Reducing Them

If a load is found to be divisible but hauled under oversize permit:

  • Permit becomes invalid

  • Driver may be cited and fined

  • Load may be required to be reduced immediately

  • Carrier could be placed out of service

  • Repeat violations may trigger permit suspensions

Washington takes this seriously because divisible-load violations undermine safety and damage infrastructure.

9. Key Differences at a Glance

Category Divisible Loads Non-Divisible Loads
Can you break it down? Yes No
Oversize permits allowed?  No  Yes
Overweight permits allowed? Limited Yes
Common examples Pallets, lumber, gravel Machinery, turbines, beams
Special exceptions? Very few Many

10. Key Takeaways

  • Washington strictly follows federal rules on divisible vs. non-divisible loads.

  • Divisible loads cannot receive oversize permits.

  • Non-divisible loads are eligible for oversize/overweight permits.

  • There are limited exceptions for certain commodities.

  • Violating the rule can lead to citations, delays, and permit suspensions.