1. Legal Size & Weight Limits

Washington (WA)

• Width: 8’6”

• Height: 14’

• Length: Varies by vehicle type; combinations commonly allowed up to 75’

• Weight: Follows federal bridge formula; max 105,500 lbs with required permits and axle spacing

Oregon (OR)

• Width: 8’6”

• Height: 14’

• Length: Typically more flexible; long combination vehicles (LCVs) up to 105’ on approved routes

• Weight: Up to 105,500 lbs allowed with permits; Oregon provides more generous axle group rules

Idaho (ID)

• Width: 8’6”

• Height: 14’

• Length: LCVs up to 115’ on designated routes

• Weight: Can exceed 129,000 lbs on approved routes—Idaho is the most weight-flexible of the three

Summary:
Oregon and Idaho accommodate longer vehicle combinations; Idaho allows the heaviest loads.

2. Oversize Permit Types & Online Systems

Washington

• Uses online permit portal - www.washingtontruckingonline.com

• Offers Single-Trip, Annual, and Envelope permits

• Routing must comply with strict bridge and mountain pass restrictions

Oregon

• Uses the Oregon Trucking Online - www.oregontruckingonline.org

• Offers Single-Trip, Annual, Continuous Operation, and specialized permits

• Known for clear routing maps and detailed OS/OW route guidance

Idaho

• Uses Idaho's Online Permitting System (ITD)

• Offers Single-Trip, Annual, and Extra-Length permits

• Includes special permits for high weights exceeding federal limits

Summary:
Oregon has the most streamlined and user-friendly system; Washington has the most constrained routing.

3. Pilot Car Requirements

Washington

• More restrictive for escorts—often requires pilot cars earlier at lower dimensions
  e.g., width over 11’ may trigger escort requirements on many routes.

Oregon

• Escort thresholds differ by corridor; some routes allow wider loads without pilot cars

• Uses detailed district escort charts

Idaho

• Generally more permissive than WA and OR

• Escort requirements increase mainly in high-traffic or mountainous areas

Summary:
Washington is the strictest with pilot car rules; Idaho the most flexible.

4. Travel Hour Restrictions

Washington

• OS/OW travel often restricted during peak traffic hours, especially in Seattle/Tacoma

• Holiday and weekend restrictions apply

Oregon

• Restrictions depend on size and corridor

• Agricultural and forest industry loads often have seasonal allowances

Idaho

• Fewer restrictions overall

• Many OS/OW loads allowed to travel during daylight hours year-round

Summary:
Washington has the tightest travel restrictions; Idaho the least restrictive.

5. Route Challenges & Geography

Washington

• Mountain passes with seasonal chain requirements

• Numerous low-clearance bridges

• Heavily congested urban corridors

Oregon

• Coastal and mountain terrain present seasonal challenges

• However, Oregon provides better OS/OW route planning tools

Idaho

• Long rural highways with fewer congestion points

• Easier routing for tall and heavy loads

Summary:
Washington is the most challenging for route planning due to population density and geography.

6. Permit Pricing & Processing Speed

Washington

• Annual and single-trip permits priced competitively but route approvals can take longer for specialized loads

Oregon

• Oregon’s permit fees are moderate

• Known for very quick processing and automated routing approval

Idaho

• Permit fees are generally lower

• Fast processing, especially for routine loads

Final Comparison Snapshot