Realistic photo, wide landscape 2:1. A heavy haul tractor pulling a long multi-axle lowboy trailer (many axle lines, jeep and booster dolly) carrying a huge gray electrical power transformer on a wet two-lane Washington state highway, evergreen fir forest on both sides, cloudy Pacific Northwest sky, a yellow "OVERSIZE LOAD" banner on the front bumper, amber lights on the cab, red flags on the load corners, a pilot car with amber light bar ahead. Truck shown from front three-quarter angle on the right side of the frame, natural daylight, sharp focus, no text, no logos, no people visible in close-up, photorealistic, high detail.

How to Calculate a Washington Oversize Permit Fee for Loads Over 100,000 Pounds

Table Of Contents

• Introduction

• What the Fee Is Based On

• Washington's Overweight Fee Schedule

• The Rule for Excess Weight Over 100,000 Pounds

• Step-by-Step: How to Calculate the Fee

• Worked Examples

• Other Fee Rules to Know

• Superload Timing for Very Heavy Loads

• Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

• FAQ

Introduction

Heavy haulers moving transformers, cranes, mining equipment, or large excavators in Washington often ask the same question: how much will the permit cost? For overweight moves, the state fee for a Washington Oversize Permit is not a flat amount. It is figured per mile, based on how far the load is over legal weight.

The fee schedule is set in RCW 46.44.0941. Once you know how to read it, you can estimate the state fee before you order. This guide explains the table, the special rule for very heavy loads, and how to run the numbers.

What the Fee Is Based On

The overweight fee is not based on the total weight of the load. It is based on the excess weight over legal capacity, as provided in RCW 46.44.041.

That difference matters. A combination weighing 100,000 pounds gross may still be legal if its axles, tires, and axle spacing allow it, since Washington's weight table goes up to 105,500 pounds for long multi-axle combinations. WSDOT explains that legal weight is set by three overlapping criteria, tire size, axle weight, and the weight table, and the lowest one governs.

So the first step is always the same: find your legal capacity, then subtract it from your actual weight.

Washington's Overweight Fee Schedule

RCW 46.44.0941 sets a cost per mile for each band of excess weight:

• 0 to 9,999 lbs: $0.07

• 10,000 to 14,999 lbs: $0.14

• 15,000 to 19,999 lbs: $0.21

• 20,000 to 24,999 lbs: $0.28

• 25,000 to 29,999 lbs: $0.35

• 30,000 to 34,999 lbs: $0.49

• 35,000 to 39,999 lbs: $0.63

• 40,000 to 44,999 lbs: $0.79

• 45,000 to 49,999 lbs: $0.93

• 50,000 to 54,999 lbs: $1.14

• 55,000 to 59,999 lbs: $1.35

• 60,000 to 64,999 lbs: $1.56

• 65,000 to 69,999 lbs: $1.77

• 70,000 to 74,999 lbs: $2.12

• 75,000 to 79,999 lbs: $2.47

• 80,000 to 84,999 lbs: $2.82

• 85,000 to 89,999 lbs: $3.17

• 90,000 to 94,999 lbs: $3.52

• 95,000 to 99,999 lbs: $3.87

• 100,000 lbs: $4.25

The Rule for Excess Weight Over 100,000 Pounds

The table stops at 100,000 pounds of excess weight. For anything heavier, RCW 46.44.0941 says the fee is $4.25 plus 50 cents for each 5,000 pound increment or portion thereof exceeding 100,000 pounds.

"Or portion thereof" means any part of an increment counts as a full one. An excess of 100,001 pounds adds one increment, the same as 105,000 pounds.

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate the Fee

1. Find Your Legal Capacity. Use Washington's tire, axle, and weight table limits for your exact configuration.

2. Figure the Excess Weight. Subtract legal capacity from the loaded weight.

3. Find the Per-Mile Rate. Use the table, or the over-100,000 rule if the excess is higher.

4. Multiply by Permitted Miles. Use the miles on the approved route.

5. Round to Whole Dollars. Under the statute, 50 cents or more rounds up, and 49 cents or less rounds down.

6. Apply the Minimum. The minimum fee for any overweight permit is $14.00.

Worked Examples

These examples use the state fee schedule only. Your actual legal capacity and route miles will come from your configuration and the approved route.

• Example 1: 24,500 lbs over legal, 120 miles. The rate is $0.28 per mile. $0.28 x 120 = $33.60, which rounds to $34.

• Example 2: 112,000 lbs over legal, 80 miles. That is 12,000 pounds over 100,000, so three increments count (two full and one partial). $4.25 + $1.50 = $5.75 per mile. $5.75 x 80 = $460.

• Example 3: 8,000 lbs over legal, 50 miles. $0.07 x 50 = $3.50. That is below the minimum, so the fee is $14.

WSDOT also offers a permit fee calculator on its website to check your numbers.

Other Fee Rules to Know

• Dimensional fee. RCW 46.44.0941 lists $10.00 for a single-trip permit for overlegal loads that are not overweight. WSDOT describes the single-trip permit as a 3-day, route-specific permit for non-divisible loads only.

• Duplicate permit. A duplicate permit costs $14.00.

• Not a replacement for registration. The statute says these fees are in addition to regular license and tonnage fees.

• Government vehicles. The fees do not apply to vehicles owned and operated by the state, counties, cities, and the federal government.

Superload Timing for Very Heavy Loads

Most loads with more than 100,000 pounds of excess weight will also be superloads. WSDOT treats loads over 200,000 pounds as superloads under WAC 468-38-405. Weight superloads must be applied for 30 calendar days in advance, cannot be self-issued, and can be denied if pavement or structures along the route cannot carry the load. Plan the fee and the timeline together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using gross weight instead of excess weight. The fee is based on weight over legal capacity.

• Rounding the increment down. A partial 5,000-pound increment counts as a full one.

• Guessing route miles. The fee depends on the approved route, not the shortest map route.

• Forgetting the minimum. Short or light overweight moves still cost at least $14.

• Ordering late. Superloads need weeks, not days.

Why Many Trucking Companies Choose Our Service

Washington Trucking Online helps heavy haulers work out excess weight, check the per-mile rate, and order the right Washington Oversize Permit for the route. We help you get the details right before the load moves.

• Oversize permit: $98

We provide support 24/7 and also work weekends and holidays.

or

FAQ

• Is the Washington overweight fee based on gross weight?

  No. It is based on excess weight over legal capacity, charged per mile.

• What is the rate for 100,000 pounds over legal?

  $4.25 per mile.

• How is the fee figured above 100,000 pounds of excess weight?

  $4.25 plus 50 cents for each 5,000-pound increment or portion over 100,000 pounds, per mile.

• What is the minimum overweight permit fee?

  $14.00.

• How are cents rounded?

  50 cents or more rounds up to the next dollar, and 49 cents or less rounds down.

For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Transportation.