On the other hand, LS does have loads for tridem stepdecks! Check this listing from today:

Origin: USA
Destination: Canada
Dimensions: 33 ft long, 11.2" wide, 10.5" tall
Weight: 59,000 lbs
Gross revenue: $7,000 for 1,600 loaded miles

If I had 3 axles on my 48 ft step, I could probably do it, even with a regular tractor (12K + 40K factory rating axles). That's $4.35/mi.

I think you can still move that load. You have to permit it for width anyway, so the extra $ to permit the gross and the axles is no big deal. Usually $.30/ton*mile for the weight that needs permitting. I've done with an RGN with a closed spread so I don't see why you couldn't do it with a step.

How much weight are your trailer tires rated for?

I'm not sure.. They are 245/70R17.5. If it's 600 lbs per inch of the tire's width, then 245 mm equals 10 nches and the tire can take up to 6000 lbs at the maximum pressure of 125 psi. I'll see what's written on the tire itself tomorrow, when it's light. Bridgestone website only has information on 215/70R17.5.

You can permit 12-40-40 92000, but plan on 500-800 for permits plus some out of route miles plus you can't run in bad weather.

I know you are with LS, I was offering to give you agent numbers, 2 of the best LTL agents in the Chicago area, they have their own customers, not broker freight, both have been at it over 20 yrs.

I forgot one thing, to permit for overweight in some states you need a maxium weight tag, not the 80000 tag you probably have.

Heavy duty, I'm new to this overweight trucking. That money for permits - "500-800" - would that be for EACH overweight trip? Or is it an annual fee? How do I increase the rating on my truck? Just call our Permit Dept and pay a fee for a higher tag? I know the GVW cannot exceed the factory ratings of the axles, but I'm pretty sure my truck is rated for 52,000 lbs gross (12 +40). So, I can probably 'buy' the 92,000 GVW rating you mentioned. Is that how it works?

That'll be for a single trip, depending on how many states you need to run through. You can get an annual overweight for NY I think.....$400 IIRC.

I haven't hauled over 80,000 in all the states, and you didn't mention what state this 59,000 originated in, but I am plated for 80,000 in the US and I've been granted permits for 90,000 in FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY. I'm thinking you're good to go in those states.

As far as permit costs go, NY is the most expensive that I have run across. They are $40 + I need to use a permit service because NY won't deal with just anyone. I use Nova Permits and they charge $35. Total cost for NY is therefore $75. Toll roads require a separate permit too, BTW. NYSTA is $26 for over dimensional and their weight limit is pretty high so you may not need to permit the weight on the toll road. Watch out for MA...their overweight permits are OUTRAGEOUS once you get over a certain weight.

I thought the LS agents took care of permits for the BCO's?

Don't have time for details now but 92000 in OK $160 plus service fee, TX $210 plus, LA about $120, KS $18, IL $125, AR $150,GA $40, AL 440, OH is expensive. You can ask the agent for estimated permit charges. $560 in Ok for 132,000

If the load is inclusive permits come out of linehaul, if plus plus the customer pays actual permit charges. some states require you be plated for max weight, some will issue a permit without but it is expensive if you get checked.

Some good info on LS site under info, Heavy and spec service

You need to pick a permit service from the list to order your permits from, don't use Comdata. They will need truck and trailer lic number serial number, year and make and axle spacings measure from 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 be accurate some states measure. Most permit services charge $15-$20 to order a permit.

I thought the LS agents took care of permits for the BCO's?

Wrong, you are treated as an adult, you can use any approved permit service, route yourself, saves a lot of problems and misunderstandings. You also hire and fire your escorts.

I found that section of the site, thanks. Now I don't think I want to do oversize at all :) Too many headaches. Maybe I should get a lightweight 48 ft flat (10'1" spread) and then I can carry up to 50,000 lbs without any permits and have shippers jump for joy seeing all that available space on the deck ;)

I tried to tell you the money in flat and step is LTL. You find a piece that pays truck load that doesn't max you out then fill the trailer with LTL.

I have a piece on now that is 30' long, 15'6" wide and 13'6" tall on the ground, see what your missing. Permits,escorts, detours and weather.

Well, there's oversize and then there's oversize. Anything under 10' is practically legal anyway. Can't even hardly call that OD. I call it free surcharge....especially in the summer.

If it was me, I would have as many arrows in my quiver as I could get. The more specialized you get, the more the agents will be calling you. Low trailers, long trailers, levelers, tarps, TWIC, oversize ready, cross border ready, cross dock capability, storage......wait a minute....that is me. :)

What put you off about the OD thing? Heck, it ain't that bad. I had expected you'd be telling us you were under that overweight load already. Are you having a van day again?

I've never been able to make the LTL thing work consistently. Keep in mind mind as a Canadian he has to cross a border so 90% of available freight is gone right off the bat. And what is available never seems to pay enough to cover the DH miles it takes to PU and DEL it. Not to mention the guy who's paying the TL rate wants his stuff ASAP and he won't be too keen on and extra layover to PU and an extra layover to deliver someone else's skids.

Remember the meek shall inherit the earth but only when the aggressive are finished with it.