Massachusetts Axle Weight Limits

Maximum Legal Weight Allowed

Your truck requires a permit if it exceeds:

• Motor vehicle (2 axles) - 46,000 lbs.
• Vehicle or vehicle combination (3 axles) - 73,000 lbs.
• Vehicle or vehicle combinations (4 axles) - 87,000 lbs.
• Vehicle or vehicle combinations (5+ axles) - 99,000 lbs.

Your truck will also require a permit if the weight on any axle exceeds:

• Axles spaced less than 6 ft. apart - 18,000 lbs.
• Axles spaced more than 6 ft. apart - 22,400 lbs.
• Overall gross weight of 2 or more consecutive axles - 80,000 lbs.

Maximum Permit Weight Allowed

Special Hauling Permit

You may need a special hauling permit depending on the size of your truck and its load. If your vehicle falls under these restrictions, then your permit will not require a fee:

• 12' 0" Wide Load Banner & Flags
• 13' 6" Height
• 99,000 lbs. max
• 100' Long (up to 80' long no escort is needed)

If your vehicle exceeds the above restrictions, it may also require a police escort. If your vehicle exceeds any of these restrictions, you will have to pay a fee.

Requirements for vehicles over 80' long:

• one private escort is required for vehicles from 80'1" to 85'
• two private escorts are required for vehicles from 85'1" to 100'

Requirements for vehicles traveling in the tunnels:

• wide loads from 8'6" to 12' must have private escort(s)

Fees for Requesting a Special Hauling Permit

• Special Hauling Permit (Within Restrictions) - $0 each unit
• Special Hauling Permit (Exceeds Restrictions) - $350 each unit 

Source of information: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/commercial-truck-regulations