TxDMV issues an annual permit for the transport of intermodal shipping containers that are transported in Texas within 30 miles of select port authorities or ports of entry that are located in a county contiguous to the Gulf of Mexico or a bay or inlet opening into the gulf. The permit is an annual permit that expires one year from the effective date.
Ports currently available:
- Port of Bayport
- Port of Freeport
- Port of Houston – Barbours Cut
- Port of Houston – IH610
The truck-tractor and semitrailer combination must have six axles or seven axles with the following axle distances:
Six Axles:
- 647 to 744.05 inches between the front axle of the truck-tractor and the last axle of the semitrailer
- 51 to 52 inches between the axles in the truck-tractor two-axle group
- 60 inches between the axles in the semi-trailer three-axle group
Seven Axles
- 612 to 703.8 inches between the front axle of the truck-tractor and the last axle of the semitrailer
- 51 to 52 inches between the axles in the truck-tractor three-axle group
- 60 inches between the axles in the semi-trailer three-axle group
The gross weight and axle weights allowed are based on the number of total axles. Maximum gross and axle weight limits are:
Six Axles:
- Gross weight – 93,000 pounds
- Truck-tractor single axle – 13,000 pounds
- Truck-tractor two-axle group – 18,500 pounds per axle
- Semitrailer three-axle group – 16,400 pounds per axle
Seven Axles:
- Gross weight – 100,000 pounds
- Truck-tractor single axle – 15,000 pounds
- Truck-tractor three-axle group – 14,900 pounds per axle
- Semitrailer three-axle group – 15,400 pounds per axle
An intermodal shipping container is an enclosed, standardized, reusable container used to pack, ship, move, or transport cargo. The container must be transferred to/from a ship, vessel, or a rail system for international transportation. The container must be continuously sealed from the point of origin to the point of destination.
Note: Permit applicant must select ports, counties, and municipalities in which travel will occur at time of application.
Roadway Restrictions: A vehicle moving with this permit may operate on a state, county, or municipal road approved by the Texas Department of Transportation if the vehicle displays the permit windshield sticker, has the required axle numbers and distances, and does not exceed the maximum gross weight or axle weight limits. This permit does not authorize the operation of the permitted vehicle on: 1) the interstate highway system; or 2) on a load-posted road or bridge if the gross weight of the vehicle combination and load, or the axles and wheel loads, are greater than the posted limits. All travel on toll roads must be approved by toll road authority(ies). Below is a list of toll roads on which the toll road authority allows travel with this permit:
- SH 99 Toll from the intersection of SH 146 south of IH 10 to the intersection of SH 146 north of IH 10.
Please continue to monitor this page for further updates regarding allowed travel on toll roads.
NOTE: You must verify the size and weight limits needed BEFORE seeking a special permit.
Operating Authority Requirements
During the permit application process, you must provide your USDOT Number. TxDMV will check the number against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) system, MCMIS, for any out-of-service orders prior to permit issuance. The permit will be issued to the company name as it is listed for the USDOT Number.
Additional Requirements
Container must be continuously sealed from the point of origin to the point of destination with a seal that is required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or federal law or regulation.
The vehicle combination must be equipped with a roll stability support safety system and blind spot support systems.
You may not operate your vehicle on the interstate highway system nor on a load-posted road or bridge if the gross weight of the vehicle combination and load, or the axles and wheel loads, are greater than the established and posted limits.
You are responsible for routing and obtaining current restrictions prior to movement. Information on weight restricted bridges is available on the TxDOT website at http://apps3.dot.state.tx.us/apps/gis/lrbm/.
How to Apply
Apply online through TxPROSThis permit may only be self-issued through TxPROS.
Payment information must be provided with the permit application.
Fees & Payment Information
The annual permit fee is $6,000.
Fees are payable by:
- MasterCard, VISA, Discover or American Express (a service charge of 25 cents per permit plus 2.25 percent will be added.)
- Automated Clearing House (ACH) – Electronic Check (only accepted when ordering online through TxPROS)
- Personal check, business check, cashier's check or money order, payable to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles
- Cash – No checks, cashier’s checks or money orders (MUST be delivered to a TxDMV Regional Service Center)
A permit fee will not be refunded after the permit number has been issued unless such refund is necessary to correct an error made by the Motor Carrier Division.
More Information
- Permit may not be amended.
- This permit does not authorize the transport of a material designated as of Jan. 1, 2017, as a hazardous material by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation under 49 U.S.C. Section 5103(a).
- Review your permit for specific curfews and conditions that apply to your load and movement.