2026 Oversize Load Holiday Travel Restrictions by State

Q: Are state permitting offices open on holidays?

Most state permitting offices are closed on holidays. When a holiday falls on a weekend, offices may also close the Friday before or the Monday after. If you need an oversized permit around a holiday, apply well in advance and check the state's permitting office hours to avoid potential delays.

oversized-load-traveling

Have an oversized shipment to move over a federal holiday? Your shipment could face delays if you don't plan ahead.

Holidays can complicate oversized freight transportation for two main reasons:

Holiday travel restrictions: Many states restrict oversized loads from traveling during major holidays due to increased traffic on the roads.
Permit office closures: Many state permitting offices are closed on federal/state holidays, which can potentially delay your ability to obtain the necessary permits.

Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) has been transporting oversized loads since 1955. Over the years, we've gained extensive experience not only moving this freight but also coordinating all the planning that goes into it. That includes knowing when oversized loads can and can't travel.

In this article, we'll cover which holidays may affect oversized shipments, where to find state-specific travel restrictions, and how to plan around them.

Jump to state resources.

Are Oversized Loads Restricted from Traveling on Holidays?

The short answer is: it depends. Whether or not your shipment can travel on holidays depends on three things:

Which state(s) your load is traveling through: Each state has its own rules, so restrictions may change as your shipment crosses state lines.
Which holiday it is: Not every holiday has oversized load travel restrictions. Some states only restrict travel during major holidays.
Your load's dimensions and weight: States have different size and weight thresholds that determine whether a load is restricted from traveling during holidays. Standard-sized loads can typically continue traveling.

Which Holidays Typically Have Oversize Load Travel Restrictions?

Oversize/overweight (OS/OW) travel restrictions are most common around major holidays, like Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. However, restrictions may also apply during other holidays, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day.

That doesn't mean every state restricts travel during these holidays, though. Some states restrict oversized loads during all state-observed holidays, while others only impose restrictions on a few of them. A few states don't have any holiday travel restrictions.

2026 Holiday Calendar

The table below lists the federal holidays that may affect oversized shipments in 2026.

Keep in mind that not every holiday affects shipments in the same way. Some holidays, like Independence Day and Thanksgiving, may bring both travel restrictions and permit office closures. Others, like Presidents Day and Veterans Day, may primarily affect permit office hours.

In some states, travel restrictions may also extend to the days before or after a holiday.

Holiday	2026 Date
New Year's Day	Thursday, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day	Monday, January 19
Presidents Day	Monday, February 16
Memorial Day	Monday, May 25
Juneteenth	Friday, June 19
Independence Day	Saturday, July 4 (observed Friday, July 3)
Labor Day	Monday, September 7
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day	Monday, October 12
Veterans Day	Wednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving	Thursday, November 26
Christmas	Friday, December 25
New Year's Day	Friday, January 1 (2027)

Where to Find 2026 State Holiday Travel and Permit Information

For the most up-to-date information on oversize load holiday travel restrictions and permit office hours, check the Department of Transportation (DOT) or permitting agency for each state along your route.

2026 Oversize Load Holiday Travel Restrictions and Permit Office Hours by State

To simplify your planning, we've compiled links to state resources to help you find this information. Keep in mind that restrictions and office hours can change, so it's important to verify the requirements before scheduling your shipment.

Jump to Section: A-I | K-N | O-W

A-I

K-N

Kansas (Travel Restrictions | Permit Office Closures)
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York (State | Thruway)
North Carolina
North Dakota

O-W

Ohio (State | Turnpike)
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania (State | Turnpike)
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota (Travel Restrictions | Permit Office Closures)
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

How to Plan Oversized Shipments Around Holiday Restrictions

Even if your load is permitted to travel during a holiday, it's generally best to avoid shipping around major holidays whenever possible. Driver availability can be limited during these periods, making it more difficult to secure capacity and potentially increasing transportation costs. Learn more about how long weekends impact freight shipping.

To help you plan ahead, we've put together a 2026 Freight Shipping Calendar highlighting days when shipping may be more cost-effective as well as days you may want to avoid.

If you absolutely must ship over a holiday, here are a few ways to prepare:

Give your transportation provider plenty of lead time. The earlier you communicate your shipping needs, the more time your provider has to secure equipment and coordinate the shipment.
Check travel restrictions along your entire route. Review the requirements for every state your shipment will pass through, including any restrictions on the days surrounding the holiday. (Your transportation provider can help with this!)
Apply for permits well in advance. Permit processing times vary, and holiday office closures can cause additional delays. Work with your transportation provider to coordinate permits early and account for potential closures.
Review your permit conditions. Always double-check the conditions listed on your specific permit, as travel restrictions may vary based on your load's dimensions, route, and permit requirements. Your issued permit should be your primary reference for determining when your load can travel.
Prepare for potentially higher rates. Many drivers take time off around holidays, limiting available capacity. This can lead to higher transportation costs, especially for specialized loads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oversized loads travel on federal holidays?

Many states restrict oversized loads from traveling on federal holidays, though the specific rules depend on the state, holiday, and load dimensions.

If you need to move an oversized load on or around a holiday, work with your transportation provider to determine whether travel is permitted and plan accordingly.

Are state permitting offices open on holidays?

Most state permitting offices are closed on holidays. When a holiday falls on a weekend, offices may also close the Friday before or the Monday after.

If you need an oversized permit around a holiday, apply well in advance and check the state's permitting office hours to avoid potential delays.

Are holiday travel restrictions the same in every state?

No. Each state has its own holiday travel restrictions. Some restrict oversized loads during major holidays, while others have additional restrictions or none at all.

My shipment is traveling through multiple states. Which state's regulations do I follow?

You must follow the regulations of every state your shipment travels through. If your load requires oversize/overweight permits, you'll generally need a separate permit for each state along your route.

Even if your load is permitted to move in one state, it may be restricted in another. That's why it's important to review the requirements for your entire route before scheduling your shipment.

Does standard freight face travel restrictions on holidays?

Standard size freight can typically travel during holidays without the special restrictions that apply to oversized loads.

Why do states impose travel restrictions on holidays?

Holidays often bring increased traffic as many people travel to visit family and friends. Because oversized loads require additional space and maneuvering room, moving them during busy travel periods can create additional challenges.

To reduce congestion and potential hazards, many states restrict oversized load travel on holidays and, in some cases, the surrounding days.

Need Help Planning Your Next Oversized Load?

Holiday travel restrictions are just one of many factors to consider when transporting oversized freight. Depending on your shipment, you may also need permits, pilot cars, police escorts, and other specialized transportation services.

Whether you're moving a single oversized load or coordinating a complex project, ATS can help you plan and manage your transportation needs. Request a quote today to get started.