Detroit, Michigan
Heavy Haul Trucking in Detroit
Oversize freight in and out of Detroit and across the border to Windsor, with MDOT and City of Detroit permits, bridge bookings and escorts run by our own team.
This page is general information only, not legal advice and not a permit. Rules change often and each state's permit and official rules are the final word. Always confirm limits, escorts, routes and travel times with the state permit office before moving a load. Reliable Transport LLC is not responsible for decisions made using this information.
Detroit heavy haul
City, state and border crossing rules on one plan
Reliable Transport LLC runs heavy haul and superload moves across the USA and Canada from our home base in Dayton, Ohio. For a Detroit load, our in house team files the MDOT permit and any local permit, plans the route and books the escorts, and schedules the bridge crossing when the load goes on to Canada.
Hauling through other states? Use our permit map and route planner
Open the route plannerLocal rules
Detroit permits, curfews and bridges to Canada
Rules come from MDOT, the City of Detroit and the bridge operators. Single source items say check with the agency.
City of Detroit permit
Oversize and overweight loads on city streets need a City Engineering load move permit: $200 one way or $400 round trip, $20 per vehicle registered, and a $1,500.00 surety bond that expires December 31. (City of Detroit oversize and overweight load move permit) Check with the City of Detroit Department of Public Works.
Wayne County rush hours
When the permit lists MDOT provision 15, there is no movement 7 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and 8 other counties. (MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions)
Ambassador Bridge
Loads 9'W and wider call the bridge at least 24 hours before crossing. The bridge lists a maximum of 13'6"W, 14'H and 80'L, and 146,000 lbs with proper axles and spacing; its FAQ says 144,000 lbs. The oversize crossing fee is $125 US or $178 CDN plus axle tolls. (Ambassador Bridge oversized and wide loads, Ambassador Bridge FAQs, MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions) Check with the Ambassador Bridge.
Gordie Howe International Bridge
Open since July 27, 2026, the bridge takes oversize loads up to 5.3 m high, 3.6 m wide and 30.2 m (99') long, at up to 153,000 lbs within Michigan legal loads. Loads need MDOT and/or Ontario permits, a call to the bridge 24 hours ahead, and stay off it 7 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. (Gordie Howe International Bridge specialized loads, Gordie Howe International Bridge opening, July 27, 2026) Check with the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
State trunklines only
The MDOT permit covers state trunklines only, so county and city legs need their own approval. (MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions)
Sources: City of Detroit oversize and overweight load move permit; MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions; Ambassador Bridge oversized and wide loads; Ambassador Bridge FAQs; Gordie Howe International Bridge specialized loads; Gordie Howe International Bridge opening, July 27, 2026.
Michigan rules
Detroit oversize rules at a glance
The Wayne County curfew first, then the MDOT rules every Detroit load runs under.
Detroit and Michigan
Official sources linked| Where | Restriction |
|---|---|
| Wayne County | When the permit lists provision 15: no movement 7 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. (MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions) |
| Legal limits | Without a permit, a load in Michigan can be up to 8'6"W on designated highways (8'W elsewhere) and 13'6"H, with weight set by axle loadings. (MDOT T 1, maximum legal truck loadings and dimensions, Michigan Vehicle Code 257.717, width) |
| Permit limits | A single trip permit covers loads up to 16'W, 15'H and 150'L, for 5 days. (MDOT T 2, movement of oversize or overweight loads, MDOT oversize/overweight questions) |
| Escorts | MDOT lists the escorts each move needs on the permit. (MDOT T 2, movement of oversize or overweight loads, MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions) |
| Travel hours | Daylight only, Monday through Friday. (MDOT T 2, movement of oversize or overweight loads, MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions) |
| Holidays | No movement from noon the day before the six major holidays until daylight the day after. (MDOT T 2, movement of oversize or overweight loads) |
| Spring limits | No overweight permits and nothing over 14'W during spring weight restrictions. (MDOT T 2, movement of oversize or overweight loads, MDOT oversize/overweight questions) |
| Local roads | The MDOT permit covers state trunklines only. (MDOT oversize/overweight questions, MDOT permit provisions, conditions and restrictions) |
Rules change often. We checked these on October 2, 2026 against the official sources linked in each row, and each one against a second source where one exists; single source items say check with the agency. Our permitting team confirms the current rules for every move.
Our moves
Heavy loads we have moved
These moves ran on other routes. They show the size of loads our team permits, routes and escorts.
150,000 lb transformer
Pocatello, ID - Akron, OH in early 2024, at 240,000 lbs gross and 16'H loaded, with help from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
207,000 lb dryer drum
Louisville, KY - Richmond, VA in December 2025, at 300,000 lbs gross and 165'L x 13'6"W x 17'H loaded, with a crew of 15.
110,000 lb switchgear building
Houston, TX - Los Angeles, CA in 2025, at 250,000 lbs gross and 185'L x 17'W x 17'H loaded.
Moving something in Detroit?
Send the size and weight. We will tell you what the permit, route and escorts look like.
Request a quote →See every move on our Moves page.
Questions
Detroit heavy haul questions
Do I need a city permit for an oversize load in Detroit?
Yes, on city streets. The City of Detroit load move permit is $200 one way or $400 round trip, with a $1,500.00 surety bond.
Can an oversize load cross to Windsor?
Yes, with the right permits and a booking 24 hours ahead. The Ambassador Bridge lists up to 13'6"W and 14'H; the Gordie Howe International Bridge lists up to 3.6 m wide and 5.3 m high.
Are there rush hour limits in the Detroit area?
When the MDOT permit lists provision 15, no movement 7 to 9 a.m. or 3 to 6 p.m. in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
How heavy a load can you haul?
Our superload service handles loads up to 300,000 lbs, with permits, routing and escorts by our own team.
Hauling through other states? Use our permit map and route planner
Open the route plannerKeep planning
More for your Detroit move
Other city pages
Detroit heavy haul
Ready to move it?
Send the load dimensions, weight, pickup and delivery points. Our in house team prices the permits, route and escorts and gets back to you fast.
This page is general information only, not legal advice and not a permit. Rules change often and each state's permit and official rules are the final word. Always confirm limits, escorts, routes and travel times with the state permit office before moving a load. Reliable Transport LLC is not responsible for decisions made using this information.