A quick look at legal height limits by state, so you know where a tall load needs a plan.
Total height, trailer plus cargo, decides a lot about how your freight moves. Most states cap it at 13’6″. Western states, including California, often allow 14′. Use this map as a quick check when you plan a route.
This map is a guide, not legal advice. State rules change, so call us and we will check your exact route before the load moves. Need the trip distance too? Try our freight mileage calculator.
California is a green state on the map, with a legal height of 14′. That gives you more room for tall machinery and equipment leaving Los Angeles. It still takes planning, because the limit changes once you leave the state.
Once your load heads east into a red state (like those past Texas), the limit drops to 13’6″. A load that was legal in California can suddenly need an overheight permit. We plan the route and the trailer together so your freight stays legal door to door. For tall or wide loads, see our heavy haul and oversized freight page.
For open-deck freight where height is a factor, these are your primary options.
The whole trailer is yours. The load goes straight from pickup to delivery, with no extra stops.
You share the deck with other freight. A good fit for a single machine or a smaller tall load.
The right trailer is how you stay under the height limit. Here are some tall loads and the trailers that fit them. Not sure what you need? Check our trailer types guide.
Common questions about freight height and trailer selection.
A standard flatbed deck sits about 5 feet (60 inches) off the ground. With a 13’6″ (162 inch) limit, your cargo can be up to 8’6″ (102 inches) tall. We check the route before we book the truck.
Use a step deck when your cargo is taller than 8’6″. Its lower deck sits around 3’4″ (40 inches), so cargo up to 10’2″ tall stays under the 13’6″ limit and usually skips an overheight permit.
Lowboy and RGN trailers have the lowest decks, often 18 to 24 inches off the ground. That lets cargo around 11’6″ or even 12′ tall move legally, which is why they get booked for the tallest and heaviest machinery.
No. Hotshot trailers follow the same overall height limits as big rigs. Their deck heights vary, so we match the hotshot trailer to your load to keep it under the limit.
We check state rules, clearances and permits up front, so your freight does not get stuck at a scale or hit with a fine.
Tell us what you are shipping and how tall it is. Our team serving Los Angeles will pick the route and the trailer, then send you a clear quote. Request your freight quote or call (541) 291-4947, Mon–Fri, 5 AM–5 PM (Pacific).
Note: This page is general information, not legal advice. Size, weight, permit and route rules change, so verify with the applicable state DOT or permit office before your load moves.