Missouri’s Increased Livestock and Grain Hauling Weights
On August 28, 2015, Missouri’s legal weight limits for transport of livestock, grain and grain co-products increase. Livestock haulers are allowed to load to a maximum gross weight of 85,500 lbs. within the state. Those transporting grain and grain co-products during harvest season in Missouri can load to a maximum of 10 percent heavier than the weights normally allowed. Normal legal hauling weights are based on the distance between consecutive axles and the total number of axles. See the charts below for the normal weight limits and the increased allowable weights for livestock, grain and grain co-products. Examples of grain co-products may include hulls, meals and oils and other products related to grain processing. While there is no defined list of what constitutes a grain or grain co-product, haulers of these products are strongly encouraged to make sure their load documentation (i.e. bill of lading or scale ticket) indicates their load is a grain or grain co-product.
Limitations
When making use of the increased weight law, livestock, grain and grain co-product haulers must not use any portion of the interstate highway system or cross a bridge that is weight-limited to a level that is less than the gross weight of the vehicle and load. The agricultural weight allowances apply only within Missouri’s borders.
Before Loading the Vehicle
- Verify that the vehicle’s tires are in good condition and are rated to carry the heavier load.
- Inspect the braking system. Heavier loads of shifting material require strong brakes.
- Check your route for weight-restricted bridges. If you must cross such a bridge, load the vehicle to the point that its gross laden weight is less than the bridge maximum or choose a route that does not include a weight-restricted bridge. Find a list of weight-restricted bridges organized by county at www.modot.org/bridgelimits.
Measuring Axle Distance
