Labor Day is a federal holiday set aside to honor the hard-working individuals who keep our country working.
And, like all holidays, it’s also a day our hard-working drivers keep goods moving. Your Labor Day supplies — including grills, cookout ingredients, and even the patio furniture you got on sale — were all transported in a truck.
The Anderson Trucking Company (ATS) team has been transporting freight for more than 65 Labor Days. During that time, we've learned that the best way to predict the holiday regulations is not to try to predict it – it's best to go directly to the source.
We've compiled links to the best sources of information for Labor Day travel restrictions. Click the link for any states you plan to travel through for complete and accurate movement restriction information.
What Restrictions Do Drivers Need to Follow on Labor Day?
Dry vans and most flatbed loads can travel as usual during Labor Day weekend (however, it will likely cost more because drivers earn a premium for working holidays).
Oversize cargo that requires a special permit, like mobile homes, construction supplies, and heavy equipment, have restricted travel times. Many states forbid oversize/overweight loads from traveling on state roads during all or part of the holiday weekend.
Most state offices are closed on Labor Day, September 4, and each state has individual restrictions for oversize travel. Hauling over-dimensional (OD) freight during these times can result in significant fines, so it’s best to understand the restrictions and plan accordingly.
Which States Have Restrictions on Labor Day Permitted Travel?
Labor Day is in the middle of the busy harvest season and the time during which retailers prepare for the fourth quarter. It's a busy time on roads nationwide for all types of freight.
The best source of information is the Department of Transportation for the state(s) you will be traveling through. Below is a list of all 50 states and a link to their holiday travel restrictions.
Alabama Department of Transportation Holiday Restrictions
Alaska Administrative Permit Manual: Oversize and Overweight Permits
California Transportation Permit Special Conditions for Holiday Travel
Colorado Holiday Restrictions & Important Notices
Connecticut Transportation Permits and Holiday Restrictions
Delaware Oversize/Overweight Permit System
Florida Holiday Travel Restriction
Georgia State Patrol Motor Carrier Compliance Division
Hawaii Oversize/Overweight Movement Rules
Illinois Transportation Automated Permits
Indiana General Provisions of an Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit
Iowa Code 321E - Vehicles of Excessive Size and Weight
Kansas Highway Patrol Oversize/Overweight Vehicle FAQs
Kentucky Overweight/Overdimensional Travel Provisions
Louisiana Department of Transportation Regulation for Trucks, Vehicles and Loads
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles Holiday Restrictions
Maryland Department of Transportation Hauling Permit Restrictions
Massachusetts Commercial Truck Permits
Michigan Holiday Travel Restrictions
Minnesota Holiday Travel Restrictions for Oversize Vehicles
Mississippi Office of Enforcement
Missouri Oversize/Overweight Permit Restrictions
Montana Holiday Restrictions for 2024
Nebraska Observed Holidays 2024
Nevada Holiday Travel Restrictions
New Hampshire Holiday Travel Restrictions
New Jersey DOT Permit Requirements
New Mexico Size and Weight of Vehicles and Loads
New York Oversize Holiday Travel Restrictions
North Carolina Oversize/Overweight Travel Restrictions
North Dakota Oversize/Overweight Restrictions
Ohio Holiday Restrictions Notice
Pennsylvania Holiday Travel Restrictions
Rhode Island Truck and Bridge Restrictions
South Carolina Guidelines for Movement of Oversize/Overweight Vehicles and Loads
South Dakota Oversize Load FAQs
Tennessee Holiday Travel Restrictions
Texas Holiday Hours & Movement Restrictions
Vermont Overweight and Overdimension Permits
Virginia Overload and Hauling Permits Regulation
Washington State Commercial Vehicle Guide
Wisconsin Holiday Days and Operations for Oversize Vehicles
Wyoming Commercial Carrier Size/Weight Restrictions
As you can see in the linked content, there's a variety of restrictions for OD travel over the holiday weekend. Before hitting the road with a permitted load, be sure you are prepared for any additional restrictions.
Download the 2024 Holiday Freight Schedule
Fines for hauling a permitted load during restricted times will be significant. The bottom line is that if you can avoid hauling a permitted load over Labor Day, that is probably the easiest answer. But if it can't be avoided, be sure to abide by the restrictions for whatever state you are in.
Labor Day isn’t the only holiday that impacts oversize freight travel. Planning ahead now will save money and time in the long run. Download the 2024 Holiday Freight Shipping Calendar to plan and prepare your shipping schedule.
If you're looking for a quote for holiday or non-holiday travel, the ATS team is happy to help.
