Reference guide

ODC permit guide

Is your load over-dimensional, and what permission does it need? The limits, the authorities and the steps, with sources.

This free Safe & Secure Logistics guide explains when a load is over-dimensional in India under CMVR Rule 93, and who grants permission: MoRTH or NHAI on national highways and the state PWD elsewhere. It covers trailer choice, escorts, route surveys and e-way bill validity for ODC, with sources cited.

The legal envelope (CMVR Rule 93, headline limits)

Dimension	Limit for most goods vehicles	Note
Width	2.6 m	Includes the load overhanging the body
Height	3.8 m from ground	Some vehicle categories have different limits; check the current rule text
Length	Depends on vehicle type (e.g. 12 m rigid truck)	Articulated and truck-trailer combinations have their own limits
Weight	Registered GVW and axle loads	Axle loads per MoRTH notification S.O. 3467(E), 2018

Step by step

Measure the loaded envelopeCargo plus trailer deck height, overall width and length, and gross weight per axle.
Choose the trailerFlatbed for most machines; semi-low-bed when height is tight; low-bed or hydraulic modular trailer for tall or very heavy pieces.
Check against the limitsIf width, height, length or axle load exceeds the legal limit, the move is ODC/OWC and needs permission.
Survey the routeFor large loads: bridges, overhead wires, toll-plaza widths, turning radii, diversions.
Apply for permissionMoRTH/NHAI online for national highways; state PWD/transport for state roads; police for city windows.
Arrange escorts and timingAs the permission requires, often night or off-peak movement.
Carry the paperworkPermission, load drawing, invoice and e-way bill (1 day per 20 km).

How it works

The method, and its limits

This guide summarises public rules; it is not a permit service. Limits are the headline figures of CMVR Rule 93. Always check the current rule text and the permission conditions for your vehicle and route.

What SSL does, honestly: Safe & Secure Logistics arranges semi-low-bed, low-bed and flatbed trailers for construction and farm machinery, with about 78 moves in the year to August 2026. It does not own hydraulic axles or run transformer or wind-blade moves. See ODC & heavy machinery and the ODC transport guide.

Sources

Where the figures come from

Figures are general information, checked on 29 Sep 2026. Rules change; follow the source before acting.

Frequently asked questions

When is cargo over-dimensional (ODC) in India?

When the loaded vehicle exceeds the dimensions allowed by CMVR Rule 93 (2.6 m wide, 3.8 m high for most goods vehicles, or the length limit for the vehicle type), or exceeds permissible axle loads (overweight, OWC).

Who gives permission for ODC on national highways?

MoRTH/NHAI, through the online permission system for over-dimensional and overweight consignments, including those on modular hydraulic trailers.

What about state highways and city roads?

State PWD or transport departments, and local police for city movement windows. A national-highway permission does not cover state roads.

How long is an e-way bill valid for ODC?

One day for every 20 km or part of it, against one day per 200 km for normal cargo (Rule 138(10), CGST Rules).

Do I need escort vehicles?

Where the permission requires it, usually for very wide, long or heavy loads. The permit lays down escorts, travel windows and route.

What is a route survey?

A physical check of the planned route for bridge capacity, overhead clearances, turning radii and diversions before a large ODC move.

Does Safe & Secure Logistics handle ODC?

On a small scale: about 78 moves on semi-low-bed, low-bed and flatbed trailers in the year to August 2026, mostly construction and farm machinery. SSL does not own hydraulic axles.

What should I send for an ODC enquiry?

A load drawing with length, width, height and weight, lifting points, origin, destination and the date the cargo is ready.

Want an exact price?

Our desk confirms your lane, vehicle and price, usually within minutes.

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