Oregon Weight & Distance: A Guide for Trucking Companies
If your trucking business operates in or passes through Oregon, it’s essential to understand the Oregon Weight & Distance requirements. The state imposes specific rules and taxes on commercial carriers with vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds. Whether you’re based in Oregon or just traveling through, compliance is mandatory.
Who Needs an Oregon Weight & Distance Permit?
Carriers operating vehicles with a gross weight over 26,000 pounds must register for an Oregon Weight & Distance permit. This includes both private and for-hire carriers engaged in intrastate or interstate operations. You also need a permit if your vehicle:
- Has three or more axles
- Does not have valid registration
- Does not list Oregon on its IRP cab card
How to Obtain an Oregon Weight & Distance Permit
Permits are issued by vehicle VIN and must be printed and kept in the truck’s cab. A $2,000 surety bond is typically required, with an added $375 for each additional vehicle. Processing takes 3–5 weeks.
For infrequent travel, temporary Oregon Weight & Distance permits are available. These cost $9 plus the applicable weight-mile tax, are valid for 10 days, and can be renewed once per year.
Required application details include:
- USDOT number
- Vehicle and driver information
- Route and travel dates
- Commodity type
- Registration and payment information
Reporting and Compliance Responsibilities
After receiving a permit, you must report Oregon mileage monthly for each vehicle—even if no miles were driven. Failure to report can result in account suspension. After 12 months of consistent filing, you may apply for quarterly reporting and request bond removal.
The Oregon Weight & Distance tax is based on your declared weight and miles driven in the state. For carriers hauling commodities like logs or gravel, a flat monthly tax option may be available.
Carriers must manage tax enrollment for all vehicles under their account, including leased or rented trucks. If a vehicle will not operate in Oregon, it’s important to cancel its enrollment.
Oregon Registration Renewal and PRISM Compliance
Oregon participates in the PRISM program, which ties registration to safety compliance. The state will not renew your registration if:
- Your USDOT number is inactive
- Your FEIN is not updated in FMCSA records
- Your carrier is under a Federal Out of Service Order
- Your business structure is not eligible for registration (e.g., broker or shipper)
Carriers must update their MCS-150 and provide accurate USDOT and FEIN details for each vehicle through the FMCSA registration site—not directly to ODOT.
Conclusion
Understanding the Oregon Weight & Distance requirements is vital for commercial carriers. From securing the right permit and bond to reporting monthly mileage and staying PRISM compliant, every step matters. With expert help from services like FCCR, staying on top of Oregon’s trucking regulations becomes much easier. To save you time and effort, FCCR will file your Oregon Mileage Permit on your behalf. Our team ensures accuracy and compliance, so you can focus on running your business.
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