Round-Trip Permits vs. Repeated Moves of Like Objects

Illinois law provides several different permit mechanisms for carriers transporting oversize or overweight loads. Two permit types are frequently confused:

• Round-trip permits
• Permits for repeated moves of like objects

While both involve moving similar loads, they are governed by separate sections of the IDOT Policy Manual and Illinois Vehicle Code and carry different requirements and legal consequences. Applying the wrong legal standard can result in unnecessary citations.

Part One: The Round-Trip Permit

A round-trip permit authorizes a carrier to move an oversize or overweight load from Point A to Point B and then return from Point B back to Point A. Instead of purchasing two separate permits, the carrier obtains one permit covering both directions.

Governing Authority

Round-trip permits are governed by:

• Section 554.1105 of the IDOT Policy Manual
• 625 ILCS 5/15-302 of the Illinois Vehicle Code

These provisions define what loads are eligible and what information the permit must contain.

The “Like Load” Standard

The most important feature of the round-trip permit framework is that the outbound and return loads do not have to be identical. Both Section 554.1105 and 625 ILCS 5/15-302 permit a carrier to return with a “like” load.

The term “like” means similar in:

• Nature
• Type
• Function

It does not require identical equipment. Minor differences such as:

• Series variations
• Generation updates
• Model suffix letters

Do not necessarily disqualify a load from qualifying as a “like” load if the machines remain functionally equivalent. For example, an excavator of one manufacturer and model class dropped off at a job site and a different variant of the same manufacturer and model class picked up on the return trip would generally qualify as a like object.

Description Requirements

Under Section 554.1105, the permit description must include two of the following three identifiers:

• Make
• Model number
• Serial number

Under 625 ILCS 5/15-302, the description must include make and model. These requirements help determine whether a return load qualifies as a “like” load rather than requiring exact identity.

Key Takeaway — Round-Trip Permits

A round-trip permit authorizes both legs of a move under a single permit. The return load does not need to be the same object. It can be a “like” object that is substantially similar in make, model class, and function.

Part Two: Permits for Repeated Moves of Like Objects

A permit for repeated moves of like objects is fundamentally different. It is not designed for two-direction travel. Instead, it authorizes multiple forward trips between the same origin and destination for a series of substantially identical structural components.

Governing Authority

These permits are governed by Section 554.1110 of the IDOT Policy Manual. This section is separate from and should not be confused with the round-trip permit provisions of Section 554.1105.

Strict Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a repeated-moves permit:

• Objects cannot be dismantled or disassembled.
• Objects must be monolithically structured for permanent use in transported form.
• All trips must be made from the same origin to the same destination.
• There must be at least five trips.
• All trips must be completed within 30 days.
• All permit applications must be submitted at one time.
• The application must specifically request a repeated-moves permit.

What Qualifies

Eligible examples include:

• Massive precast concrete beams
• Cast, rolled, or extruded iron beams
• Metal girders and fittings
• Laminated timber beams

What Does Not Qualify

Expressly excluded items include:

• Fabricated or assembled objects
• Building sections or trusses
• Built-up girders or columns
• Machines of any kind
• Vehicles
• House trailers
• Boats

Critical Point

Section 554.1110(c) expressly excludes machines from the repeated-moves permit framework. Construction equipment such as:

• Excavators
• Cranes
• Scrapers
• Loaders

Cannot be permitted under Section 554.1110. Using this section as authority for citing machinery transported under a round-trip permit applies the wrong legal standard.

Part Three: Side-by-Side Comparison

Round-Trip Permit

• One permit covering two directions
• Same or “like” load allowed on return trip
• No minimum number of trips
• Covers vehicles and machinery
• No 30-day restriction
• Designed for a single round-trip movement

Repeated Moves Permit

• Multiple one-way trips
• Monolithically structured objects only
• Minimum of five trips
• Same origin and destination required
• All trips completed within 30 days
• Machines and vehicles excluded
• Application must specifically request repeated-moves status

Summary: The Key Rule to Remember

Round-trip permits and repeated-moves permits are separate permit types governed by separate code sections.

Round-Trip Permits

Governed by:

• Section 554.1105
• 625 ILCS 5/15-302

Like loads are permitted.

Repeated Moves Permits

Governed by:

• Section 554.1110

Limited to structural components and expressly excludes machines. The term “like” means functionally equivalent, not identical. The analysis focuses on whether the return load is substantially similar in make, model class, and purpose—not whether it shares the same serial number as the outbound load. Contact Connolly Law Office for a consultation.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Illinois commercial vehicle permit law is complex and fact-specific. Carriers, drivers, and operators facing permit-related citations should consult a qualified Illinois transportation attorney.