Maryland is a densely trafficked Mid-Atlantic freight state anchored by the Port of Baltimore — one of the top vehicle-import ports in the country and a major container and bulk cargo hub — and the I-95 corridor connecting Washington D.C. to Philadelphia and New York. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) operates toll facilities including the I-95 Express Toll Lanes, the Bay Bridge (US-50), and the Fort McHenry and Harbor tunnels, which impose height restrictions and, on the Bay Bridge approaches, weight restrictions during certain conditions. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) handles vehicle registration and motor carrier credentials, including IRP and IFTA. Commercial vehicle enforcement is carried out by the Maryland State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and MDOT SHA. Port of Baltimore drayage is concentrated on I-695, I-95, and MD-295 (Baltimore-Washington Pkwy), with heavy container volumes generating consistent Class 8 activity in the Baltimore metro. Carriers operating the Bay Bridge route to the Eastern Shore should note weight restrictions on the bridge approaches. The state imposes no unique mileage or weight distance taxes beyond standard federal requirements, but toll infrastructure complexity across multiple MDTA facilities adds planning considerations.
| GVWR | 80,000 lbs federal interstate standard |
| Single axle | 20,000 lbs |
| Tandem axle | 34,000 lbs |
Bay Bridge (US-50) approaches may have weight restrictions during certain conditions. Fort McHenry and Harbor tunnels have height restrictions (13'6" max). Overweight permits available from MDOT SHA.
State trucking association: Maryland Motor Truck Association
Both tunnels have height restrictions of 13'6" and prohibit certain hazardous material loads. Carriers with oversized vehicles or hazmat cargo must use alternate routes (typically I-695 around the Baltimore Beltway). Verify current restrictions with MDTA before routing.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge (US-50) has posted weight restrictions on its approaches. Overweight permitted loads heading to Maryland's Eastern Shore should verify Bay Bridge restrictions with MDOT SHA and MDTA before dispatch, as the bridge approaches may not accommodate all overweight configurations.
Drayage carriers at the Port of Baltimore must obtain a TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) for terminal access, pre-register with individual terminal operators, and comply with appointment systems. The port handles significant container, vehicle, and bulk cargo volumes.
MDOT SHA issues oversize/overweight permits through its permit office. For routes using MDTA toll facilities (tunnels, Bay Bridge), carriers should also verify facility-specific restrictions. Pilot car requirements apply to loads exceeding certain dimensions.