South Central Reporter

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which are designed to help farmers and agricultural haulers transport crops more efficiently during the fall harvest season.

Farmers can apply for these permits online through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Automated Permits website system. The IHPs allow haulers to carry 10 percent more weight, aiming to reduce the number of trips required, lower transportation costs, and minimize delays.

Illinois is a major producer of corn and soybeans. These permits are intended to improve the efficiency of moving agricultural products throughout the state by allowing vehicles to be loaded closer to their maximum capacity. This measure is expected to decrease fuel expenses, reduce the need for additional drivers, and lessen vehicle wear. The use of IHPs may also help prevent backups at grain elevators, avoid extra storage fees, and limit market delays.

The permits are valid only during the harvest period from September 1 through December 31. According to IDOT, drier and firmer road conditions in the fall make them less susceptible to damage from heavier loads. Route authorization must be renewed every 14 days so that vehicles can avoid routes with lower-grade bridges.

For questions about obtaining a Harvest Permit, individuals can contact the Department of Transportation Permit Office via email at dot.permitoffice@illinois.gov or by phone at (217) 785-1477.

Jason Plummer was elected as a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate in 2023 representing the state's 55th Senate District after replacing Darren Bailey.