Area farmers needing to haul additional hay around the state because of ongoing drought conditions have one less hurdle to worry about.

The Missouri Department of Transportation says they will offer a special overwidth hauling permit at no charge to help farmers and ranchers move hay as needed. Haulers can request their permit and waiver through MoDOT’s Carrier Express online portal. MoDOT will waive the permit fee of $96 and single trip fee of $15 for hay haulers through Dec. 1.

The permit is required for loads that exceed eight feet, six inches in width. Haulers will need to map their route to avoid work zones, as well as bridges and other areas that have weight, height, or lane restrictions. Loads must remain of legal height, length and width.

The waiver is in response to Governor Mike Kehoe’s declaration of a drought alert issued last week for all or part of 85 Missouri counties and the City of St Louis. Anyone with questions about the waivers may call MoDOT’s Motor Carrier Services office at 1-800-877-8499 or visit MoDOT’s website.