McLean County Times

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which are available at no cost to farmers and agricultural haulers. The permits aim to help move crops more efficiently during the fall harvest season.

Farmers can apply online through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Automated Permits website system. With an IHP, farmers are allowed to haul 10 percent more weight than usual, a measure that IDOT says leads to fewer trips, lower costs, and reduced delays.

Illinois is a major producer of corn and soybeans. The permit program is designed to improve logistics for the state’s agriculture sector by offering flexibility when loading vehicles close to their maximum capacity. This approach helps reduce the number of trips required to transport products, which in turn lowers fuel expenses, decreases the need for drivers, and minimizes wear on vehicles. It also aims to prevent backups at grain elevators and avoid extra storage fees or market disruptions.

Permits are valid only during harvest season, running from September 1 through December 31. According to IDOT, roads during this period are generally drier and firmer, making them less vulnerable to damage from heavier loads. For safety reasons, route authorization must be renewed every 14 days so vehicles avoid routes with lower-grade bridges.

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

Balkema, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State Senate in 2025 to represent the state's 53rd Senate District, replacing previous state senator Thomas M. Bennett.