As spring arrives in Minnesota, so too come Spring Load Restrictions (SLR). With outdoor construction and clean-up projects ramping up, it’s important to understand how these restrictions may affect dumpster delivery and pick-up services.
Spring Load Restrictions are directed by Minnesota Department of Transportation based on frost depth and thawing conditions. As temperatures rise, the top layers of soil and road base thaw while the ground below remains frozen. This creates a soft layer that makes roads more vulnerable to damage from heavy trucks.
2026 Spring Load Restrictions begin March 2, 2026.
By law, restrictions must end within eight weeks (April 27, 2026), though they are often lifted sooner if conditions improve.
How SLR Affects Wizard Roll-Off Dumpster Services
Wizard Roll-Off operates smaller trucks and lightweight dumpsters, allowing service on most major highways and county roads even during restrictions. However, some cities impose lower, city-wide axle weight limits that can affect deliveries and pick-ups.
Here’s how each restriction level impacts service:
3 Ton Limit
❌ No deliveries or pick-ups
The rear axle of our smallest truck exceeds this limit
4 Ton Limit
✅ 10 and 14-yard dumpsters can be delivered
❌ 20-yard dumpsters cannot be delivered
❌ No loaded containers can be picked up
5 Ton Limit
✅ No delivery restrictions
10 & 14-yard dumpsters: Max 1.5 tons (3,000 lbs)
20-yard dumpsters: Max 0.75 ton (1,500 lbs)
6 Ton Limit
✅ No delivery restrictions
10 & 14-yard dumpsters: Max 2.75 tons (5,500 lbs)
20-yard dumpsters: Max 1.75 tons (3,500 lbs)
7 Ton Limit
✅ No delivery restrictions
10 & 14-yard dumpsters: Max 4 tons (8,000 lbs)
20-yard dumpsters: Max 2.75 tons (5,500 lbs)
8+ Ton Limit
✅ No restrictions
Loads permitted within normal truck ratings
Important Notes
3-ton limits are rare.
In 4-ton cities, small dumpsters can be delivered, but pick-up may be delayed until restrictions are lifted.
In 5-ton cities (most common), most standard projects can proceed without issue using 10 or 14-yard dumpsters.
20-yard dumpsters are heavier and transfer less weight to the front axle due to their length, resulting in lower allowable load limits during restrictions.
Keep in mind that some cities may post additional limits on specific streets (gravel roads, dead-ends, high water table areas). If your property is located on a county road or major thoroughfare, city-wide restrictions may not apply.
Cities with City-Wide Spring Load Restrictions
(Restrictions apply to city-owned streets unless otherwise posted.)
3 Ton Limit Cities
Pine Springs
Centerville
North Oaks
Spring Lake Park
St Anthony
4 Ton Limit Cities
Crystal
Hopkins
Maple Plain
Medina
Minnetrista
Mound
New Brighton
North St Paul
Orono
Robbinsdale
South St Paul
Spring Park
Wayzata
5 Ton Limit Cities
Andover
Anoka
Arden Hills
Bloomington
Champlin
Chanhassen
Columbus
Coon Rapids
Corcoran
Dayton
East Bethel
Edina
Ham Lake
Hamel
Hugo
Lino Lakes
Little Canada
Mahtomedi
Maple Grove
Maplewood
Mounds View
New Hope
North Branch
Ramsey
Richfield
Rogers
Shoreview
St Francis
Vadnais Heights
West St Paul
White Bear Lake
Woodbury
Wyoming
6 Ton Limit Cities
Eden Prairie
Golden Valley
St Louis Park
7 Ton Limit Cities
Fridley
Lake Elmo
Oakdale
Roseville
9 Ton Limit Cities
Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Park
Oak Park Heights
Stillwater
10 Ton Limit Cities
Blaine
Cities with No Published City-Wide Limits
(Specific streets may still be posted.)
Columbia Heights
Chisago City
Circle Pines
Falcon Heights
Hanover
Independence
Loretto
Marine on St Croix
Medicine Lake
Minneapolis
Minnetonka
Osseo
Rockford
St Paul
Scandia
Stacy
If you have questions about restrictions in your area or how they may impact your project, contact Wizard Roll-Off at 763-537-9600 — we’re happy to help you plan accordingly.