A Big Number -- The Bakken, North Dakota, USA

Link here.

The North Dakota Highway Patrol reported 43,000 more wide-load permits in 2011 than the previous year.

....permits for semis that are overweight that cannot be taken apart have increased by more than 14,000 over last year. Permits for loads that can be taken apart have increased by almost 29,000 this year. [14 + 29 = 43]

I don't know what the number was for last year; if it was in the article, I missed it.

I also don't know if a wide-load permit is good for one day, one job, one year, on state highways .... but ...

Weight restrictions depend on the roads traveled. For example, semis can weigh up to 80,000 pounds on interstates without being permitted. Drivers are required to pay $20 for a 72-hour permit. Drivers can also get annual permits.

I would assume most of these additional permits are for trucks operating in about six western North Dakota counties.