How To Transport Oversized Loads: Safety Tips (2022 Updated)

Oversize load transport requires tremendous caution, care, and expertise. It’s because hauling oversized loads, whether across short or long distances, can be difficult and stressful, not to mention more accident-prone.

It’s important to be armed with the right information for a more efficient experience. If you’re the owner of a transportation company, here’s everything you need to know on how to transport oversized loads.

5 Tips On Transporting Oversized Loads

1. Know State & Federal Regulations

Certain legal regulations are in place when it comes to transporting oversized loads. The good thing is that the legal weight limits for oversize shipments are fairly consistent across the states in the country.

Wide loads with a total weight limit of 46,000 pounds are usually the standard, with a legal length of 48 to 53 feet. The gross vehicle weight should not exceed 80,000 pounds. The maximum legal width limitation is 8.5 feet, with a maximum height limit of 102 inches. Anything over these legal dimensions is considered an oversized load.

You will also be asked for an oversize permit, which should clearly state the details of the transport vehicle and oversized load. It’s important to obtain permits before any haul is done because driving without one can result in fines, penalties, and even license suspension. [1]

2. Plan Your Route

Trucking companies must plan the shipment’s route ahead of time when transporting a wide load. This should include fueling locations and break spots. Make sure that the route you plan includes alternate routes in case something happens.

A wide variety of route planning and logistics tools are available for this job. You can use them to research hazards, traffic, weather conditions, construction, or other instances you might encounter once you’re en route.

3. Use the Proper Attachments

Transportation companies must ensure that the wide load is securely attached to the trailer. Depending on your needs, many fastening devices are available, like ropes, straps, friction mats, or binders.

Of course, just because there are many attachments doesn’t mean they work the same for all types of wide loads — some safety equipment and gears are better for certain loads. It’s also best to check the safety equipment to ensure they’re in proper working order and replace them (if needed) before any haul is done.

Check that the gross weight is distributed properly across the axles and does not exceed the axle limits.

4. Drive Safely

Truck drivers should make it a point to drive safely when transporting an overweight load. This is not to be confused with driving slowly, which can do more harm than good, especially if you’re on the highway. Drive at the recommended speed limit and stay in lanes specifically for overweight vehicles.

The truck driver must also drive at a safe distance from other vehicles and constantly monitor their speed.

5. Observe Proactive Maintenance

The worst thing that can happen to you when you’re transporting oversize and overweight hauls is having your truck break down. It’s highly imperative to observe proactive maintenance, such as topping the fluid, checking the tires, and making sure that the necessary gears and spare parts are added to the truck before you go on wide load shipments. [2]

Another aspect of proactive maintenance is to have a list of emergency contacts on hand. You should always know who to call if the vehicle needs to be serviced.

What is Considered An Oversized Load?

It’s important to understand what constitutes oversize or wide loads, as all roads and highways in the country have limitations. Manufacturing equipment, construction equipment, and other heavy equipment most often fall under this category.

The three measurements from the load that should be taken into account are the length, width, and height. If the load is any one (or a combination) of these three, it will be considered an oversize/overweight load.

Here is the basis of oversize load dimensions on most American roads, according to the Department of Transportation:

• Measures more than 8 feet 6 inches in width
• Measures more than 13 feet 6 inches in height
• Exceeds maximum weight of 46,000 pounds

What Special Permits Are Required To Transport Oversized Loads?

It’s important to know that the state issues permits for oversize shipment, not the federal government. Obtaining the proper permits for both states is important if you plan to haul a wide load across different states.

Some cities and communities have weight restrictions and will require you to secure permits as well. You will be responsible for applying for and obtaining these local permits.

Because you’re transporting wide loads, you will also be required to secure state minimum insurance levels for liability before you are allowed to apply for oversize permits. Typically, these would require you to include liability levels of:

• Routine oversize and overweight loads: around $750,000
• Super heavy oversize loads: about $2,000,000
• Non-commercial building movement: around $2,000,000

Besides the oversize/overweight permit, states would require you to travel specific routes, and you will have to submit the exact route you’re planning to take during the application.

In some cases, you can obtain annual permits for multiple moves, provided the shipments are of the same type (like manufactured housing units or motor vehicles).

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship an oversized load?

Shipping oversize loads will range from $2 to $10 per mile. Of course, the freight costs can vary depending on other factors, such as the size and nature of the wide load, escort vehicles, and specific limitations and permits.

Can oversize loads travel at night in California?

Yes, oversize loads can travel at night in California. The vehicle and load must be properly signed with “Oversize Load” banners at the front and rear, don safety flags, and lighted.

What is the widest load you can transport?

The widest load you can transport in the United States is 8.5 feet. Anything over that will be considered an oversized load.

Conclusion

Oversize load shipping can be daunting, and the best way to ensure everything goes accordingly is to plan.

It’s important to know the state regulations when transporting overweight loads and to secure the proper state permits.

It’s also highly important to plan your route. This is also when it’s best to secure emergency contacts, so you know what to do if the vehicle breaks down.

Observe proactive maintenance by checking that the vehicle is in great shape before embarking on your journey. Drive safely and carefully, and keep to the lanes specifically for trucks or oversized hauls, as per the Federal Highway Administration.

References:

1. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/freight/sw/permit_report/index.htm