What is a Superload

Super loads are by plain definition, loads that exceed the normal height, weight, and dimensions of a regular shipment. This kind of shipment is typically Government issued or granted by some sort of organization via government.

There are plenty of restrictions and regulations in place to avoid strange activity and unusual shipments. Another very crucial element that defines a super load is the fact that the load cannot be dissembled or broken apart. Therefore this naturally causes there to be even more restrictions, permits and state laws.

State Permits Needed For Superload Hauling

Based on the fact that most states share similar regulations it is important to point out that most freeways within the USA have a 12 Foot width Standard. Any load that exceeds over 8 ft if width will be considered a superload load. And for this you would need a superload permit.

The maximum height for a load is within the 12 to 14 and a 1/2 ft range. Any load that exceeds 16 ft in width potentially needs an escort and possible road closures. And of course your over-dimensional state issued permit.

Super Loads Regulations and Permits

Most states have their own set of rules and regulations. First things first, you must make sure to contact local authorities and make sure to get the green light for transporting your super load. They must revise the dimensions of the load and determine whether or not you're able to send it where you want it to arrive. If you are curious to see what state or Canadian permit contacts following information are available for you go to U.S Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Many states have the info on this website.

State Permits Needed for Superload Hauling: Prices

So if your preparing to ship. a super load you first must acquire the state permits needed. The prices range from $70 all the way to $17. So depends on who you contact within your state and the size, weight, route, final destination of shipping the superload load.

The location is crucial as you may not even be able to send smaller parts of your shipment to where you need it due to country regulations or the equipment your sending needs additional permits.

Whether or not your gonna have transportation, a escort, or police escort for the transportation route and transport of the load. These can all add to additional costs within the super load transportation route and transport itself. Many states require you to have an escort when traveling with or hauling a super load.

Divisible and Non-Divisible Super Loads

Divisible Super-load:

So when it comes to state regulations we already noted that the route, final route survey, location, and dimensions are essential. Sometimes companies will be sending materials for the routes in their route surveys to major construction sites.

These shipments tend to be followed by a team of police escorts full of escort vehicles. These escort vehicles just make sure everyone and everything is safe in the process.

These escort vehicles are nothing more than just an extra touch for the shipment to get to its final location with no problem and in one piece.

Having said that sometimes several trucks are sent. All these trucks share the same load so if one truck exceeds weight and now is considered a superload and motor carrier permits the load, another truck can pick up some of that superload or extra weight so that they keep costs at bay.

Also it is very important to point out that the route survey the same for the traffic control plan, and road users, use the traffic control plan, of bridges and the different landmarks that are within a certain route within a state or cross-country, or internationally the route can vary.

This is where divisible loads come in to play.

What is a Divisible Super Load?

A divisible load is any load that can be broken down and be spread over several different trucks or shippers. The cargo can therefor be split between a team rather than just one big load. So instead of having two such loads or two super loads you can have five large loads.

Dimensions for Divisible Super-load

Width: 8 ft 6 inches eight feet wide is the limit. Most states only allow super load services to have up to 8 ft and 6 inches of width, anything overlapping that number and it is limits must be broken down.

Height: The maximum height a state will grant is 14 ft 6 inches. some offer only 13 ft 6 inches of height for a load. No shipment carrier can stack two pieces of freight together to exceed the states height regulations.

Weight:A single piece of cargo cannot exceed the standard weight dimensions for legal gross vehicle weight.

Length: Length wise most states are avoiding loads to have overhanging parts that become a serious traffic danger for both traffic and the immediate traffic and environment around the load.

A truck transporting a couple of long Steele rods or a couple of tractors can be a great deal of traffic control danger for any normal vehicle on the road.

Most states will give a little bit of leeway in the form of extra feet of overhang but nothing over that.

Non-Divisible Super Load:

So if you have a piece of hauling equipment or freight that surpasses the standard dimensions whether it'd be weight, height, length, or width, and its stacked next to a piece of equipment within the legal regulations of dimensions you don't have to separate the load. In this case you'll have to apply for a permit for a larger load.

This is due to the fact that removing the extra piece of freight doesn't affect the overall surpassing of the load since only one piece is responsible for exceeding the standard dimensions.

What is a Non-Divisible Super Load?

A non-divisible superload permits over-load is a oversized cargo or commercial vehicle that cannot be separated and therefor is legally shipped as a non-divisible superload permits load. There are three different categories a such superload permits oversize load can fall into.

1.If the load would be broken down the vehicle/equipment would be no good and not function as intended.

2.If the value of the goods is destroyed or the vehicle being shipped.

3.If it takes more than 8 hours to assemble

What are divisible Load Permits?

These are permits granted by a certain shipping company so that other companies have a little bit more of leeway with their load dimensions. This typically is only offered for set amount of time. They are issued by the shipper and only good for in-state approval.

Interstate regulations get complicated and therefor the divisible load permit is only good for within the state.

Summary

Get a price quote from the carrier and figure out what you're gonna need to prepare your load and get it shipped.

So when it comes to shipping normal oversized loads you'll realize there are a couple of factors that affect it from becoming a super load.

This is very important for your business because logistics can become a nightmare real fast. Especially If you work in construction industry or in the produce industry, or plan on producing a Hydroponic Weed Farm.

Our recommendations are within the parameters of figuring out where you need to send your equipment, get in touch with the local government, see what laws are in place for super loads and permits you need in order to ship legally.

This can be a however process you want. If you do your homework you'll probably end up saving a buck or two, if you just go off your gut your bank account might hate you for it later. Unless your balling and you don't mind burning some extra g's.

You can get an estimate on how much everything will end up costing by going to different companies and getting your Super load or oversized load evaluated.

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