What Is an Oversize Load?

Oversize Load

Oversized loads are those that usually fall above the maximum allowable dimensions (length, height, width) and weight allowed on highways. When it comes to the terms used in the transport industry, oversize load is one that you’ll hear referenced a lot. In fact, you may have seen those flatbed trailers that transport oversized cargo on highway roads. They’re often too large to pass and have a sign warning you of the oversized load they’re transporting. Some of these haulers are followed by security cars, escort vehicles and flags as they make their way to the delivery destination to ensure the safety of everyone else on the road at that time. There may be a need to move oversized loads within a state, or across multiple states. This will require getting the right permits and complying with load regulations and safety requirements. Without this, there would be fines and penalties from the authorities on the driver or transport company.

An oversized load is the reference for any cargo that surpasses the standard weight restrictions set for the road, highways, air freight or water freight. There are other state regulations that may put your cargo in the oversized or overweight category in addition to the general terms when speaking of road transport. Size and axle limits are also set for the industry for safety considerations. Of course, an experienced transport company is the only reassuring and safe way to have heavy equipment or oversized loads shipped. They’ll have the proper tools and shipping technologies to deliver the cargo even though it exceeds the restrictions set for the transport infrastructure.

Examples of Oversized Loads

• Industrial Equipment
• Cranes
• Front Loaders
• Backhoes
• Mobile Homes
• Steel
• Windmill Propellers
• Bridge Beams
• Generators

Relevant Statistics

• An oversize load refers to a vehicle or cargo that exceeds the standard legal limits, such as height, width, or weight.
• In the United States, oversize loads account for approximately 10% of all trucking shipments.
• Over 95% of oversize load permits in Europe are issued for transportation of wind turbine components.
• The average length of time it takes to transport an oversize load across state lines is 5-7 days.
• Accidents involving oversize loads represent less than 1% of total road accidents but account for around 10% of severe incidents.

General Facts

• An oversize load refers to a shipment or cargo that exceeds the maximum legal size and weight limits for the transportation infrastructure.
• Oversize loads are typically transported on specialized vehicles, such as flatbed trucks or trailers with extra axles.
• Common examples of oversize loads include construction machinery, industrial equipment, prefabricated buildings, and large tanks.
• Oversize load regulations vary by country and state, with specific permits and escorts often required for their transport.
• Due to their size and weight, oversize loads require careful planning, route surveys, and coordination with authorities to ensure safe transportation.

The Process of Shipping an Oversized Load

The process of shipping oversized loads is much different than other transports. Apart from the load permit that it will require, It definitely takes experience as well as the right shipping equipment and technologies to successfully manage such a tedious delivery. When oversized cargo is improperly secured and loaded, it can cause load shifting. If this happens, everyone on the road is at risk. Shifting can destabilize your truck causing an accident or even allowing the oversized cargo to fall off the truck completely. At times, oversized loads can be shipped at night, you'll have to ensure the oversized truck transport lights are all working including those of the escorts and pilot vehicles in the front and rear of the load. This is to ensure good visibility. It's best to ship oversized at those times when the volume of traffic is low, such as public holidays or weekends. However, this does not mean you won't follow the standard shipping procedure including using an escort vehicle and flag. The movement of oversized loads may sometimes require temporary road closures or partial closure of some lanes to avoid hazards during the highway travel. You need to get clearance from local office authorities and carry the appropriate signage on the load.

Reliable transport companies provide insurance coverage on all their shipping services. In most cases, this insurance covers the entire value of your cargo. Make sure you ask the transporter about their insurance policy before hiring them for the job. Having this protection is especially important with such detailed shipping services.

There are different ways to ship oversized loads. It all depends on the dimensions of what it is you’re shipping and where it is going. Domestic transports use ground transportation methods to haul the load while flatbed ships are necessary for overseas deliveries. In both situations, a lift might be used to get the cargo atop the trailer or ship where it is then carefully secured for transport.

A1 Auto Transport is the go-to company when it comes to handling and shipping oversized loads. We have the best trailers, trucks, carriers, and safety equipment to handle all your oversized moves. We adhere to the rules, guidelines, and requirements of the Department of Transportation (DOT). We ship all types of tractors, bulldozers, dump trucks, excavators, conveyors, construction equipment, construction materials, threshers, bailers, boats, storage tanks, harvesters, and others, no matter the load width or height. Whether you are moving them from one job site to the other or from the assembly lines at the manufacturing company, our professionals can get it done for you without any stress on your part.

Related Information & FAQ

• Oversized equipment shipping
• Wide Load Equipment