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, the oversized load is one that you’ll hear referenced often. In fact, you may have seen those flatbed trailers that transport oversized cargo on highway roads. They’re usually 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 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 a reference for any cargo that surpasses the standard weight restrictions set for roads, highways, air freight, or water freight. Other state regulations may put your cargo in the oversized or overweight category in addition to the general terms 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.

Types of Oversized Loads

Oversized loads can include various types of cargo that exceed standard dimensions, such as:

• Construction equipment (bulldozers, cranes, excavators)
• Agricultural machinery (tractors, combines)
• Wind turbine blades
• Prefabricated homes or buildings
• Steel beams and large industrial machinery

Depending on their size and weight, these loads may require specialized trailers like flatbeds, lowboys, or multi-axle carriers to ensure safe transport.

Federal and State Regulations for Oversized Loads

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has established regulations for commercial vehicle weight limits on interstate highways. However, states determine the specific height and length limits for their roads. A load is considered oversized when it surpasses the following federal standards:

• Gross Vehicle Weight: 80,000 pounds (truck and cargo combined)
• Single Axle Load Limit: 20,000 pounds
• Tandem Axle Load Limit: 34,000 pounds
• Maximum Width: 8 feet 6 inches (except Hawaii, where it is 9 feet)

While width is uniform across most states due to standard road measurements, length and height restrictions vary. A truck moving within a single state may have different legal limits than one traveling across multiple states, requiring a careful review of each jurisdiction’s regulations.

Oversized Load Permits

If a shipment exceeds state or federal size limits, the carrier must obtain an oversized load permit. These permits are issued by state departments of transportation and outline specific regulations, including:

• Approved Travel Route – The designated roads where the oversized load is permitted to travel
• Safety Requirements – Necessary warning signs, banners, and flags
• Escort Vehicles – When required, escort or pilot vehicles help navigate the route safely
• Travel Restrictions – Certain times or days when oversized loads cannot be moved (e.g., holidays, rush hours, or poor weather conditions)

Carriers must apply for permits from each state the load will pass through, with costs varying based on load dimensions, weight, and route complexity.

Safety Considerations for Oversized Load Transport

Transporting oversized loads presents significant risks, requiring strict adherence to safety measures. Key considerations include:

Escort Vehicles:

• Required for loads exceeding 10-12 feet in width, depending on the state
• Front pilot vehicles communicate road conditions, while rear escorts alert other drivers

Route Planning:

• Ensures clearance for bridges and tunnels
• Avoids roads with tight turns or weight restrictions

Traffic and Weather Restrictions:

• Most states prohibit oversized load movement during heavy traffic hours
• Loads over a certain width may only be moved during daylight hours

Vehicle Equipment:

• Warning flags and banners (marked ‘OVERSIZE LOAD’ or ‘WIDE LOAD’)
• Flashing amber lights for visibility
• Additional axles for weight distribution

Escorting and Pilot Vehicles

Escort vehicles, also known as Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators (P/EVOs), play a crucial role in ensuring safe passage for oversized loads. Their responsibilities include:

• Front Pilot Vehicles: Identify hazards, ensure clearance, and communicate with the truck driver
• Rear Escort Vehicles: Monitor cargo stability, warn other drivers, and assist with lane changes

Certain states may require law enforcement escorts for exceptionally large or hazardous loads.

The Process of Shipping an Oversized Load

The process of relocating 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 moved 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 move oversized when the traffic volume is low, such as on public holidays or weekends. However, this does not mean you won't follow the standard hauling 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 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. 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 move oversized loads. It all depends on the dimensions of what it is you’re moving and where it is going. Domestic transports use ground transportation methods to haul the load while flatbed shifts 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.

Ship Oversized Loads with A1 Auto Transport

Oversized loads are essential for transporting large industrial and construction equipment, but they require careful planning, permits, and safety measures to ensure they reach their destination safely. Carriers must comply with state and federal regulations, use proper safety equipment, and, when necessary, employ escort vehicles to mitigate risks on the road. By following these guidelines, oversized load transportation can be executed efficiently and safely.

A1 Auto Transport is the go-to company for 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 relocate 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.

Relevant Statistics

• An oversized load refers to a vehicle or cargo exceeding 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 European oversized load permits are issued to transport wind turbine components.
• The average time transporting an oversized 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 oversized load refers to a shipment or cargo that exceeds the transportation infrastructure's maximum legal size and weight limits.
• Oversized loads are typically transported on specialized vehicles, such as flatbed trucks or trailers with extra axles.
• Common examples of oversized 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, oversized loads require careful planning, route surveys, and coordination with authorities to ensure safe transportation.

Related Information & FAQ

• Oversized equipment shipping
• Wide Load Equipment