Wide Load Shipping – What it is and Why It's Important

If you know there are limits to what you can transport on roads; it's natural to get nervous if you need to haul something over the limits. The process gets much more complicated as words like special permits get thrown around.

But if you understand what wide load shipping is and why it's essential for the industry, you'll see that it's not too complex. If you have a firm grasp of the procedure, you'll have no trouble navigating it.

So, what is broad load whipping, and why is it important?

An Introduction to Wide Load Shipping

As the name implies, wide-load shipping is the conveyance of freight that doesn't meet the US Department of Transportation's regulations for a normal load. Since it's not a federal matter, the exact dimensions vary from state to state, although there's a standard limit.

Nearly 5 million permits to haul oversized freight are granted yearly, giving an idea of the industry's popularity.

It's different from regular shipping because transporting standard loads like cars is relatively simple; as long as you meet weight restrictions, wide loads are more complicated.

There are several regulations, and you must meet certain requirements before being granted a permit. It's a lucrative industry, but it's still important that you choose the company you hire carefully.

What the Large Cargo Category Usually Includes

Many loads fall in this category. Many parts of the manufacturing industry, like conveyor belts, generators, and assembly lines, count as wide loads.

Construction equipment like bulldozers, cranes, storage tanks, and dump trucks is also very large. Piping, steel beams, and building frames also have oversized loads.

Agricultural equipment like harvesters, tractors, and threshers are also vast machinery that doesn't fall in the standard load category.

Finally, non-commercial buildings like mobile and prefabricated homes, boats, and trucks are also over-dimensional loads that require transport permits.

The Sort of Trucks That are Used in Oversized Pack Hauling

The most common method of transporting wide and oversized loads is using flatbed trailers. Because flatbed trailers have no roof or boundaries, there's no problem even if the load's width is over the truck's width.

There are also flat racks that have boundaries on both ends.

A drop deck or lowboy trailer is useful for loads that are taller because the lower deck can carry cargo up to 12 feet long.

A gooseneck trailer offers better weight balance, so it's suitable for oversized cargo.

The Dimension Limits for What Doesn't Count as a Large Load

As mentioned, specific requirements exist for what counts as a comprehensive or oversized load and what doesn't. Even the slightest difference can affect the final cost and whether a permit is required.

You first need to know the difference between a large or over-dimensional load and an oversized or overweight load. A wide load fits the weight capacity for cargo but not the width.

An over-dimensional load may also fit the weight capacity but is over the set height, length, or width limit.

On the other hand, an oversized or overweight load usually goes over the weight limit. An oversized one can be over the width and weight, which means it exceeds two quantities.

The Department of Transport has listed all the regulations for what counts as a standard load and what doesn't. However, as mentioned, the exact details vary from state to state.

Most states consider a load oversized than 8.5 feet wide. In some states, it's also over-dimensional if it's over 8.5 feet or 13.5 feet. The limit for length is 48 to 53 feet.

Finally, the weight limit for normal loads is 46000 pounds. Anything over this is considered an oversized load.

Oversized or oversized loads require special permits to be transported, and since these vary according to state, the process can be lengthy. Not every hauler can get permission to haul these, so looking into legitimacy is crucial before selecting a company.

How Weight is Calculated on a Per Axle Basis

Although the weight limit is 46000 pounds, it doesn't mean that the load will be placed on a large scale and judged according to its total weight. Weight according to per axle basis is used for freight shipping.

As the name implies, loads are measured according to the weight concentrated on each axle of the carrier vehicle. The weight is calculated from center to center. The axles should be placed less than 40 inches apart from each other.

This is an advantageous method because sometimes, even if the weight is over the capacity at some places, it can be equated or negated by shifting some of the load to another part of the trailer.

Regulations for Transporting Vast Gears

Setting regulations for wide loads is outside the federal government's capacity, so every state has its own rules. This factor can make multistate transport slightly complicated.

The major requirements you must fill out are for insurance levels. At the very least, you must have:

• A $750,000 insurance is needed for normal oversized or overweight loads.
• A $2 million insurance for super heavy oversized loads.
• A $2 million insurance for non-commercial building conveyance.

Regulations also extend to permits because these can differ by city. While some states, like Georgia, will provide licenses for all localities, you'll have to apply for them individually in most.

Looking into Permits for oversized Freight

As mentioned, obtaining the proper permits can be complicated because of the numerous agencies involved. First, many states limit where to travel with a wide load, so you must provide your exact route before gaining a permit.

While the state office can provide information on individual permits for local agencies, the company must apply for the permits themselves. This fact means gaining permits, while not exceedingly expensive, takes a lot of time.

There are three basic categories for permits: one for a singular haul, another for multiple similar hauls, and finally, an annual license for companies that regularly ship oversized loads.

The DOT website has links to each state's permit application. Around 30 states have an automated permitting system, making applying for a one-time haul permit easier.

Factors Considered When Transporting Vast Bags

Although the DOT regulates what's considered a wide load and what isn't, the state government makes the final decision. Several factors need to be considered when transporting an oversized load.

Safety Equipment

Part of the reason there are strict regulations regarding wide loads is the safety of the driver and the people around him on the roads. States always require letting other drivers know you're carrying an oversized load.

There are mostly flags, banners, and lights. Almost every state requires you to have a black and yellow 'large Load' or 'Oversize Load' banner at the front and rear. If the width of the load exceeds the truck's actual bed, it'll have an approximately 18-inch square flag that's bright red or orange.

Finally, since loads aren't always visible from a distance, trucks often require rotating or flashing lights on top of the truck cab and simple lights where the flags demarcating the load are placed.

Pilot or Escort Vehicles

Loads over the set limits must have escorts if they're over a specific limit. Since many highways are 12 feet long, loads that reach 10 to 12 feet may need two escort vehicles, one at the back and one at the front.

Some states require pilot cars for every wide load, while others only for the set limit. These vehicles are meant to act as a buffer zone between normal passengers and the truck to prevent accidents or problems.

Passengers can see the vehicles and try to clear the way so the truck can easily pass or take a turn. This warning is especially important for loads that are 12 feet long because there's no space for cars to pass through.

Time Taken to Deliver Shipment

Another crucial factor affecting the time the shipment takes to reach its destination and the final cost is when the transport takes place. Timings permit vast loads to be hauled according to the state; sometimes, cities and towns also have additional regulations.

Most states allow conveyance during daylight hours, from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Of course, there are exceptions. Specific states allow loads around 10 feet broad to travel on interstate or four-lane-divided highways at night.

Traveling on weekends and holidays is also restricted. A few days before a popular holiday, hauling wide loads might be stopped because of the sudden increase in traffic.

All these aspects increase the cost of hauling a large load over long distances.

Deciding on the Best Route for Transport

Deciding beforehand the route for transporting a wide or oversized load is crucial to the process. Most highways are 12 feet wide, so normal roads can be much narrower.

The logistics part plays a big role in the final result because the company has to survey the routes and consider factors like travel time and traffic before formulating the optimal plan.

The route can't go through metropolitans with heavy traffic, but smaller towns are also hard to navigate because of the narrow roads. The truck's weight balance is also problematic because sharp turns can be hard to handle, even for experienced drivers.

The best route is usually the longer one because a truck carrying a large load cannot take shortcuts.

A Quick Recap

Since you know everything there is about oversized loads, here's a quick recap:

• Wide loads are those over 8.5 feet, though there are other dimensional regulations, too.
• Flatbed trailers are the most common method for hauling oversized and oversized loads.
• Weight is calculated on a per-axle basis to determine whether it's oversized.
• Regulations for large-load transport vary from state to state and, at times, from city to city.
• A company must meet minimum limits to be eligible for a permit.
• For wide-load shipping, factors like safety equipment, escort vehicles, travel time, and the best route are considered.