The oversized load and heavy equipment transport industry is a complicated business that can involve numerous safety and regulatory precautions. The complexities involved with shipping construction equipment, agricultural or even manufacturing equipment require specialized handling and rigging. Having to transport heavy equipment across state lines and even locally can mean having to obtain multiple permits. Being able to protect your equipment and getting it delivered safely and without delay requires a little background into just what’s involved with transporting oversize loads.
What is an Oversize Load?
All states set limits based on the length, height and width of shipments travelling interstate and the measurements can vary based on the state. Some of the more general limitations, which may place your transport into the oversize category, are as follows:
- Having a width over 8.5 ft
- A Height measuring above 8.5 ft
- Lengths exceeding 50 ft
- Has a weight above 46,000 pounds
The width of your transport is usually the most limiting factor and is why the terms wide load and oversize load are often used interchangeably. Your transport is legally considered an oversize load if the width measures over 8.5 ft because the standard width of a highway lane is only 12 ft. If your transport is a local shipment, the limitations on the width may be even smaller depending on the size of the roads being travelled. If your shipment has cargo with a width between 12-14 ft, there are additional requirements like escort vehicles and designated travel times. If the width is 16 ft or wider this falls into a special category often requiring police to temporarily close down the roads.
Weight restrictions are based on each of the trucks axles making it easy for the loads to exceed the axle’s limits if the weight is not properly distributed. By being aware of the limitations per axle you may be able to adjust the shipment so it can be driven legally without the need for a special permit.
Examples Of An Oversize Load
Transporting oversize loads has nothing to do with the cargo being shipped but refers more specifically to its dimensions. Nevertheless, the equipment that generally falls into the category of an oversize load includes:
- Construction Machinery: Excavators, cranes, rock grinders, bullzdozers
- Farm Equipment: Tractors, plows, tillers
- Manufacturing Equipment: Grinders, conveyors, assembly equipment
- Mobile, tiny homes and pre-fabricated homes.
- Military equipment and vehicles
Preparing Your Oversized Load For Transport
We Will Transport It likes to think outside the box and always goes that extra mile to ensure that your oversize load transport is seamless from beginning to end. Listed below are some suggestions that should make the process goes smoother when shipping heavy equipment.
- Proper Documentation: Having accurate measurements for your heavy equipment along with any relevant manuals made available before and during the transport.
- Equipment Preparation: Make sure that all parts are securely tightened and that any fluids have been properly drained from the machinery.
- Preparing Space For The Machinery: Make sure that there is a clear space around the machinery and that any debris has been cleared which could pose an issue for the movers. Our team can help you prepare an exit strategy for your equipment if necessary.
5 Things To Consider When Shipping An Oversize Load
If you are in the early stages of planning for your heavy equipment transport, we can recommend a few suggestions for your planning. There are five key areas that should be looked at when shipping an oversize load, all of which affect one another depending on the route and size of your transport.
Permit Requirements
Every state that will be travelled through has its own set of regulations and permit requirements for oversized loads, most of which is handled by the states DOT department of transportation. Transport companies will be required to obtain a permit for travel.
If your shipment is able to be broken down so that it fits within the size restrictions, you should. This will help you save not only money, but the process of obtaining an oversize permit can be a hassle. We Will Transport It also follows a set of internal guidelines that ensures the safety and on time delivery of your heavy equipment.
Scheduling
Many states restrict the times a wide load can travel on the roads in order to ensure public safety while limiting the traffic. These restrictions usually are in place over weekends, holidays and in the evening times. For loads that require an escort vehicle, they can only be on the road between sunrise and sundown. By being aware of these restrictions for each state you can better schedule your route and save on costs.
Safety
Safety has always been a top priority with We Will Transport It. This includes the safety of our drivers, the public, and ensuring that your heavy machinery is delivered in a safe and efficient manner. Some of the safety equipment used to transport an oversize load includes signs, signal lights and flags. This helps make drivers aware of the oversize load and so that it meets safety requirements for the state. We Will Transport It is continually recognized for our impeccable safety record and continuous attention to our safety standards.
Escort Vehicles
Escort vehicles, also known as pilot vehicles, will drive either ahead of or after the load. These escort vehicles serve to not only alert the truck driver but also to alert the public. Loads that require an escort vehicle are generally 10-14ft in length but in some states, any oversize load will require an escort vehicle. The number of escort vehicles required can also vary by state. It’s obviously more affordable to use the minimum amount of escort vehicles as you can for each part of the shipment.
Cost
The cost to ship an oversize load can vary mainly depending on the dimensions of your cargo as well as the distance needing to be travelled. Fees for permits are based on the weight and size of your shipment and can range in price anywhere from $50 to a few thousand dollars. Whether your transport requires an escort vehicle, or can be driven at night or weekends all factors into the cost. There are many factors which can affect the final cost of your oversize load transport.
How To Choose An Oversize Load Shipping Company
Affordable quotes are important, but choosing a company with experience and a solid safety records are important factors to consider when deciding on a transport company. Since we have been in the transport industry for over 25 years, We Will Transport It knows all the tricks in order to successfully handle anything from your basic car transport to the shipment of heavy equipment anywhere in the world. Whether you need your heavy machinery transported somewhere locally or clear across the country, we got you covered. If you are ready to take the next step and get your heavy equipment shipped, give us a call at 800-677-1196.
