It is quite a daunting challenge to haul oversize and/or wide loads. One must consider many variables before taking on these jobs, such as pilot cars, permits, route selection, required truck and bed size, cargo securement equipment, and oversize load/wide load banners and signage.
It is also essential to understand the shipping laws for each state one’s truck drives through because oversize loads are subject to different state laws and regulations.
Navigating flatbed shipments can be tricky, especially when shipping oversized loads such as wind blades, tractors, steel beams, combines, bulldozers, cranes, or prefabricated homes.
This article’s objective is to provide you with information regarding factors to consider with an oversized load.
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What is an Oversized Load?
In the United States, a wide or oversize load is a vehicle and/or load wider than 8’6″. Nonetheless, a load can also be considered to be “oversize” depending on the length, height, or weight of the cargo. The maximum height permitted by oversize load regulations is usually the same across the United States.
The Legal Limits for Flatbed Load Size
The legal limits for flatbed load sizes are well documented and relatively consistent from state to state in the United States. In general, the maximum height limit is 102 inches, and the legal length is typically 48 to 53 feet. The maximum weight is approximately 46,000 pounds, and the maximum legal load width is 8.5 feet (102 inches). Sometimes some trucks may be able to scale heavier, but 46,000 pounds is usually the standard.
How to Know if Your Load is Oversized
Width
The most common measurement that pushes shipments into the oversize category is the width. A load of over 8.5 feet wide is considered oversized.
Length
The legal length is typically 48 to 53 feet. However, shipments exceeding 12 feet wide may require one to two pilot vehicles in the front and/or back of the flatbed truck.
Weight Limit vs. Per-Axle Limit
The way weight restrictions are applied based on a per axle basis. Any shipment might not exceed the total weight limit, but it may exceed the per-axle limits. In this case, merely adjusting the load can make the shipment legal and eliminate special permits’ needs.
Wide vs. Oversized
A load is considered oversized based on either its width or weight. If the shipment is over on either measurement, it is deemed to be oversize. If the load meets all weight limits but not width limits, it is a wide load.
Do I Need a Permit?
Wide loads need a permit to travel. Even if a truck meets most dimensions’ legal requirements, if it’s too wide, long, or heavy, a permit will be required. Plus, a separate permit is required for each state the freight travels. Additionally, during this pandemic time no need to worry Alba Wheels Up will assist you in everyway.
Learn the Required Markers for Different Types of Loads
All cars on the road must be alerted to an oversize load, even if an escort does not accompany the truck. Many states also require oversize loads to have extra safety equipment such as load banners, lights, and flags.
Many states also require an oversize load to own a banner, yellow, and black color banner with the words “Wide Load” or “Oversized Load” printed in bold black letters, both on the front and back of the freight. An oversize truckload needs to have an 18″ square red or orange flag at each “wide” corner of the load.
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Travel Escorts
What are they?
Travel escorts’ role is to forewarn flatbed drivers of particular circumstances such as construction zones, accidents, traffic jams, bridges, low wires, and any other hazards which require safe driving. Also, they serve in alerting the public of the presence of an oversized vehicle.
Depending on the wide load truck’s size and the state that it is traveling through, possibly one or two escort cars may be required.
When do I need them?
In many states, in regards to shipments, over 12 feet wide require travel escorts, also known as pilot vehicles.
Restrictions For Driving an Oversized Load
Sunrise to Sunset
In many states, oversized loads with travel escorts are allowed to be on the road Monday through Friday for 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These restrictions are meant to reduce the possibility of an accident.
Must Specify and Plan Routes
Before a load begins its journey on the road, drivers need permits for each state traveled with exact travel routes specified. Such factors present unique challenges for shippers trying to maintain schedules.
Holidays and Weekends
Before scheduling an oversize load delivery, check the state’s oversize load holiday restrictions for each state you’ll be driving through since most states will not permit oversize trucks to drive on weekends and or during holidays. Also, oversize loads will be required to get off the road by noon a day before the holiday begins.
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Restrictions by State
It is crucial to remain informed because there are many laws and restrictions concerning wide load shipments. Embracing best practices and staying up to date with state laws and regulations will ensure that oversize load shipments are legal and safe.
Related: Cargo Insurance
The Overall Picture of what factors to consider with an oversized load
It is challenging to ship oversize loads, but at times it is a sufficient way to get your goods from point A to point B. With the proper planning, including understanding the shipping laws and regulations for each state, oversize load and wide load hauling become more manageable.
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