What You Should Know before Shipping Heavy Haul Freight

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front end view of a truck with red flags and an "oversize load" sign

Every so often, a company that doesn't usually ship oversize loads suddenly has an oversize shipment on their hands.

Oversize transport can quickly become overwhelming if you don't usually deal with this kind of freight.

Oversized loads, overweight loads, and wide loads all have specific considerations that you'll need to keep in mind. If you need oversize transport and aren't sure where to start, here are some important factors to remember.

Knowing When You Need Oversized Load Transportation

First, you'll need to know which loads are considered oversize freight.

In general, an oversized load is a load that exceeds standard legal limits for size and weight. In the United States, this usually means that load exceeds a width of 8 ft. 6 in.

Some examples over oversized loads include:

  • heavy equipment and machinery

  • pre-built homes

  • construction materials

  • steel structures

  • large containers

That said, the exact width and weight limits often depend on the individual state, as different states have different road conditions, weather, and terrains. Before shipping any oversize freight, check the laws in each state along your shipment's likely route.

In some cases, a load that is considered overweight may not need specific oversize load requirements if you can separate your cargo into multiple trailers. Often, there are load per axle limitations that don't exceed overall legal limits.

For these cases, the simplest and most cost-effective way forward is usually to separate the cargo. This way, there's no need for additional permits, signage, and other oversize load concerns.

Oversize Transport Requirements

When you do have an oversize load on your hands, you'll need to find a carrier who can get that oversize load where it needs to go.

Some trucking companies specialize in oversize load transport. Others ship cargo other than oversize loads but may still sometimes handle oversize load transportation.

Either way, check to make sure that your carrier meets all of the necessary legal and safety requirements for your cargo to be transported safely.

Some key considerations include:

  • having an oversize load truck

  • having the right type of insurance

  • obtaining required permits for each state where the oversize load will travel

  • using correct signage and other indicators (e.g. "wide load" signs)

  • drivers with experience hauling oversize loads

Route Planning For Oversize Transport

When working with oversize load shipping, your freight's route likely won't look the same as it would look for standard shipments. Oversize loads can't pass through certain areas safely, so your carrier may need to take an alternate route to ensure safe transport. They'll take narrow roads, low bridges, local laws, and other concerns into consideration.

How to Find Oversize Trucking Companies

If you don't usually deal with oversize freight, then finding the right oversized cargo transportation can become stressful fast.

One of the best ways to find oversized shipping options is to work with the right logistics team. Look for a truck broker that has experience working with oversize load shipping. That company will connect you to the best oversize trucking companies for your your needs. This way, there's no need to track down any specialized equipment yourself.

If you have questions about an oversized load and how your logistics team will find the transport you need, feel free to contact us at Pearce Worldwide.