What is Heavy Haul Transportation?
Shipping oversized loads using an oversized load truck is not the same as shipping your typical less-than-truckload (LTL) or full truckload (FTL) freight. Heavy load transportation, also known as heavy haul shipping, can be complicated if you do not understand the entire process. Before shipping your oversized freight, educating yourself on the topic is crucial since large equipment is expensive and can become dangerous if not handled properly. PLS has outlined essential information you need to know about how to ship oversized loads and navigate the complexities of heavy haul logistics.
How to Ship Oversized Loads
Measurements
Heavy haul, oversize load, or wide load is a shipment that goes beyond legal limits for weight, size, or dimensions and requires specialized equipment for handling. Understanding what is considered an oversized load is crucial for proper planning. Usually, heavy hauls are industrial shipments like steel and mining products, large machinery, aircraft parts, and various smaller steel equipment. Understanding all regulations, including shipping height restrictions and dimensional restrictions, before shipping your oversize freight is crucial to ensure safety and compliance.
When it comes to oversized load dimensions, it’s important to know the specifics. In the U.S., your load is generally considered oversized if it exceeds 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) in width, 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m) in height, and is more than 48-53 ft in length. However, these measurements are generalized, and you should always check the specific oversized load dimensions for your state.
Legal Regulations
Abiding by legal restrictions and wide load rules when transporting oversized loads is challenging because every state, municipality, or city may have different required laws and permits. Apart from size regulations, there are also restrictions on when and how the drivers can transport oversize loads. For example, many cities only permit carrying a heavy haul during the daytime for safety reasons. Other state-specific regulations can prohibit moving on certain roads or during certain hours. Not having oversize permits or having the wrong ones can cost you lots of time and money, considering that you can incur a fine, and the load most likely won’t make it to the destination on time or at all.
Whether you’re a frequent shipper or a one-time mover, there are permit options for you. There are three categories of permits: one-time hauls, multiple similar hauls, or annual permits for the movement of regularly produced hauls. Fees vary state-to-state, but most permits are less than $70 for a basic load. To apply for a permit, you must first understand the details of your oversize load and the specific permit requirements for your route.
The two most popular trailers for wideload shipping are flatbeds and step decks. Flatbed shipments and step decks allow product hangover, making them perfect for shipping oversized loads. A typical flatbed trailer is 48 ft long and 8.5 ft wide. As the name implies, a step deck is separated into two sections with a step in between. The smaller, raised platform is 11 ft long and 8.5 ft wide, whereas the longer, lower deck is about 40 ft long and 8.5 ft wide.
How to Ship Oversized Loads: Best Practices
Know Your Shipment
Make sure you have accurate information on the load. It’s crucial to know the exact dimensions of every inch. Since permits and regulations often depend on your freight measurements, a slight discrepancy may result in shipping disruptions.
Before finalizing the move, you must communicate the load description to your transportation provider in your documentation. It’s essential to know what equipment and tools to load, secure, and move your shipment safely. Proper load securement is critical for oversized hauling. Before starting the transportation process, specify all the additional handling requirements for your oversized equipment.
Plan Ahead
Don’t try to push it out at the last second – it’s very likely to end in a disaster. Moreover, you are likely to pay more since oversize freight rates tend to be higher on last-minute loads.
You may need escorted shipping services, a special vehicle, or other assistance. Typically, loads larger than 12 feet wide, or 14 and ½ feet high, or exceeding 90 to 100 feet in length, require two escort cars or pilot vehicles. These travel escorts drive in front of and behind the oversize load to ensure safe transportation for everyone on the road. Learn more about pilot cars and what oversized loads require escort services in each state.
Take your time to research and make sure you know what you need, including any required flags and lights for safety. Allow your transportation provider to secure proper equipment and permits.
Effective communication and collaboration between all parties involved in the heavy haul oversize shipment is crucial. This includes route planning, driver training, and ensuring all safety protocols are in place. Work some planning time into your shipping schedule to minimize the risks, which may result in significant time and money losses.
TMS
Having a transportation management system (TMS) becomes even more crucial when shipping oversize freight. Access to a TMS significantly increases visibility when planning and executing the shipment of products. Shipping an oversized load is more complicated than shipping your typical LTL or FTL freight, so knowing exactly where your product is during transit is essential. PLS Pro is a user-friendly TMS system built by PLS to help shippers increase efficiency and customer service while saving time and money.
Find a Transportation Company
A critical step in arranging a heavy haul shipment is partnering with a reliable third-party logistics company. Arranging transportation of oversize freight can cause a lot of stress, time, fines, or fees and still won’t ensure a successful outcome. An experienced shipping partner will execute the most burdensome work, including obtaining a carrier, negotiating the price, getting permits, providing freight management, and expert consulting for oversize load transport. You can use a load board for oversize loads to find suitable carriers for your heavy equipment shipping needs.
Heavy Haul Trucking with PLS Logistics
PLS Logistics Services has over three decades of experience as a leading transportation company for oversize and heavy haul shipments for many industries. We have a carrier network with over 55,000 companies to find you the best rate when you need to move your freight. Our expertise covers all aspects of wideload shipping, including handling weight restrictions, understanding axle configurations, and managing overweight freight.
We prioritize safety in all our oversized shipments, ensuring proper insurance coverage, utilizing GPS navigation for accurate routing, and implementing advanced safety protocols. Our team is well-versed in the use of load monitoring sensors to ensure the security and stability of your cargo throughout the journey.
Need to ship a heavy haul? Check out our solutions for oversized loads and request a free quote today!
