What is the Big Deal?
Over-dimensional hauling is a bit of mystery for most customers that do not normally move loads that fall outside of the standard dimensions of flatbed freight. You might only do it a few times a year or you might be someone that hauls only over-dimensional freight. Regardless of your familiarity, this article is meant to be a resource to learn or act as a reminder.
The standard width of a highway lane is 12 feet. The standard height of freeway overpass is 14-16 feet. A typical flatbed is 48-53 feet in length with its deck being roughly 5 feet from the ground and a width of 8.5-feet. Therefore, any time your load and trucks overall dimensions exceed 53 feet in length, 8.5 feet in width and 13.5 feet in height, it is deemed oversize load. Obviously, that does not mean it cannot be shipped, you just need to find the right solution.
Before starting down that path there a couple items you need to think about. Can the load be configured in a way that is safe and avoids it from exceeding the dimensions listed above? Furthermore, if the load is over-height only there are options such as Step Deck and RGN trailers whose dimensions allow for a legal haul.
Over-dimensional Solutions:
Step Deck Trailers
A typical step-deck has a lower deck has 3.5 feet of ground clearance and an upper deck that is roughly 18-22 inches taller. That provides an additional 1.5 feet if your load happens to be up to 15 feet tall. However, there is a length restriction as the lower deck is typically only 37-42 feet in length.
Image via overweightpermits.com
RGN & Lowboy Trailers
You see these trailers used in the hauling of equipment such as tractors, front-end loaders, and excavators. The lower deck has only 6 inches of ground clearance allowing your load to legally be up to 18’ tall. Again, on these trailers there is a length restriction of roughly 24-29 feet in length.
Extendable Flatbed Trailers
The ‘Stretch’ trailer has the exact dimensions of flatbed trailer but includes the ability to stretch out to 70-90 feet. This important for over-length loads for two reasons, permissible over-hang is generally only 3-5 feet, and this allows the load weight to properly be distributed throughout the trailer’s axles.
Image via midcosales.com
Stretch Step Deck Trailers
The ‘Stretch’ Step Deck has the exact dimensions of the standard Step Deck. However, like its flatbed counterpart it can stretch out to 60-80 feet.
image via xlspecializedtrailer.com
Remote Steerable Axle Trailers
The Remote Steerable Axle Trailer is typically used to haul loads that exceed 100 feet. They are unique in that the load itself functions as the trailer and that the back axle is remote steered when making sharp turns.
Now let us discuss some of the items that might affect cost to your job or the timing of delivery as these are often the most important pieces that a customer needs to know.
Permits – If you are over-length, height, or width you will need permits. We mentioned standard dimensions above, but it is good to note that some of these things very state-to-state. The items required permitting is the intended route along with load dimensions, gross dimensions of truck and trailer as well axle weights and spacings. Permit costs obviously increase depending on how many over-dimensional boxes are ticked, how over-dimensional they are and the number of states your load will be traveling through.
Hours-to-Run – Each State, Municipality and City is different. As permits are ordered the route that driver must take and hours he can run will be cited. Some States and Cities require only day-light hours to travel through them. Many do not allow for weekend travel over holidays. So be aware when scheduling around holidays.
Escorts – Another item that varies dramatically state-to-state is the requirement of escorts. Most loads over ….. will require escort drivers. There are also some cases on extremely oversize freight that requires Police escorts by the state.
Route Surveys – There are certain cases when a survey by the driver is required. The standard width of a highway lane is 12 feet. The standard height of freeway overpass is 14-16 feet. In case where the load is extremely oversized it is important that the driver run the route to ensure clearance and turning radius to safely make it to his destination.
The goal of this article was educating and providing a first step when quoting a project or job. The logistical solutions can often make the difference in winning a project and having the options available that a customer requires is the first step. Please reach out if you have specific questions about an over-sized load you are looking to get moved.