A Comprehensive Guide to Oversize Cargo Transportation and Heavy Haul Shipping

Are you looking to ship a heavy load or oversized freight overseas? If so, you may be aware that heavy haul shipping presents a whole host of unique challenges that require specialized equipment and shipping expertise. This is why it’s essential for you to work with a reliable and experienced shipping company that can handle your oversize cargo with care and efficiency.

Whether you’re new to heavy haul shipping or a seasoned pro, this comprehensive guide will steer you through the whole process. We will cover a range of topics related to heavy haul shipping, including the benefits and challenges of using a reputable transport company, the various types of heavy haul equipment, and the regulations and requirements for shipping heavy cargo overseas.

We will also provide helpful tips for ensuring the safe and efficient transportation of your oversize load, as well as advice for selecting the right shipping company for your needs.

What’s Considered An Oversized Load?

Firstly, let’s consider what an oversized load or heavy haul freight is. In order to decide if your freight is classed as an oversized load, you will need to know its precise dimensions – this includes its height, width, and weight.

What are the Dimensions of an Oversize or Wide Load?

Generally speaking, any freight over 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet height and a length over 53 feet is considered to be an oversized load.

You must also consider weight limits when measuring up your heavy haul. In the United States, a load is considered to be oversized if it exceeds over 80,000 pounds in weight.

Notably, each state has its own specific oversize load regulations and weight restrictions. So it is important to do your research before shipping your oversize load. Find out about local laws on weight limits and dimensions before planning your shipment.

What’s the Maximum Width for Oversized Loads on Roads?

The maximum permitted width for oversized loads on US public roads is between 12 and 16 feet. However, this can vary depending on the region, with some states requiring special permits for oversized loads which exceed a width of 12 feet.

What is the Difference Between an Oversized Load and a Wide Load?

While the terms “wide load” and “oversized load” are often used interchangeably, there is a key difference between the two. The term “wide load” is specifically used to describe freight that exceeds the maximum legal limits for width.

Meanwhile, “oversized loads” are shipments that exceed standard legal limits for width and height, or weight limits. Notably, while wide loads are a common type of oversize load, not all oversize loads are also wide loads.

Examples of Oversize or Wide Loads

Large or heavy loads commonly contain machinery or equipment that is essential for important construction or industrial projects.

While specific dimensions vary depending on location, here are some general examples of wide or oversized loads:

• Tractors
• Cranes
• Bulldozers
• Combine Harvesters
• Backhoes
• Oversized Vehicles or Large Vehicles
• Mobile Homes
• Prefabricated Homes
• Generators
• Industrial Machinery

Remember, this list is not exhaustive, so it is crucial that you take the exact measurements of your cargo to find out if it will be classed as oversized.

Step By Step Guide to Shipping Heavy Haul Freight

Here is a brief step-by-step guide to the process of shipping heavy haul loads:

1. Firstly, you must determine the weight and dimensions of your shipment. This information will help you to choose the right carrier and equipment for your shipment.
2. Search for a shipping company that specializes in heavy haul freight and has experience with the type of shipment you need to transport. Check their safety ratings, insurance coverage, and customer reviews to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy.
3. Contact several shipping companies and request quotes for your specific heavy haul shipment. Compare the quotes and choose the carrier that offers the best value for money.
4. Coordinate with your chosen carrier to arrange transportation for your heavy haul freight. Ensure that the carrier has the necessary permits from local authorities and the equipment needed to transport your shipment safely and legally. Work closely with your carrier to finalize the logistics of your shipment.
5. Stay in contact with your carrier throughout the shipping process to monitor the progress of your heavy haul shipment. Be prepared to provide any necessary information or documentation to ensure a smooth delivery.

What are Some of the Challenges of Transporting Oversize Loads

Shipping an oversized or wide load presents a unique set of challenges that must be carefully navigated; these include:

Safety Measures

An oversized load must be carefully secured to ensure its safe and efficient transportation. Without careful attention to load stability, the considerable weight of oversized freight poses a risk of shifting, which can result in accidents.

Shipping staff must also anticipate adverse weather conditions and adjust their strategies to accommodate these.

Careful Route Planning

Shipping oversize cargo requires careful planning of an appropriate route. Your shipping provider will need to account for common transportation obstacles along the way, including clearance of low bridges, tunnel restrictions, and narrow turns. They must also consider potential detours and temporary road closures.

Special Permits and Regulations

Navigating the rules and regulations surrounding oversized cargo can prove tricky. Your carrier must carefully consider legal limits on the weight and dimensions of oversized loads and determine whether they need to apply for the necessary permits.

Requirement for Specialized Transportation Equipment

When shipping oversized loads, carriers must use specialized equipment that is equipped to handle the dimensions and weight of the transported oversize cargo. We will look at this in more detail in the next section of this article.

Do Oversize Loads Require Specific Transportation Equipment?

The simple answer to this is yes.

The equipment required to transport your oversize load will depend on the size and weight of your freight.

Typically, oversize loads require specialized trailers that are designed to accommodate their size and weight. These trailers are equipped with additional axles, hydraulic lifts, and other features that allow them to safely transport oversize loads.

Examples of Specialized Equipment for Oversize Cargo

Examples of specialized equipment and machinery used for the transport of oversize freight include:

Flatbed Trucks and Flatbed Trailers

These have an open cargo bed, lacking sides and a roof, and provide plenty of shipping space for an oversize load. The downside is that flatbed trucks and trailers can prove more difficult to maneuver than other types of equipment.

Lowboy trailers

Lowboy trailers have a low deck height, which is closer to the ground. They are suitable for transporting tall or heavy items, as the lowered deck allows for more vertical clearance.

Stretch Trailers

These trailers have the capability to extend or “stretch” to accommodate longer cargo. This flexibility is useful for transporting oversized items that may exceed standard trailer lengths.

Tractor Trailers

Tractor trailers are one of the largest types of trucks used for transportation, making them ideal for shipping over dimensional freight and overweight loads.

Step deck Trailers

Also known as drop deck trailers, these have a lower deck for tall cargo and an upper deck for shorter items. The step design allows for more versatility in loading and unloading.

Removable Gooseneck Trailer (RGN)

These trailers have a removable front section (gooseneck) that allows for easy loading and unloading. They are often used for transporting heavy machinery and oversized equipment.

Don’t forget that you may also need to hire additional equipment, such as a crane or a forklift, to help you when loading and unloading your heavy haul.

Do you Need An Escort or Pilot Vehicle?

In some cases, shipping oversized cargo or heavy equipment requires escort vehicles or pilot cars. Pilot cars help to ensure safety and proper coordination with other drivers.

The need for escort or pilot cars will depend on local regulations and the exact weight and dimensions of your oversize load. It’s always best to work with a reputable and experienced shipping company who can help to navigate these requirements

What are Special Permits, and How Do You Get Them?

If the specifications of your oversized freight exceed the legal dimension or weight limits imposed by states that it will pass through during the shipping process, you will require permits from the relevant state’s Department of Transportation.

If you partner with a trusted and reliable shipment company, they will obtain the permits required on your behalf. The cost of the permits required will vary depending on the specific state, but your shipping partner will be able to provide accurate costings for the permits to you.

Be aware that special permits are non-refundable and remain valid for a limited period of time. This means that you will need to pay for them again if your shipment is delayed or canceled beyond the expiry date of the permit.

How Much Does Oversize Freight Transportation Cost?

The cost of oversize freight shipping can vary depending on several factors including the weight and dimensions of your oversized load, its final destination and the method of shipping used.

Additionally, any special handling requirements or permits needed for your oversize load can also impact the cost.

Your freight shipping company will be able to provide you with a detailed and accurate quote for your precise shipping needs.

Things to Know About Choosing A Suitable Oversized Cargo Transport Company

When it comes to transporting your oversized load, it’s essential to choose a suitable transport company that can ensure that your heavy cargo is transported safely and efficiently.

Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing a suitable transport company for your oversize load:

1. Do some research to find out more about their experience in handling oversized freight and their reputation in the industry.
2. Make sure that they have the necessary permits and licenses to transport oversize freight.
3. Verify the type of specialized vehicles and equipment they use for transportation, ensuring they are suitable for your oversize shipment.
4. Check if they have relevant insurance coverage that includes the transport of heavy haul freight.
5. Get a detailed quote from your chosen transport company which details all the costs involved in the transportation process.
6. Ask for references and read reviews from their previous clients.

By keeping these things in mind, you can choose a suitable oversize load transport company that meets your requirements and ensures the safe and efficient transportation of your goods.

The Importance of Transporting Your Oversize Load With An Expert Shipping Company

Transporting an oversize load can be a complex and challenging task. That’s why it’s crucial to entrust the job to an experienced and reliable shipping company.

An experienced and reputable shipping company can provide you with the correct specialized transport equipment and obtain the required permits for transporting your overweight load. They will have the knowledge and experience required to transport your precious load safely and efficiently while ensuring compliance with local and federal regulations (which can vary significantly depending on the type of oversized cargo and the planned route).

By partnering with an expert shipping company, you can avoid costly delays, damages, and safety hazards that can result from improper transportation.

So, if you have an oversized load that needs to be transported, make sure you work with a trusted shipping partner to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Shipping Your Heavy Haul with CFR Classic

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced partner to ship your oversize load overseas, then look no further than CFR Classic. Our experienced team is equipped with the knowledge and equipment necessary to handle your unique oversize shipping needs.

Whether you need to obtain permits, arrange for escort vehicles, or address any other oversize transportation-related requirements, we will help you to navigate through the entire process of shipping your oversize freight. We will manage all the paperwork, permits, route planning, and logistics so you don’t have to.

Contact CFR Classic today

Whether you are looking to ship your heavy haul over a local, regional, or long distance, contact CFR Classic today to learn more about our services and how we can help you transport your oversize load safely and efficiently.