Oversized loads haul many types of materials and products that keep us everyday consumers moving forward. From tree trunks that turn into lumber for our homes, manufactured homes that give us shelter, and solar panels that create energy for those homes; oversized shipments are needed to keep society running. But they can have some of the most complex shipments. Oversized loads may need safety equipment, escorts and permits for their travel alone. Additionally, regulations vary in every state. That is more than enough to give anyone a headache. That’s why we wanted to write up this blog; to simplify what you need to know when shipping oversized loads and offer you one place to find all oversize load regulations by state.
What is considered an oversized load?
An oversized load can be any load that exceeds the maximum legal weight or dimensions. Each state has different legal limits, however federal guidelines are as follows:
- Length: Maximum of 75’ from front of truck to the end of the load
- Width: Maximum of 8’6”
- Height: Maximum of 13’6” from ground to top of load
- Weight: 80,000 lbs including truck, trailer and cargo.
*It is important to know the exact dimensions of an oversize load to be able to determine if a permit and/or support services are required.
Proper equipment
Besides meeting legal regulations, oversized freight needs the right equipment to move it. You want to make sure know your equipment limits and to not overload it. Overloading can have bad effects on steering, braking, and speed control, not to mention causing damage to the truck itself. Your freight should be positioned correctly on the flatbed for even weight distribution. Poor positioning and being too top heavy can mean a higher possibility for a rollover.
Oversized freight can cause big problems if not secured properly. Loose cargo that falls off can cause traffic problems and has the potential to hurt someone or worse. Make sure the right materials are used to tiedown the freight or equipment to keep it from moving during transport.
*Finding the right equipment and experienced driver can be challenging with oversized loads. Thankfully, Trinity Logistics has a carrier network of over 70,000 and strong relationships with experienced heavy haul carriers.
Escorts
The rule of escort vehicles also differ by state. Depending on the type and size of the load, there may need to be one or two escort vehicles required. Additionally, if the load is extra wide, some states demand that there be law enforcement escorts, with their time usually paid for by the hauling company.
Safety equipment
Safety equipment includes warning signs, flags, and lights to give visibility to drivers of the oversized load and its edges. Most states call for a yellow and black sign or banner that states “WIDE LOAD” or “OVERSIZED LOAD” on the back and/or front of the vehicle. If the load is permitted to move at night, amber or red lights are required, as well as whenever there may be reduced visibility, such as fog or rain.
*All safety equipment is required to be removed or turned off when the truck is not hauling the load.
Permits
Even though oversize load regulations vary by state, any load that exceeds legal limits in weight or size MUST get a permit for the state being traveled through. For an oversized shipment traveling through multiple states, that may mean multiple permits. Permit fees can range to as little as $15 or over $70, depending on the state and size of the load. Some states charge $15 application processing fess, but if you frequently move oversized loads, they may offer you to set up an account to reduce or drop future application fees. Permits can be purchased for one-time moves, multiple moves of similar hauls, or even an annual permit for the movement of similar hauls.
*Exact routes need to be specified on the state permit for oversized loads. Penalties for not adhering to the conditions of the permit, or for not having the permit can result in significant fines.
Oversize load regulations by state
The most important takeaway, and most challenging aspect of oversized loads, is that every state has different regulations. The operator must be aware of the requirements in each state and be prepared to honor those when moving through multiple states. Find out what you need to know about a certain state’s requirements by clicking on its link below:
Alaska Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana
Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska
Nevada Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma
Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia
Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
It’s easy to see the complicated aspects of an oversized shipment is. You can simplify your oversized shipments by finding a reliable and experienced logistics provider, such as Trinity Logistics. Complex shipments are what we excel in, and oversized shipments are one of those niches that we have developed a skill for. We have the knowledge you’re looking for and the reliable carriers you need to keep your business moving.
Why not simplify your logistics today?
Request a quoteAuthor: Christine Griffith
Hemp transportation is one commodity that we see growing fast nowadays. We see it in foods, lotions, clothing, and more. But it wasn’t always that way. Hemp has been in and out of the market going back to World War II.
“Hemp for Victory!”
That was the name of a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to encourage farmers to grow hemp during WWII. Rope, cloth, and other supplies were in high demand to support the war effort. The sources of industrial fiber that were often used for those goods were located in countries occupied by enemy forces. The program went as far as offering draft deferments to those who would stay home and grow hemp to help meet demands of those supplies. Additionally, in the 1600’s, property owners were required to grow hemp. There are even some historians that claim America’s first flags were made of hemp cloth. So, why does it seem like hemp is such a new product today?
Hemp In History
Hemp and marijuana are varieties of cannabis that developed due to selective breeding. Hemp for its fiber and marijuana for its narcotic components. While the two look and smell-alike, they are chemically and structurally different.
During the Great Depression, the use of illegal marijuana skyrocketed. There was fear about the effects, and a national propaganda campaign against the “evil weed” was launched. Although they are very different, hemp and marijuana were lumped together. In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was issued, regulating all cannabis, including industrial hemp.
As years went on, states began to research the benefits of hemp and started legalizing the production of industrial hemp. Such benefits include health, agricultural, and retail benefits. As this began to gain traction, there were more states that saw the opportunity hemp could bring. The passing of the 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the list of controlled substances and made hemp production (and transportation of it) legal.
Hemp In Transportation
What does that mean for the transportation industry? Opportunity. According to the Hemp Business Journal, the industry produced at least $820 million in revenues during 2017. Growth to over $1 billion happened in 2018, and is expected to increase year over year.
There are an estimated 25,000 products that can be made from hemp. Hemp can be used to make paper, building materials, industrial lubricants, and more. There is untapped potential available in shipping a commodity that has medical benefits, as well as benefits to the environment and economy. The opportunities in hemp are continuously being discovered and more advancements are being made daily. For example, an energy storage device made from leftover hemp was developed. This device stores less energy than batteries, but are great for things that need a fast burst of energy. Imagine charging your iPhone in minutes and having hours of talk time.
In the age of technology and the “Amazon” effect, how neat is it to be able to take a step back in time, see the re-emergence of a raw material that has been around for hundreds of years, and merge it with the modern world!
Just as hemp fiber has been long valued for its strength and versatility, Trinity Logistics has those same qualities in how we do business and what the future holds. I, myself, am excited about the future of hemp transportation and its endless possibilities. Are you looking for a partner to help build your business and stay on top of this ever changing and growing market? If so, we’d love to start building a relationship with you.
AUTHOR: Allison Coons