We depend on the energy supply chain so that our everyday lives can run smoothly. We need energy to heat and cool our homes, light our office buildings, move freight, and more. As the world continues to combat climate change, renewable energy is quickly growing as an energy source for our daily lives.
Every industry has its own set of challenges, and the renewable energy sector is no different. Detail shipping arrangements, safety, and visibility can all be challenging elements of renewable energy shipments. A third-party logistics company (3PL) can help find solutions to your shipping problems so you can make sure your freight is successfully delivered.
An Eye for Detail
Solar energy in the U.S. is booming. In just the last decade, solar has had an average annual growth rate of 49 percent! As sales continue to increase, so does the amount of freight shipments. The shipment of solar panels, or renewable elements in general, requires an eye for detail and prior knowledge on how to handle them. Renewable energy freight needs specific packaging and proper handling to protect them from damage and shipping hazards.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a widely accepted manual pertaining to the handling of photovoltaics (another term for solar or PV) panels. This is because there are many PV manufacturers in the renewable energy industry that create all types of panels, and all need to be handled differently.
Since there is no standardized manual, choosing a 3PL with knowledge and experience on arranging renewable energy shipments is crucial. Due to their fragile nature, solar freight can be expensive to ship. You’re going to want a team that knows your industry, has an extensive carrier network that will safely deliver your freight, and pays attention to detail.
Safety First
Safety is a top priority when shipping renewable energy. Freight such as hydroelectric turbine blades or wind turbines requires special care. With the over-dimensional nature of turbines, an expert that specializes in heavy haul shipments is imperative.
Majority of the accidents that occur when shipping wind energy or hydrodynamic power is a result of human error. Shipping this specific freight requires experience and education. Choosing to work with a 3PL helps you put safety and compliance first and finds ways to safely reduce costs.
Increasing Visibility
The renewable energy industry can be complex and time sensitive. Multi-process operations require a lot of data storage and memory. Increasing visibility in the energy supply chain will provide aid for these challenges. One way to gain visibility in your supply chain is through a Transportation Management System (TMS). Any shipment tracking, consolidation tools, or business intelligence for reporting is all available at the shipper’s fingertips. Partnering with a 3PL with an advanced TMS can help give complete visibility into analytics and reporting. By providing the technology needed to best manage your supply chain processes all while offering expertise in arranging shipments in the renewable energy industry, Trinity Logistics has the resources to make your shipping challenges a bit easier to manage.
Shipping renewable energy is a whole other ball game. Attention to detail, safety, and visibility are required for everything to move efficiently through the supply chain. Make the choice to outsource to a 3PL, like Trinity Logistics, who understands your unique challenges and how to face them.
Learn more about how Trinity can handle your renewable energy freight safely and efficiently.
Author: Victoria Dalton
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
The shipment of over-dimensional and/or heavy haul freight requires a special expertise! Luckily, many of our Trinity Team Members and Authorized Agents specialize in over-dimensional shipments. We decided to ask them to share some of their extensive knowledge in this industry with us so we could offer you several tips to keep in mind when shipping heavy haul. Keep reading to learn about how to handle your shipments as smoothly as possible.
Time is on your Side
The more notice you can provide of an upcoming over-dimensional shipment, the better. Loads such as bulldozers, excavators, and graders often require specialized equipment that can be in limited supply. By notifying your carrier or logistics provider well in advance, they can get to work on getting the right equipment in position. Always remember, time is money!
Along with providing an advanced notice on these shipments, you’ll also need to coordinate the logistics upfront. The specialized equipment used for heavy haul shipping is expensive and in high demand. If there are any delays in getting the truck loaded or unloaded, there may be significant detention charges. Timing is everything, so be sure to communicate the needs for these shipments in advance in order to avoid those charges.
Information is King
Knowing the exact information regarding your heavy haul shipping is extremely important, especially in regard to getting permits. You should know the length, width, height, and weight of the shipment. You’ll also need to provide the make, model, and serial number if applicable. Educate yourself on permit requirements and heavy haul dimensions so that your shipment process runs smoothly.
Know the State Regulations
The issuance of permits for over-dimensional shipments is handled by each individual state. Some handle these requests promptly, while others are slower. As a general rule, the bigger the shipment, the longer it will take. The state will also decide which routes the truck must follow, as well as determine if there are any travel restrictions in terms of hours or days. Often times, weekend and nighttime travel is restricted. Prepare yourself by looking into state restrictions and permits so you can be better equipped to ship your heavy haul.
Tarp Troubles
Please know if your load will require tarping! Over-Dimensional loads will often require more tarps than the typical truck carries. If your shipping partner is aware of this upfront, they can be sure the truck will have the necessary tarps. Large and/or odd-sized pieces will be difficult for even the best drivers to tarp by themselves. Any assistance you can offer is appreciated, even if it’s simply a safe place out of the elements. Being aware of these elements of over-dimensional and heavy haul freight can help ensure your freight arrives at its destination in a safe and timely manner.
Build Relationships
Build a relationship with an experienced logistics provider, like Trinity, to help save you time and money. Finding the right carrier and equipment to haul your over-dimensional shipment can be difficult, so that’s why we do it for you. Trinity’s diverse carrier network gives you access to find a carrier that will fit to your shipment’s specific needs.
Trinity Logistics stands at the ready to help with all your heavy haul and over-dimensional shipments. Our team is well-prepared to make sure your freight arrives in a smooth and timely manner.
If you’d like to request a quote for an over-dimensional or heavy haul shipment,
CLICK HEREOriginally posted September 24th, 2013. Updated by Tori Dalton.