There is so much freight transportation that happens every day, and this means that there are always oversize items being transported, whether it be pre-manufactured houses, aircraft wings, wind turbine blades, or other large machinery and equipment. These types of heavy/oversized loads pose a risk to the driver and others on the roads. Special precautions must be taken to ensure safety and protection of the national infrastructure. Permit restrictions, for example, may apply. The exact route must be given before applying for an oversized shipment permit. Although each state is unique, the general rule is that most states allow large loads to be transported within 30 minutes of dawn or dusk on weekdays. Holiday transport is not allowed. Shippers should be aware of these restrictions when trying to keep their schedules in order. You should also consider the often complicated legal requirements involved in transporting large cargo.
To oversee the nation's interstate infrastructure, the Federal Highway Act of 1956 established the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The creation and classification the National Network (NN) was the result of further amendments and changes over the next decades. The 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA), which authorized the NN, was incorporated into the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR 658). These rules were created to protect national infrastructure and ensure safety during normal times. The NN allows tractors to be equipped with one semi-trailer of up to 48 feet in length, or one semi-trailer of 28 feet and one trailer of 28 feet each. Unless the states grant special permission, anything longer or wider than that is allowed on the NN is strictly prohibited. Transporting overweight or oversized loads can be accomplished if there are sufficient safety precautions. These are described below. The maximum length for a flatbed truck trailer is 48 feet. However, there are 25 states that allow trailers up to 53 feet without permits. The main issue is the dimensions of the large cargo. Flatbed trucks are largely modular and standard across the country.
The Federal government defines an oversized haul as a vehicle or shipment with a width greater than 8 feet 6 inches (102 in) and whose gross vehicle weight is more than 80,000 pounds. The maximum height for most states is 13 ft 6in (162 in), and overpasses are made on the NN to allow for a maximum height up to 15 ft. The following categories apply to vehicle legal weight:
80,000 lbs GVW
Single axle weight of 20,000 lb
34,000 lb tandem axle weight
Anything beyond these limits requires a permit. Before a state issues a permit, however, they must meet other requirements.
Any cargo that is not reasonably divided will be refused permits by flatbed drivers. The FHWA defines non-divisible loads as any vehicle or load that exceeds the applicable weight or length limits. These loads can be separated into smaller loads or vehicles by: You compromise the intended purpose of the vehicle. You can destroy the vehicle or cargo's value, or make it inoperable for its intended purpose. It takes more than eight hours to dismantle the cargo using the appropriate equipment. A non-divisible cargo permit applicant must prove the time required to dismantle the cargo. This is a good idea. This makes sense. If you have to transport 100,000 lbs worth of scrap iron, and you have a strict schedule, you can likely ship between 80,000 and 20,000 lbs without the need for a permit. States have their own limitations. Some states may allow for oversized loads. However, the majority of states do not. For information on whether your oversized cargo is allowed to be shipped, contact the local state contacts.
When transporting large loads, safety is key. To receive an oversized load permit, it may be necessary to make provisions for vehicle guides. To alert pedestrians and drivers to the presence of large cargo, at least one pilot/escort driver (P/EVO), must be present in an appropriately marked vehicle when transporting over-sized loads greater than 12 feet wide. The P/EVO is required to be certified. This helps protect other drivers, their cars, and property from any damage that may result from the transport of oversized cargo. FHWA has established guidelines. The reason for having guiding cars is that large loads make it difficult for cargo drivers to use their mirrors. Larger loads can also be more difficult to maneuver, are harder to stop and accelerate and require a larger turning circle. Oversize loads can cause the vehicle to roll over, trailer sway and rearward amplification. They also make it more likely to off-track and have a greater chance of rolling over. All P/EVO vehicles should be clearly identified with the required yellow, durable, and fade-resistant "OVERSIZED LOADER" sign (usually on a rooftop) as well as amber flashing or rotating light that provides 360deg visibility at least 100 feet away. These are the responsibilities of the Lead P/EVO Officer Notifying the driver about upcoming traffic, construction zones and pedestrians. Staying 20 seconds ahead the cargo vehicle
Be on the lookout for motorists approaching from behind. Notifying the authorities if cargo shifts, flat tires, tie down malfunctions, or any other issue that could pose a safety risk to safe shipping transportation. Assist the driver of an oversize shipment in changing lanes and merging onto the highways.
It is crucial to measure your shipment. There are important non-cargo transport devices that cannot be measured. No measurement is made for rearview mirrors, turn signals lamps, handholds to cab entry/egress, and splash-and-spray suppression devices.
All components and non-property-carrying devices at the front of semitrailers or trailers Devices that extend beyond 3 inches on either side or rear of a vehicle are not suitable for loading or unloading. Aerodynamic devices should not extend beyond 5 feet from the rear of a vehicle. They also must not obscure tail lamps or turn signals. It is important to know the dimensions and weight of your cargo. If your flatbed driver/operator's no divisible haul exceeds 102 inches or has a gross vehicle weight of 80,000 pounds, you will need to obtain oversize/overweight permits for each state that the cargo is being transported. It may be necessary to provide proper provisions for P/EVO guidance depending on the load width. These limits will enable you to plan your schedule.