Heavy Haul Trucking Companies

Choosing The Right Heavy Haul Trucking Company

Launching a search for heavy-haul trucking companies is no easy feat. The market is somewhat saturated, and common sense assumes you would prefer to work with a company you can trust. A load that requires the use of a hauler is not, by any means, inexpensive.

These companies must build a trustworthy reputation between clients, old and new. Word of mouth, pristine attention to customer service, and client testimonials speak volumes.

You’ll need a company that has all the hypothetical bases covered. A-1 Auto Transport stands out among companies for many reasons, successfully taking on every worry that you might have about heavy haul trucking, and hauling your vehicle.

What Is Hefty Load Transport?

If you’ve found yourself here, you probably know what companies are all about. After all, it’s likely that you’ve got something heavy, and you need someone to move it.

Typically, a company is exactly what it sounds like...a trucking company that can haul severe loads. Occasionally, a company specializing in oversized loads is called onto the field when a flatbed truck or a conventional closed trailer doesn’t have the size or weight capacity to haul the load. Severe loads will require trailers that are specifically designed to carry the weight safely. They may also require escort vehicles in addition to the weighty haulers.

Cars, military equipment, industrial machinery, pre-built homes, and bridge beams are just a few heavy-duty items that fall into the haul category.

You may also see an “oversized load” sign on many of the trucks used for hauls. This means that there are federally enforced road restrictions regarding where these companies can safely travel with the load.

Every trucking company must follow state and federal travel regulations and hauling oversized loads. It’s not just about carrying a load from point A to point B.

Every existing company must comply with all regulations, serving both private and public safety. From perfect weight and math calculations to educated drivers specifically trained to handle anything and everything on the road, these companies are much more than they seem.

• Heavy haul trucking rates range $3.50–$10.00 per mile, with load weight, route complexity, and required escorts driving costs toward the higher end.
• Most heavy haul shipments cover 250–400 miles per day; a 1,200-mile move typically completes in 3–5 days, excluding permit processing time.
• Loads exceeding 80,000 lbs, 13.6 ft tall, or 8.6 ft wide require state-issued oversize permits and DOT-mandated axle weight compliance before departure.

What Is Considered An Oversize Load?

Corporations or small businesses with huge loads to carry are the most frequent clients of companies. However, it’s not unheard of for a private citizen to enlist the needs of a company, especially when automotive or even, yacht hauling is needed.

It all boils down to what you’re having shipped. If your shipment meets the criteria for a heavy haul, then you’re certainly entitled to enlist the help of a hauling company.

The federal government requires each state to set its own rules and regulations for oversized and overweight shipments. While the state rules differ, an oversized haul is generally classified as cargo that exceeds a weight of 80,000 pounds, a height of 13.6 feet, a length of 48 feet, and a width of 8.6 feet.

In addition to state regulations, federal law states that these companies must have weight limits set on a per-axle basis. Since these restrictions are federally set, they will not differ from state to state and apply to oversized loads.

The restrictions are as follows:

1. Single axles are limited to 20,000 pounds
2. Drive axles are limited to 34,000 pounds
3. Steer axles are limited to 12,000 pounds
4. Tandem axles are limited to 34,000 pounds

If the load that you’ve got to move meets any of the above restrictions, then a company that can pull an overweight/oversized load is exactly what you need.

How Are Oversize Haulers Different?

The trailers that companies use to haul oversized shipments are configured differently than trailers hauling a “normal” load. They might not look different to the untrained eye, but as a freight load grows in size, a trailer must grow, too.

These companies have a detailed understanding of how moving works. This experience in oversize shipping will allow the company you work with to choose the correct trailer configuration for the haul.

With a range of around 19 different configurations, it’s vital to ensure you’ve chosen a company that can assign the correct trailer to your load. An incorrect estimate is highly hazardous and is likely to result in a disaster.

The logistics of hauling are critical. All companies should have a check system in place when loading up a heavy hall. Simply loading up and hitting the road is not an option.

Every customer haul, whether the equipment is old or new, should be treated like new. Extra straps and chains on the trucks are necessary in case of a situation during travel.

All customer cargo should be covered and protected from the elements if needed. A double-check of every strap, hood, lid, and shield should occur before the shipment starts. Any blocking equipment put in place to keep your shipment safe should also be checked and reinforced.

Once loaded, the delivery should be measured and weighed again to ensure all calculations are correct. Drivers should stop 50-100 miles into the trip to ensure all equipment is secure.

Auto Transport

For many people, heavy hauling means they want to ship their car, truck, boat, or motorcycle. While these may not meet the oversized shipment requirements, they need some power to move.

Auto Hauling should be separated from the rest because choosing a company that specializes in auto transport is essential. You do not want a company that typically moves pre-built homes or bulky construction equipment to load up your brand-new car and hope they get it to you in one piece.

It’s not to say that it can’t be done, but a fantastic, customer-oriented company will put forth the best practices to make sure your vehicle reaches its destination shiny and intact. Companies like A-1 AT, deal specifically in cars.

The expertise is unmatched.

Safety and Insurance

It should go without saying that these companies are abundant in safety practices and will have insurance in place. Once your load is matched to the appropriate trailer, only drivers who have gone through rigorous schooling and can provide a current certificate of completion can maneuver the rig.

Employment standards will vary from company to company. Some companies require the minimum certification for moving; others ask that potential employees seek additional and regular schooling.

Insurance is another story. It’s not uncommon for companies to issue insurance to every load for $300,000 - $500,000, which can increase as the trip progresses, depending on the nature of the load.

When choosing a company to carry your load, ensure that the insurance coverage is an amount you’re comfortable with, and don’t hesitate to discuss an increase. A reputable company will consider your needs and work with you to find the right insurance.

Relevant Statistics

• The heavy haul industry contributes over $100 billion to the global economy annually.
• These vehicles can transport loads weighing up to 500 tons, equivalent to 71 African elephants.
• Heavy truckers cover an average distance of 150,000 miles annually, almost six times around the Earth.
• Over 95% of shipments are delivered on time, ensuring efficient logistics operations.
• This industry employs more than 500,000 professionals worldwide, supporting numerous job opportunities across various sectors.

General Facts

• The heavy haul delivers oversized or overweight cargo, typically using specialized equipment.
• Special permits and regulations are required due to the size and weight of the cargo.
• These large trucks often feature multiple axles to distribute the load and ensure stability.
• Cranes and other machinery may be used to load and unload cargo.
• Heavy moving is commonly used in construction, mining, and energy industries to haul large equipment and components.

Permits

Almost every load requires a different new set of permits, depending on where you’re moving and what you’re shipping. Since dimensions and legal weights vary from state to state, a permit is provided for the haul that states what times the haul can take place. The route options will be specified as well.

These companies specialize in oversize and overweight transport. They know which permits to have in place and the fees that come with them. Single movement permits, oversize permits, and overweight permits (depending on the state) must be assigned, sorted, and in place before you begin the trip.

If reputable, your chosen company will obtain the permits before the haul. Each permit differs regarding the length of validity, so it’s essential to focus on time sensitivity when the route is established.

If you have questions regarding permits before you choose a company, you can contact the State Department of Transportation. Remember, the Federal Government will not supply any license. All regulation is done at a state level.

Making The Right Choice

Organizing any type of heavy haul can be stressful. There are steps involved from start to finish that must be properly and thoroughly addressed to ensure the safety of the driver, and everyone else on the road.

Skipping over the necessary precautions, such as properly weighing the haul or declining to obtain the appropriate permits, will bring negative results. A-1 AT will be able to assist you from start to finish. We have a fleet of haulers, specialized vehicles, and tools to make the process easy, these include the RGN trailer, lowboy, crane, etc to ship or lift equipment in whole or pieces. Are you planning to ship an oversized load? Contact us today, or give us a phone call for more information for your next task.