How To Transport Oversized Loads: Safety Tips (2022 Updated)
We require tremendous caution, care, and expertise. It’s because hauling oversized loads, whether across short or long distances, can be difficult and stressful, not to mention more accident-prone.
It’s essential to be armed with the correct information for a more efficient experience. If you’re the owner of a moving agency, here’s everything you need to know on how to deliver oversized loads.
5 Tips On Transporting Oversized Loads
1. Know State & Federal Regulations
Specific legal regulations are in place when it comes to sending large loads. The good thing is that the legal weight limits for these shipments are relatively consistent across the country's states.
Wide loads with a total weight limit of 46,000 pounds are usually the standard, with a legal length of 48 to 53 feet. The gross vehicle weight should not exceed 80,000 pounds. The maximum legal width limitation is 8.5 feet, with a maximum height limit of 102 inches. Anything over these legal dimensions is considered an oversized load.
You will also be asked for a special permit, which should clearly state the details of the transport vehicle and heavy load. It’s essential to obtain permits before any haul is done because driving without one can result in fines, penalties, and even license suspension. [1]
2. Plan Your Route
Trucking companies must plan the shipment’s route ahead of time when transporting a wide load. This should include fueling locations and break spots. Make sure that your plan includes alternate routes in case something happens.
A wide variety of route planning and logistics tools are available for this job. You can use them to research hazards, traffic, weather conditions, construction, or other instances you might encounter once you’re en route.
3. Use the Proper Attachments
We ensure that the wide load is securely attached to the trailer. Depending on your needs, many fastening devices like ropes, straps, friction mats, or binders are available.
Of course, just because there are many attachments doesn’t mean they work the same for all types of wide loads — some safety equipment and gears are better for specific loads. It’s also best to check the safety equipment to ensure they’re in proper working order and replace them (if needed) before any haul.
Check that the gross weight is appropriately distributed across the axles and does not exceed the axle limits.
4. Drive Safely
Truck drivers should make it a point to drive safely when relocating an overweight load. This is not to be confused with moving slowly, which can do more harm than good, especially if you’re on the highway. Drive at the recommended speed limit and stay in lanes for overweight vehicles.
The truck driver must also drive safely from other vehicles and constantly monitor their speed.
5. Observe Proactive Maintenance
The worst thing that can happen to you when you’re moving heavy and overweight hauls is having your truck break down. It’s imperative to observe proactive maintenance, such as topping the fluid, checking the tires, and ensuring that the necessary gears and spare parts are added to the truck before you go on wide-load shipments.
Another aspect of proactive maintenance is to have a list of emergency contacts on hand. You should always know who to call if the vehicle needs serviced.
What is Considered a Heavy Load?
It’s essential to understand what constitutes oversized or wide loads, as all roads and highways in the country have limitations. Manufacturing, construction, and other heavy equipment most often fall under this category.
The three measurements from the load that should be considered are the length, width, and height. If the shipment exceeds any of these three (or a combination), it will be considered oversized/overweight.
Here is the basis of oversize load dimensions on most American roads, according to the Department of Transportation:
- Measures more than 8 feet 6 inches in width
- Measures more than 13 feet 6 inches in height
- Exceeds maximum weight of 46,000 pounds
What Special Permits Are Required To Deliver Overweight Loads?
It’s important to know that the state issues permits for large shipments, not the federal government. Obtaining the proper permits for both states if you plan to haul a wide load across different states.
Some cities and communities have weight restrictions and will require you also to secure permits. You will be responsible for applying for and obtaining these local permits.
Because you’re dispatching wide loads, you will also be required to secure state minimum insurance levels for liability before you are allowed to apply for oversized permits. Typically, these would require you to include liability levels of:
- Routine oversize and overweight loads: around $750,000
- Super heavy oversize loads: about $2,000,000
- Non-commercial building movement: around $2,000,000
Besides the oversized/overweight permit, states would require you to travel specific routes, and you will have to submit the exact route you’re planning to take during the application.
In some cases, you can obtain annual permits for multiple moves, provided the shipments are of the same type (like manufactured housing units or motor vehicles).
FAQs
How much does it cost to move a large item?
Shifting oversize loads will range from $2 to $10 per mile. Of course, the freight costs can vary depending on other factors, such as the size and nature of the wide cargo, escort vehicles, and specific limitations and permits.
Can oversize shipments travel at night in California?
Yes, We can travel at night in California. The vehicle and cargo must be properly signed with “Oversize Load” banners at the front and rear, don safety flags, and lighted.
What is the widest item you can Dispatch?
The widest shipment you can transport in the United States is 8.5 feet. Anything over that will be considered an oversized load.
Conclusion
Oversize load shipping can be daunting, and the best way to ensure everything goes according to plan is to plan.
It’s essential to know the state regulations when sending overweight loads and to secure the proper state permits.
It’s also essential to plan your route. This is also when it’s best to secure emergency contacts so you know what to do if the vehicle breaks down.
Observe proactive maintenance by ensuring the vehicle is in great shape before starting your journey. Drive safely and carefully, and keep to the lanes for trucks or oversized hauls, as per the Federal Highway Administration.
References:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an oversized load when transporting heavy equipment?
An oversized load is any shipment that exceeds standard legal dimensions, typically wider than 8.5 feet, taller than 13.5–14.5 feet, or longer than 48–53 feet depending on the state. Weight thresholds vary, with many states requiring permits above 80,000 pounds. Carriers must follow strict DOT and FMCSA rules, including route planning, escort requirements, and axle weight checks. If a machine is extremely tall or wide, transporters often choose lowboy or multi-axle trailers to stay compliant. For smaller machinery under these limits, you can refer to our equipment hauling guide.
How do you secure and prepare an oversized load before transport?
Preparation begins with accurate measurements, cleaning debris, draining some fluids when required, disconnecting batteries, and removing detachable parts to reduce height or width. Carriers apply multiple chains, straps, chocks, and tie-down points verified under FMCSA cargo-securement standards. Heavy cranes, dozers, and agricultural equipment are often secured to lowboy or RGN trailers for improved stability. Safe access for loading and unloading is essential, especially on uneven or rural job sites. For guidance on trailer types, see our heavy equipment transport overview.
Do oversized loads require special permits or escorts?
Yes. States issue permits based on the shipment’s dimensions, axle spacing, weight, and selected route. Loads exceeding 12 feet in width or over 100–120 feet in length often require one or two pilot cars and restrictions on travel hours. Some states limit oversized movements during rush hour, weather advisories, or nighttime. Transporters must follow DOT-approved routing to avoid low bridges, weight-limited roads, and construction zones. Seasonal frost laws in northern states also influence whether permits are granted.
How much does it cost to transport an oversized load?
Oversized hauling generally ranges from $2.50–$5.50 per mile, but heavier or wider shipments may exceed that due to permits, escorts, tolls, and specialized trailers. Price depends on size, weight, distance, equipment type, route complexity, seasonal conditions, and load/unload requirements. Steep grades, rural access roads, and heavy traffic corridors can increase cost. For benchmarks on per-mile pricing, visit our heavy haul cost guide.
How long does it take to transport an oversized load?
Most oversized loads move 300–500 miles per day, but travel restrictions often slow progress. Escort requirements, daylight-only rules, weather delays, and mandatory route inspections can extend delivery times. A long-distance oversized haul may take 2–7 days, while short regional moves can finish same day if permits are pre-approved. Urban detours and weekend restrictions in states like California or New York frequently add extra transit hours.
What trailer types are best for oversized load transportation?
The most common choices are RGN (removable gooseneck), lowboy, step-deck, and multi-axle heavy-haul trailers. RGN and lowboy trailers handle tall bulldozers, excavators, and cranes because their deck height reduces overall clearance. Multi-axle systems distribute weight for shipments exceeding 80,000 pounds. The correct trailer is selected after reviewing center-of-gravity, ground clearance, and required securement points.
How do carriers choose the safest route for an oversized load?
Route planning uses DOT databases, state permit systems, and real-time mapping to avoid low overpasses, tight turns, weight-restricted bridges, and road construction. Transporters calculate bridge formulas, axle spacing, lane width, overhead wire clearance, and shoulder availability. Some routes require law-enforcement escorts or temporary lane closures. Seasonal weather patterns, such as high winds in the Plains or snow in the Rockies, also influence routing decisions.
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