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- What are oversize or overweight loads?
- Is there a limit on overweight loads?
- Bridge weight formula
- W=500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36);
- W=overall gross weight on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds
- L=distance in feet between the extreme of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles
- N=number of axles in the group under consideration
- Partial load assistance
- Ready to learn more about partial load services with A-1 Auto Transport? Give us a call at 1-888-230-6512 today!
- Shipping heavy equipment over land
- Preparing for Heavy Haul Shipments
- Once you know these details, get an easy shipping estimate using our quote form. You can also reach out to us via phone or email to learn more about oversize equipment shipping in any part of the US, including the states of Hawaii and Alaska!
- Types of Heavy Haulers
- Flatbed Hauler
- Flat Rack Container
- Drop deck/step deck trailer
- Gooseneck trailer
- Requirements for heavy equipment transport in the US
- Oversized load permits
- Safety requirements
- Tie-down points
- Load banners, lights, and flags
- Pilot cars
- Choosing the right heavy equipment shipping company
- Professional service
If you're in the farming industry, work in construction or engineering, or any field where heavy machinery and oversized vehicles are used, you know moving them from point A to point B can be a headache.
Unless you're going just a stone's throw away with oversized equipment, it's not practical to have industrial machinery hitting the highways to go to the next state or even across the country. Not only would it require a special license, in the case of certain farm equipment like tractors, but the wear and tear on heavy equipment not designed for long-distance travel is not worth the risk.
For this reason, certain auto transport companies have stepped up to the plate to offer shipping solutions for transporting heavy equipment. A-1 auto transport offers nationwide transport services for not only passenger vehicles but also heavy haul trucking, to bring oversize equipment anywhere you need it delivered in the country and even overseas.
What are oversize or overweight loads?
By definition, oversize loads are considered any cargo that exceeds the standard road, highway, air freight, and ocean freight weight restrictions. This is where the definition gets a little muddy since these standards vary based on the country or even the region the equipment or load is located in.
In the U.S, an oversize load is considered any vehicle or load which exceeds 8ft 6in in width and 13.5 ft - 14.5 ft in height, and then when it gets down to a state-by-state basis, this will differ. However, in the U.K, it's referred to as an abnormal load. Here, the load weight exceeds 44 tons and the width exceeds 9ft 6 inches.
In a general sense, oversize loads are things like construction machinery or equipment, like cranes, windmills, beams, pre-built homes, pipe layers, rocket stages, front loaders, pavers, backhoes, etc. Basically, those massive things you see on special trailers that look like they weigh a ton, and take up nearly 2 lanes.
Is there a limit on overweight loads?
Yes, there is a maximum mandated weight for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways:
- 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
- 20,000 pound single axle weight
- 34,000 pound tandem axle weight
Axle spacing is taken into consideration when making these mandates regarding Federal weight compliance. As a result, the number and spacing of axles carrying the vehicle are calculated using a bridge weight formula.
Bridge weight formula
The next time you drive over a bridge, take a closer look. You'll notice there is a weight limit sign. The bridge weight formula was designed to protect bridges from oversize loads and heavy haulers, even commercial vehicles. There have been unfortunate instances in the world, even in the U.S, where heavy loads have compromised the structural integrity of bridges.
According to the U.S Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, "The Federal bridge formula applies when the gross weight on two or more consecutive axles exceeds the limitations of the formula, except that two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 pounds each if the overall distance between the first and last axle is 36 feet or more."
W=500(LN/N-1 + 12N + 36);
W=overall gross weight on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds
L=distance in feet between the extreme of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles
N=number of axles in the group under consideration
Partial load assistance
Not every heavy haul falls under the category of oversize loads. We call these partial loads and include smaller equipment of the same category which require similar shipping services.
A-1 Auto transport offers partial load assistance both domestically and internationally and will ensure a seamless shipping process for all our customers.
Ready to learn more about partial load services with A-1 Auto Transport? Give us a call at 1-888-230-6512 today!
Shipping heavy equipment over land
Heavy equipment shipping in the U.S, and anywhere in the world, is a service that requires adequate preparation, special handling, and planning, along with heavy hauling specialists with the tools and equipment to get the job done without incident.
Heavy equipment transport falls under the umbrella of the nationwide transport services provided by A-1 Auto Transport and stands as an ideal U.S shipping company for all oversize equipment hauling needs.
Preparing for Heavy Haul Shipments
As the owner of the heavy equipment, you play one of the most important roles in getting it ready for shipment day. Working with your logistics agent will help you discover all that is necessary to prepare for heavy equipment shipping to ensure a seamless process.
Firstly, you will be consulted on the manufacturer's requirements for shipping the heavy haul. Unlike cars and certain vehicles which are pretty standard, heavy equipment shipment must refer to proper packaging and transportation techniques to avoid damage to the equipment, specialized trailers, and most importantly, the crew. It will also permit easy loading since all preparations will be made to facilitate the load.
You'll also be expected to know the exact weight and dimensions of the equipment to determine what transport approach the equipment warrants. If you're off by a few pounds or inches, it can be a logistics disaster that might require rescheduling, the need for a new permit, delays, and extra charges.
Once you know these details, get an easy shipping estimate using our quote form. You can also reach out to us via phone or email to learn more about oversize equipment shipping in any part of the U.S, including the states of Hawaii and Alaska!
As the owner of the heavy equipment, be prepared to do your own securing and inspections. Secure and remove any loose parts or accessories that may impede the shipment process, and disconnect batteries and alarm systems. If there are any parts of the equipment you don't wish to be exposed, make arrangements to have them covered.
Furthermore, the equipment should be drained of any fluids except for the amount of fuel specified by the logistics agent.
On pickup day, the equipment should already be ready to be loaded so there are no delays in the shipment. Be ready to hand it over at the specified time and allow room to do so.
An important thing to note is that heavy equipment freight insurance differs significantly from that provided for other transport services. While it exists, the insurance provided by heavy hauling trucking companies is generally not enough to cover the full cost of the equipment in the event of a mishap. It is therefore up to you to secure additional insurance to protect your investment.
Types of Heavy Haulers
Different types of heavy haulers are used by heavy haul trucking companies to facilitate oversize loads. The reason for this is heavy equipment come in a variety of shapes and sizes and will require various configurations to successfully haul the oversized cargo safely and securely.
Here are the four main types of heavy haulers used to ship heavier equipment:
Flatbed Hauler
A flatbed truck is the most basic type and common type of hauler used in heavy equipment transport services. It has no roof or walls and is the easiest to roll-on/roll-off.
Most carriers of oversize loads are this type because of their versatility and are usually the most cost-effective option when offering heavy equipment shipping services.
Flat Rack Container
Like a flatbed heavy haul, a flat rack container has no side walls or roof, but it does have end walls. Flat rack containers allow for convenient loading/unloading and add an extra layer of protection when carrying out heavy equipment shipments.
Drop deck/step deck trailer
Drop deck/step deck trailers also have no sides, doors, or roof. Sometimes referred to as lowboy trailers, these heavy haulers have two decks, allowing them to accommodate taller or heavier equipment that can't be carried on a classic flatbed hauler.
Gooseneck trailer
This type of heavy hauler gets its name from the long, arched neck of the trailer's hitch. It is the best shipping method for heavy freight as its design allows for improved load transfer, stability, and weight distribution.
Requirements for heavy equipment transport in the U.S
A-1 auto transport is a full-service provider in every regard, and we secure all the paperwork and the special permits required for domestic heavy haul shipment. As the federal government does not provide general permits, we operate on a state-by-state basis, securing all the necessary permits needed for each customer.
In most cases, these permits dictate the exact route the trailers must take to transport these heavy loads, including clearance warnings, that help to avoid situations with the potential to cause delays or damage, for instance, where the trailers may be too tall to clear power lines and bridges, or where the road may be too narrow or windy. Some even dictate travel time, allowing clearance only during daylight hours and weekdays depending on the load. In some states, high volumes of traffic the day before a holiday may even act as a restriction.
In others, such as Washington state, the heavy haul specialist is responsible for coming up with the route. This poses its own set of challenges, however, they are overcome with careful planning and strategy.
Oversized load permits
Oversized or overweight load shipping permits must be obtained for every state the shipment passes through. So, if the shipment is going across the country, you're looking at multiple permits at varying prices.
If you were to obtain the oversize load permits directly from the state yourself, you'd be looking at about a $15 application per state, plus the actual cost of the permit given the load does not exceed 80 ft long x 12 ft wide x 14ft 6 inches tall.
Using a permit service includes another service fee which varies based on the company. Nationwide transport services such as A-1 Auto transport which performs regular heavy equipment shipments already have these matters covered, and these fees are included in the overall shipment cost.
Safety requirements
Heavy haulers and their oversize loads are a very real risk to not only bridges and roads but to other motorists on the road. Therefore, certain safety requirements are put in place to ensure the safety of everyone and everything involved with heavy haul shipping.
Tie-down points
The rules regarding tie-down points as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are as follows:
"When an article of cargo is not blocked or positioned to prevent movement in the forward direction, the number of tiedowns needed depends on the length and weight of the articles. There must be - one tiedown for articles 5 ft or less in length, and 1,100 lbs or less in weight; two tiedowns if the article is -
- 5 ft or less in length and more than 1,100 lbs in weight; or
- greater than 5 ft but less than 10 ft, regardless of weight.
When an article of cargo is not blocked or positioned to prevent movement in the forward direction, and the item is longer than 10 ft in length, then it must be secured by two tiedowns for the first 10 ft of length, and one additional tiedown for every 10 ft of length, or fraction thereof, beyond the first 10 ft."
Load banners, lights, and flags
Most states will require heavy haulers to have a black and yellow "Oversize load" or "Wide load" banner attached to the front and back of the trailer. If the load is wider than the flatbed, flat rack, or gooseneck, there should also be a square red or fluorescent orange flag at the corner of the load that is at least 18 inches large.
Special freight carriers that travel at night or in low visibility situations such as fog, rain, and snow are required to have lights where the flags are located to ensure they can be seen by anyone. In some states, these lights may be required to be placed at the top of the truck's cab and rotate or flash.
Pilot cars
Pilot cars are required to escort oversized loads to act as a sort of buffer zone between the heavy haulers and everything else. In many instances, two vehicles are required, one for the front and one for the rear.
The front driver is usually a mile ahead of the oversized freight and will alert the truck driver to any possible issues with clearing certain physical structures, or low hanging wires, and to check the condition of the road in unfamiliar areas. Usually, the front car is fitted with a pole the same height as the load that will help in determining if the truck's load can clear the area.
The front driver also helps to direct traffic and will act as a flagger during the journey, and may also stop traffic if it outpaces the load.
The rear driver watches the truck's six. Since the truck's driver sometimes has difficulty seeing the back of the oversized freight, it's up to the rear driver to assist in indicating when it's safe to make a lane change and help to block traffic from entering the lane once the truck is ready to switch.
These drivers not only serve the truck driver, but also the rest of the people on the road at the time. A lot of people are intimidated by heavy haulers, and the rest simply act recklessly around them. The front and rear drivers are an integral part of minimizing hazards associated with these large vehicles.
In some instances, police cars and even civilian cars may be utilized. Civilian cars are hired by private companies to do the same job as pilot cars and may work specifically for the state in which the permit was granted.
Choosing the right heavy equipment shipping company
There's no shortage of companies that offer nationwide transport services and will be willing to transport heavy equipment overseas and domestically. The problem lies in finding the right one that will not only get the job done but do it without costing you an arm and a leg.
Professional service
Professionalism should be at the forefront of every business, no matter the industry. When offering transport services, it's important to make your customers feel like they can trust you with their expensive and special equipment.
From the moment you reach out to us, you will be greeted by a courteous staff that cares. We provide an accurate estimate for your heavy haul and inform you of all the paperwork you will need to provide beforehand.
Inclusive permits
Why pay for transport services if it isn't all-inclusive? It seems absurd to have to pay for a heavy haul without all the bells and whistles.
A-1 Auto Transport acquires all the necessary paperwork and permits needed to have your heavy equipment delivered anywhere in the country. All this is included in your package and you'll never have to worry about going out of your way to get your equipment where it needs to go.
Insurance coverage
Any company that offers nationwide transport services is required to have insurance. When choosing a company, be sure to ask questions about coverage for the heavy haul.
Need to speak to someone about insurance for your heavy haul? Our agents are more than happy to answer your questions. Just give us a call!
Pickup date and delivery time
Time is of the essence, especially when you depend on the equipment to conduct business. Having a clear idea of not only the date for pickup but also the delivery times allows you to make all the necessary plans and adjustments to minimize the impact on your operations.
We provide you with a clear shipment date for when the equipment will arrive and will inform you of any delays as soon as they happen. You can also track your heavy haul shipment whenever, from wherever, to see that it's on schedule, right up to when it is delivered.
Your only role in this is to give us enough time to plan how we will transport the heavy haul. Transporting oversize loads requires a lot of planning and preparation, so the more time we have before the date scheduled for pickup, is the more likely we can ship the heavy haul without a hitch.
Testimonials and reviews
Take your time to check out the testimonials and reviews of whichever company you consider. Cheaper may not always be better, but it isn't destined to be the worst option. Similarly, there are expensive companies that have been around for over a decade, and even more, that still are unable to provide quality service.
Find out what others have had to say about their experience whether shipping overseas or within the country before you make your choice. The best companies will have at least over a decade of experience and reviews to back them.
Shipping Heavy Equipment Overseas
If you need to ship your heavy equipment overseas, you don't have to worry about getting another agency or company involved. A-1 Auto Transport will get your equipment exactly where you need it to go, and we will stay by your side for the duration of the journey.
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