What is an Oversize Load

In transportation (especially road transport) a load is considered oversize or wide load if it exceeds its ordinary or standard legal size or weight/width limit for a given portion of highway or road. This definition extends to even other forms of transport, such as ocean freight or air freight. The legal weights and dimension varies between countries and even region within a country in some cases, and these regulations are subject to change.

A special permit is required by a vehicle that desires to carry goods that exceeds the legal dimension, extra fees would be paid in order for the overweight/oversize vehicle to legally travel on the roadways. A wide load permit is needed for load or vehicle greater than 8’6”, the legal length is between 48’ to 53’, and the weight should not exceed 46,000 pounds, however this rule may vary from state to state. Oversize loads must be non-divisible. Divisible loads are loads that can be reduced in size within an eight hour period without damaging the load. Specific route as well as dates and times which the load must travel are usually stipulated in this permit, which must be followed to the letter.

Wide Load

Hauling oversize loads or wide loads can be a not so easy challenge. Variables that one must consider before taking on such a task are quite numerous. From permits, bed size and required truck, oversize load/wide load signage and banners, pilot cars, cargo secure equipment, and also route selection are variables that would be considered. Hence, navigating the numerous world of flatbed shipment can be somewhat tricky, especially when shipping oversize loads like bulldozers, tractors, prefabricated homes, combines, steel beams, wind turbine propellers, cranes, wind blades and the likes.

Because these oversize load and wide load regulations varies from one state to another, the required preparation to transport these loads can often be more tedious than the haul itself. For specific regulations, you will need to consult each state’s transportation department. Is always better to get multiple freight quotes from trucking companies to get the best rate. Linbis Logistics Platform can help you manage you loads at no cost. 

Oversize Loads Regulations

Some examples of oversize loads regulations commonly known these days that can affect how goods are transported through states based on certain criterion are:

• The commodity involved
• Bridges on the transporting route
• Lane width, i.e. the road lanes’ actual width being traveled
• Non-designated roads
• Spring thaw restrictions and two lane roads vs. interstate or four lane roads.

Oversize Load Permits

There are certain things required in moving a wide load from one place to another, this is usually defined in the permit agreement. After settling the permit fee these rules still apply. And these precautions are usually in place mostly for the safety or lives and property along the transportation route. They include safety equipment, driver’s time in the seat limit, route of travel and escort requirements.

Wide Load Equipment

• Safety equipment includes flags, lights, and warning signs to ensure that other drivers on the road are aware of, and can see, the edges and the ends of the oversize load.
• Typically, states would require the hauling vehicle to have a black and yellow “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDE LOAD” banner or sign across the front side of the towing vehicle and at the beck side of such vehicle, or even at end of the load (mostly for those loads that extends beyond the rear of the hauling vehicle).
• If the load is permitted to move at nights, amber or red lights would be placed at about the same positions as the flags, including the ends of any protruding goods.
• Some state would require a rotating or flashing light atop the cab of hauling vehicle.

Oversize Load Travel Time

• Permitted travel times vary between states, and communities or cities within a state.
• Restrictions may apply to state highways and not interstates. These restrictions may also vary according to the size of the oversize load.
• Sometimes, wide loads may be required to move at night during periods of least traffic.
• Many states also limits movement of oversize loads on weekends and/or legal holidays, or individual state holidays.
• The objective is not to have oversized loads travelling during periods of anticipated increased holiday traffic.

Wide Load Permit Fines

• When moving goods from one state to another, operators must review the requirements of permit(s) for each state to fully comprehend and comply with each set of regulations.
• Penalties for not having the required permit or for not adhering to the conditions of the permit can result in significant fines.

Oversize Load Escort

• Most state would not require escort (pilot vehicles) vehicles for loads not up to 10 feet wide, while some state requires escort vehicle for all oversized loads.
• Depending on the size and type of the load, only one, or two vehicles would be required.
• For loads more than 10 feet wide, up to about 14 feet wide, escort vehicles are positioned behind and in front of the load.
• In some cases, larger wide loads as defined by a state may require law enforcement escorts, including state police, sheriff’s officers, or other qualified security personnel.  

Wide Load Permit

Fees for permits vary from state to state and are affected or determined by the nature (size and weight) of the load. Fees range from as low as $15 to over $200 for the same basic load as stated by such state. The application process may also attract a fee of approximately $15. Escort or security personnel are also paid for their time by the operator or hauling company. Operators who move oversized loads frequently may set up accounts with the state for the sake of eliminating or reducing application fees for permits in the nearest future.

These permits may be issued for one time hauls, multiple hauls (e. g, an assembly of similar fabrication for a construction project) or annual permits to aid the movement of similar hauls such as regularly produced oversized commodity, manufactured housing and the likes.