Oversize Freight Shipping

Oversize loads require safety precautions and expertise, so you need to be careful about what oversize freight carriers you use for these types of jobs. Make sure you do your research beforehand and choose abnormal load transport companies you trust in order to avoid any problems during shipping.

Here’s everything you need to know about oversize load freight shipping to help you make the right decision.

What is Oversized Freight?

What is Oversized Freight

All roads and highways have a size and/or weight limits for any vehicle traveling on them. Any time a load exceeds these limits it is considered an oversize load.

If a load is too wide, too tall, too heavy, or any combination of these three, it will be deemed oversized.

What is a Wide Load?

What is a Wide Load

When covering this topic, people often want to know what the difference is between an oversize load and a wide load.

A wide load is simply a type of oversize load. It has an oversize load width that exceeds road and highway regulations, which means special considerations need to be taken when shipping wide loads.

What are the Dimensions of an Oversize or Wide Load?

Determining whether a load is oversized will largely depend on where you’re traveling and what roads you’re using, so make sure to investigate local laws before shipping any items you think might fall into this category. Find out if you fit within maximum legal load width.

Every state has slightly different regulations when it comes to oversize loads, but below are the average dimensions that qualify a load as oversized:

  • How wide is a wide load? Any load that is more than 8 ft. 6 in. in width is considered a wide load. These are legal limits.

  • How high is an oversize load? Any load that is over 13 ft. 6 in. high is considered an oversize load. These are legal limits.

  • What is considered an overweight load? Generally, any load that is over 46,000 lbs. is considered overweight and requires heavy load freight services.

Examples of Oversize or Wide Loads

As mentioned above, regulations around oversize loads fluctuate depending on the area. That being said, here are some examples of items that are generally classified as over dimensional freight:

  • Tractors

  • Combines

  • Bulldozers

  • Cranes

  • Loaders

  • Backhoes

  • Mobile homes

  • Prefabricated homes

  • Wind blades

  • Steel beams

  • Generators

Types of Trucks That Can be Used for Oversize Load Transportation

There are a few different types of trucks that are capable of oversized shipping. These include flatbed trucks, step vans, and tractor trailers. Each type of truck has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it is important to choose the right truck for oversize load transportation.

Flatbed Trucks: Flatbed trucks are perfect for oversized cargo transportation because they have an open bed that allows for plenty of space. This makes them ideal for large items or shipments that are not able to fit in a standard cargo van. However, flatbed trucks can be more difficult to maneuver than other types of trucks, so they may not be suitable for certain jobs.

Step Vans: Step vans are similar to cargo vans, but they have a larger interior space that can accommodate oversized cargo. This makes them a good choice for smaller shipments that still require more space than a standard cargo van can provide. Step vans are also easier to maneuver than flatbed trucks, making them a good option for oversized cargo transportation that requires tight turns.

Tractor Trailers: Tractor trailers are the largest type of truck available, and they are perfect for oversize shipment. They have a lot of interior space, which allows them to carry over dimensional freight without having to break them down into smaller pieces. However, tractor trailers can be difficult to maneuver and require a lot of space to turn around, so they may not be suitable for certain jobs of oversized freight shipping.

Choosing the right truck is essential for oversize shipment. By understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each type of truck, you can select the best option for oversized cargo transportation.

Oversized Shipping Rates

In addition to usual shipping costs, when a load is oversized state permits and escorts also need to be arranged and paid for. Just like the regulations that determine what makes a load oversized, the cost of permits varies by each state, which makes estimating rates tricky.

Oversized Load rates will also fluctuate based on the size of the items you are shipping. For example, shipping an engine will be a lot cheaper than heavy machinery shipping.

However, an experienced oversize load trucking company should be able to give you a rough pricing estimate.

How Much Does Oversize Freight Shipping Cost Per Mile?

Determining how much your oversize freight rates will be will depend largely on the size of the equipment or items you plan on shipping. Costs will also vary slightly from state to state, since the price of permits varies.

In general, oversize freight shipping costs per mile start at around $2.30. Costs can quickly go up though as the size of your load increases. Larger loads can cost well over $10 per mile. Make sure to get rates from multiple oversize freight carriers to ensure you get the best rate for your oversized load.

Why Do You Need to Hire Oversize Freight Carriers?

Due to the size of these loads, and the safety issues that come along with transporting them, special oversize load carriers need to be utilized.

Oversize trucking is dangerous and complicated. There are permits that need to be obtained, fees that need to be paid, and other legal hoops that need to be jumped through before you even get on the road.

Then there is the matter of actually transporting the load. Any oversized cargo is going to require equally large equipment in order to properly transport it.

A good oversize hauling company will have the knowledge, resources, and expertise to ship your items safely and legally and their trucks should have specialized equipment. If you’re shipping any kind of oversized or wide load your best bet is to hire an expert.

How to Choose a Trustworthy Oversized Transportation Company?

There are a number of factors to consider when thinking about hiring an oversize load carrier. Here are a few things you should review before partnering with any shipping company.

A good reputation

A company with a good reputation is likely to provide better service than one with a bad reputation. Ask around and see what others have to say about the company you're considering.

Experience

A company with more experience is likely to be more familiar with the ins and outs of oversize trucking and will be better able to meet your needs.

Competitive prices

Make sure you get quotes from several different companies that ship freight before making a decision. This will help you ensure that you're getting a good deal.

Flexibility

Choose a company that is willing to work with you on things like delivery schedules and route changes. This will make your life much easier.

Good customer service

A company that is responsive to your questions and concerns is more likely to provide better service overall.

Depending on what you are shipping, there may be companies that specialize in that kind of job. For example, there are heavy equipment transportation services you can use for those types of items.

Oversize Trucking Companies

There are many oversize trucking companies out there, but how do you know which one is the best? That's a difficult question to answer, as there are many factors to consider. However, we've compiled a list of what we believe to be the best oversize trucking companies in the business.

AAA Cooper Transportation

AAA Cooper Transportation is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services. They have a strong focus on safety and customer service, making them a great choice for those looking for an oversize trucking company. AAA Cooper has a wide network of locations across the United States, making it easy to find a location near you.

Celadon Group

Celadon Group is another top choice for an oversize trucking company. They are a publicly traded company with a strong focus on safety and customer service. Celadon Group has a wide array of services, including oversized cargo transportation, making them a great choice for those looking for a comprehensive transportation and logistics solution.

J.B. Hunt

J.B. Hunt is a leading provider of transportation and logistics services. They have a wide array of services, making them a great choice for those looking for a comprehensive solution. J.B. Hunt has a strong focus on safety and customer service, making them a great choice for those looking for an oversize trucking company.

Schneider National

Schneider National is another top choice for an oversize trucking company. They are a publicly traded company with a strong focus on safety and customer service. Schneider National has a wide array of services, making them a great choice for those looking for a comprehensive transportation and logistics solution.

These are just a few of the best oversized trucking companies in the business. When choosing an oversized trucking company, be sure to consider

We Are Here To Help with Hauling Oversized Loads

FreightRun offers both oversized load quotes and services. Enter your shipping details to get a free estimate and find an oversized hauling company you can trust.