Of all the specialized methods and modes of shipping and transportation available today, overweight and oversize freight shipping make up some of the most technical and unique. Specialty loads that cannot ship in a standard truck are classified as oversized or overweight loads due to their overall size or weight. These loads can include raw products, construction supplies, machinery and equipment, and other heavy or bulky items. Shipping oversized loads, overweight containers, and pallets  requires special care and handling throughout the entire process. 

1. Oversized & Overweight Cargo Could Require Pilot Cars and More

Overweight and oversize load transport requires specialized vehicles and equipment to safely load, transport, and offload the cargo. While it makes sense that some loads cannot ship with a traditional cargo trailer or container—hazardous materials, for example—heavy and bulky cargo needs specialized care in transporting. Optimizing transportation and shipping oversized loads such as houses, large machinery, and so forth requires pilot cars, safety convoys, and other extraneous signs, vehicles, and services. Oversize freight shipping is a significant undertaking compared to standard cargo.

2. Oversized Freight Can Exceed Either Height or Width or Both

Though bulky and heavy cargo can easily exceed what is legally allowed to be transported by regular semis and trailers, this service is becoming more popular. Furthermore, experts predict the market growth for this segment will continue to grow. As noted by GlobeNewswire, “the Global Oversized Cargo Transportation Market stood at around $233 billion in 2018 and is projected to cross $315 billion by 2024 on account of increasing global trade.” Furthermore, the overall national system of Interstates and major U.S. highways are generally close to 12 feet wide. Meanwhile, the maximum permissible gross vehicle weight is 80,000. Even still, there are differing max heights for trucks and cargo. It’s not simply both situations but an either-or situation where either extreme may result in an oversized load. And the requirements for moving outside of the usual standards can vary widely. With more growth in oversize loads, operating under these restrictions, it becomes easier to see why overweight andoversize freight shipping and freight shipping partners are in such high demand today.

3. Planning for Transit of Oversized Loads May Require Escorts for Traffic Flow Disruption

In addition to the extra vehicle and pilot cars needed to accompany the freighter on its journey, these large and heavy loads can require specialized roadside services and government-authorized assistance. Extreme overweight and oversize freight shipping may require the closure of loads when large machinery and supplies are transported to building sites in populated areas. Likewise, overweight and oversize load transport services may need police escorts to ensure traffic lights, congestion, and other regular roadways factors do not complicate the process for trucking companies.

4. Heavy Hauls of 80K+ Pounds Require Permits Per State

In addition to these restrictions and special handling requirements for heavy and oversized freight, heavy haul loads that exceed 80K pounds total weight require individual permits to travel state roadways. Every state that the cargo will pass through will require that oversize load transport convoy to have special licenses and permits. This is to control disruption to normal traffic flow and help offset and reduce damage done to the roads from the heavy cargo and potential accidents and load damages. Oversize freight shipping convoys are very involved, so states want to know well in advance to ensure a better outcome.

5. Heavy Haul Expertise Means Knowing How to Speed the Planning Phase

When dealing with heavy haul cargo and specialized transportation services, planning is critical to the overall success of the shipment. Everyone involved in shipping oversized loads must understand and recognize the many variances and have an expert on hand to assist with every step of the planning and execution. Having the right shipping and delivery team in place from the start is key to avoiding shipment delays delayed, seized cargo, or impounded vehicles. Offering overweight andoversize freight shipping services mean planning and networking with local experts to ensure an uneventful delivery.

Streamline Oversize Freight Shipping With Entourage Freight Solutions’ Expertise

Much planning, coordinating, and organizing is needed to ensure overweight and oversize freight shipping plans go off without too many issues or delays. Working with industry experts is critical when dealing with a heavy haul and oversized freight transportation order. Make sure your next load is set up for success by contacting Entourage Freight Solutions today to see the difference expertise and professional guidance can make.