With flatbeds, we can transport almost everything, even if the cargo is extremely large. Freight that surpasses permitted dimensions is called over-dimensional shipment. Moving such a freight requires securing hardware, extra permits, and sometimes even escorts. That’s why shippers and carriers need to carefully check the weight and size of their freight.
Here, we’ll tell you everything you need to know for a successful shipment of extra-large cargo, sharing useful tips and recommendations.
Flatbed Trailer
Flatbed is the type of truck equipped with an open platform. It offers four-sided access to the deck, which makes it possible to load and transport oversized cargo. Unlike most other trucks, flatbeds don’t have walls or a roof. However, their platforms are designed to prevent cargo sliding during transportation.
The world ‘flatbed’ is commonly used to describe several open-deck truck types, like step decks, connestogas, or lowboys.
Legal Flatbed
Maximum legal width and height for flatbed loads is 8 feet 6 inches.
Maximum legal length for a flatbed trailer is generally 48 to 53 feet.
Maximum weight for a standard semi-truck and trailer combination is 80,000 pounds (120 in some states).
Average cargo load is 45,000 pounds.
Oversized Flatbed
Maximum dimensions can reach up to 160 feet in length, 18 feet in height, and 18 feet in width.
Cargo weights can go up to approximately 200,000 pounds.
Number of wheels is 18-40.
When cargo goes beyond standard dimensions, it often obstructs the view. That’s why oversized flatbeds are often escorted with pilot vehicles that ensure maximally safe transportation.
Over-Dimensional Trailer Essentials
It’s crucial to be sure that the cargo’s dimensions are exact. Listing the mistaken information may lead to choosing an improper method of transportation or securing, which often causes hazardous situations. Moreover, such a mistake can become a reason for significant fines or other issues with the authorities. If you’re dealing with trucking companies Virginia or in other US states, understanding these requirements is essential for smooth and legal transport.
Therefore, it’s important to double-check the following information:
Precise measurements
Overall weight
Pickup and delivery locations
Cargo description
Transit duration
Important Requirements
Special Marking
Flags and lights help other drivers to recognize that the truck carries an over-dimensional cargo. Moreover, special signs are also needed for escorting vehicles.
Schedule Limits
Many states allow the transportation of over-dimensional cargo only during certain hours. It’s usually forbidden to travel in the dark, so any movement 30 minutes before sunset is forbidden. Some states restrict the transportation of oversized items on weekends, when the traffic is especially heavy.
Escort Rules
In most cases, oversized cargo requires an escort to ensure safe transportation. It’s commonly applied to wide shipments (12 feet or wider). The escorting drivers monitor whether the cargo stays properly secured and balanced during the journey.
Recognizing Oversized Shipments
It’s crucial to carefully check all the dimensions of the transported cargo, its weight, and volume. In such a way, you can easily understand whether the cargo goes beyond standard limits or needs extra permissions to be moved. In addition, you shall know the laws for each state the cargo goes through, as some states have way stricter regulations.
Summary
Today, the demand for oversized flatbed transportation is growing. Yet, larger cargo sizes come with stricter rules and regulations. Therefore, if you want to ensure safe transportation of any over-dimensional items, you need to start with double-checking the dimensions, choosing the right type of flatbed, obtaining legal permits, and organizing proper escorting.
