Aug 31, 2022 3 min read

Oversize Regulations

The intricacies of the oversize load trucking market are unique. Aside from trucking firms and their drivers, there are brokers who contract their services, consumers, and businesses that assist oversize carrying activities, such as sellers of safety equipment and markings, as well as contract escort vehicle operators. Each state has a department that is responsible for issuing permits and enforcing regulations for oversize and overweight cargoes.

Any load that exceeds the maximum permissible width, height, and/or length as determined by each state or province in the United States is considered an oversize load. The maximum permitted load width is typically 8'6", with a height restriction of 13'6" to 14'6". Legal length varies widely from state to state, both in terms of definition and measurement. Although the maximum vehicle width varies by state, the 8'6" standard is based on the normal width of a highway traffic lane, which is generally 12' for Interstates and other highways.

Any cargo that is greater than 8'6" wide is considered an oversize load, and it will need a state permission to drive on public roadways with limited exceptions. In certain circumstances, the maximum permitted trailer width on local, smaller roadways may be as little as 8'. Depending on the state, there are additional regulations or limitations whenever the width of a cargo surpasses 12' or 14', such as the necessity for pilot or escort vehicles and restricted authorized travel hours and routes. Any load that is wider than 16' is referred to as a "super-load," and it is subject to additional standards to guarantee that it can be carried safely. Some super-loads may need temporary road closures as well as the presence of state police or other law enforcement officials.

Maximum legal load dimensions vary by state, but every vehicle and load that exceeds one or more authorized dimensions often needs a permit that specifies the size, weight, and type of the cargo, as well as the haul's origin and destination. The cost of a permit is determined on the kind of load and varies by state. Depending on the state, fees for the same basic load might vary from $15 to more than $70. An additional cost of about $15 may be charged to complete the application. Operators that transport large cargoes on a regular basis may establish accounts with the states, which will cut or eliminate application costs for future permits. Permits may be awarded for single hauls, many identical hauls, or yearly permits for the transportation of similar hauls such as manufactured homes or other regularly produced, large commodities.

The permit specifies the circumstances of the broad load's movement, the route of travel, the needed safety equipment, including if escort vehicles are required, any directed or limited hours for moving the load, and the permission price. The permission will be provided for a certain amount of time, such as a specific day or a set number of days, based on the permit request. The majority of long-term licenses must be renewed at least once every year.

When transporting any oversize cargo, safety equipment is essential. Warning signs, flags, and lights are used as safety equipment to ensure that other vehicles are aware of and can see the edges and ends of the excessive cargo. Usually, states require "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign or banner to be placed across the front of the towing vehicle and at the back of the vehicle, or at the end of the load if it extends beyond the back of the hauling vehicle. Red or bright orange warning flags, 18" square, must be placed to the front and back corners of the oversize cargo. Any additions that stretch beyond from the vehicle's sides and corners must be flagged with additional flags.

If the cargo is allowed to move at night, amber or red lights should be positioned near the flags, especially on the ends of any sharp points. When the cargo is traveling in poor visibility circumstances, such as fog or rain, lights may be necessary. Therefore, the driver should pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible and wait for visibility to improve.

The criteria for oversize loads range from one state to the next. The operator must be informed of the rules in each state if the haul is scheduled to enter or transit several states. Larger broad loads, as specified by each state, may need escorts from law enforcement, such as state police, sheriff's deputies, or other trained security people. The haulage company/operator normally pays for the time of police and sheriff officers.

Travel times are different in different states, as well as in different towns and villages within a state. Many states limit big load transportation to daytime hours. These limitations may only apply to state routes, not Interstate highways. Many states additionally impose restrictions on the transit of big cargoes on weekends and/or legal holidays, such as state holidays. During holiday times, travel must come to a halt at a certain time, such as noon on the day before the holiday, and not restart until the following day. The goal is to avoid having large cargoes travel during times of expected high holiday traffic.