Transportation Backbone
Flatbed trailers are the most adaptable hauling trailers on the market. The standard flatbed trailer and the step-deck flatbed are the two most popular flatbed trailers. A flatbed can transport practically any goods if properly loaded, secured, and protected.
A standard flatbed trailer is 48' long and 8'6" wide, with over 400 square feet of load-supporting surface. The flatbed's top is usually 58" above the road's surface. The maximum height for a load on most roads in most states is 13'6" from the road surface to the top of the load. This means that any load on the truck that is more than 8'6" above the deck is considered oversize.
A step-deck trailer is a flatbed with two hauling decks. Because of its design this implies the lower deck may carry a weight up to 10 feet high without requiring any oversize permits.
Flatbeds, both standard and step-down, frequently transport enormous loads that require oversize permits, as well as "Oversize Load" banners, flags indicating the load's corners, nighttime safety lights, and perhaps escort vehicles, depending on the load's size and state restrictions. The specifications vary by state, but the width limit is usually 8'6" and the height limit restriction is 13'6" to 14'6". Any cargo that exceeds the maximum legal width, height, or length allowed by each individual state is considered an oversize load.
A super-load is defined as a load that is more than 16' in width, 16' tall, or 160' long in most states. Route surveys, particular highway routes, restricted travel periods, and different number and types of escort vehicles are among the new safety criteria and expenses for super-loads. Permitting often takes longer, and the entire process need more preparation.
On trucks with extra axles, vehicles can carry weights in excess of 80,000 pounds. Any load weighing more than 80,000 pounds is considered overweight, and operators must get a permit to carry overweight loads, just as they do for oversize loads. Rates for overweight cargoes rise as the load weight rises, and the fees vary by state.
Organizations that carry oversize/overweight cargo on a regular basis, the permission procedure may seem normal, but it does require people who are familiar with the process. If oversize cargoes are only used on occasion, acquiring permissions becomes an additional, time-consuming task. It may be beneficial to hire the services of a company that has expertise acquiring permissions and arranging for other services such as escorts.
See also:
Transportation of Heavy Equipment