Do You Need Special Permits for Overweight Hauling?

When you have oversize and overweight loads, like heavy equipment, pre-fabricated buildings and more, you’ll likely need to use a truck and trailer to transport them. But what qualifies as oversize and overweight shipping in North Charleston, SC, and do you need special permits to haul these loads? Read on to learn more about this type of shipping.

What is oversized and overweight hauling?

Oversized loads are loads that exceed the maximum height, width and/or length as defined by law. Generally, these loads are made of objects that can’t be broken down to fit onto several trailers, like heavy equipment. For example, the standard maximum width for a load is eight and a half feet, whereas some heavy equipment is ten feet or wider. There’s really no choice but to haul it as an oversized load.

Length and height can also qualify a load as oversized. There are no nationwide standards for either of these measurements, although a typical load can haul objects up to 75 feet in length. Height is usually around 13.5 to 14.5 feet. Any excess length or height usually requires a special permit. However, each state is different, so you’ll need to be familiar with the laws wherever you’re hauling.

Overweight hauling doesn’t necessarily mean that the load is oversized, although oversized loads can also be overweight. Generally, the nationwide standards dictate that you can haul a load up to 80,000 pounds, depending on how many axles your truck and trailer have. Overweight vehicles pose a risk to the roads, so they’re highly regulated.

Why and how are oversized and overweight loads regulated?

As mentioned earlier, oversized and overweight loads in North Charleston, SC can present risks to other vehicles on the road, or the roads themselves. The federal government and each state have a vested interest in limiting the number and frequency with which these types of loads move through their area. This interest includes concerns about public safety, infrastructure damage and more. In turn, these concerns are weighed against the need to safely transport oversized and overweight items.

The federal government is responsible for regulating size and weight, through the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and Federal Highway Administration (FHA). States can have additional regulations on top of federal ones. State agencies are also responsible for enforcing regulations. While federal highways and interstates are built to specific federal standards, in-state roads may not be built to those same standards. It’s important for states to know when oversized or overweight loads are moving through in order to prevent damage to the roads.

When you have an oversized and/or overweight load, it’s smart to inquire about permits before you need to ship (or work with a thorough and dedicated shipping company). Depending on how many states you’ll drive through, you may need to get several different permits. It’s best to do this well in advance so you don’t experience delays.

For more information about oversized and overweight shipping permits in North Charleston, SC, call All Points Transport today.

Categorised in: Overweight Hauling