When you’re planning for an over-dimensional shipment, you need to take many things into account. One simple mistake can significantly affect your transit schedule and slow down the whole process for you, which is why you need to know just what to expect when it comes to over-dimensional shipping to ensure everything goes according to plan.
If you didn’t already know, over-dimensional freight is a term used for cargo that exceeds the standard dimensions that have been established by each state. There are many different legal requirements you need to keep in mind when you’re transporting your freight between different states.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at three considerations involving these types of shipments so you can plan accordingly.
What to Expect When It Comes to Over Dimensional Shipping
1. Provide Detailed Information
As the shipper, the first thing you need to do is gather detailed information about your shipment so that the whole planning process goes smoothly. When you’re requesting a quote, you need to know about the dimensions of your freight. The weight, as well as the length, width, and height of your shipment, will determine the types of state requirements you’ll need to adhere to.
It’s also important to provide important information regarding your commodities such as the serial number, model number, value, and description. In addition to that, it’s advisable to include information pertaining to how the freight needs to be loaded and unloaded.
2. Obtain Permits from Each State
Over dimensional shipping does not only require shippers to follow state restrictions but also to obtain permits from all the states the freight passes through. These permits need to include detailed information about the dimensions of your shipment, the materials you’re shipping, and the origin and destination of the shipment. The fees for these permits differ from state to state.
3. Understand the Factors That Can Affect Your Transit Schedule
It’s important to note that it usually takes longer to ship over-dimensional freight as opposed to ordinary cargo because you need to obtain special permits from different states your freight will need to pass through. That alone can take weeks and impact the overall time you’ll spend on preparing a logistics plan.
Another thing you need to consider is that over-dimensional shipments need to take indirect routes that are longer than direct routes and they’re not allowed to travel at night. In most states, over-dimensional loads are only allowed to be on the road from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset from Mondays through Friday.
Many states have also put restrictions on travelling during the holidays or on the weekends. All of these factors combined can create unique challenges for shippers who are only trying to stay on top of their schedules.
Bottom Line
It would be reasonable for you to expect to pay more than what you’d pay for ordinary cargo considering line items for permits, over-dimensional surcharge, and escort vehicles. Keep these considerations in mind to avoid any unforeseen complications in the shipping process.
Looking for over-dimensional shipping services?
Get in touch with us at Flatbed Hauling Quotes to find out about our services and enjoy amazing benefits!