Flatbed Hauling Trucking Companies, Flatbed Freight Shipping Rates, Transportation Quotes
Transporting wide loads, especially heavy equipment, requires careful planning and adherence to safety regulations. Whether you’re moving machinery for a construction project or other oversized cargo, selecting the right equipment is essential for a safe and efficient journey. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the considerations, equipment, and best practices for wide load transportation.
Key Considerations for Oversized Loads & Wide Loads
Before delving into the equipment options, it’s important to understand the key considerations when dealing with wide and oversized loads.
Wide load transportation must adhere to legal limits set by state regulations. Typically, the maximum load width is 8.5 feet (102 inches), and the height limit is 102 inches. Length is usually in the range of 48 to 53 feet, with a maximum weight of around 46,000 pounds. Some trucks can handle more weight, but 46,000 pounds is the standard.
Oversize loads are determined by their width, with anything exceeding 8.5 feet being classified as oversize. Loads wider than 12 feet may require pilot vehicles for safety. Remember, flatbed drivers are responsible for obtaining the necessary permits for oversized loads.
In many states, shipments over 12 feet wide require travel escorts or pilot vehicles. These escorts assist in navigating obstacles and ensuring the safety of the oversized load. Expenses for travel escorts are typically included in the overall freight costs.
Oversized loads often have time restrictions. They are typically allowed on the road from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset on weekdays. Some states may also have restrictions on holiday or weekend travel. Securing permits and planning routes are essential to adhere to these constraints.
Wide loads require specific markings for visibility and safety. Red flags and amber lights are typically required for oversize loads, and travel escorts may also need to display flags and lights.
Now that you’re aware of these considerations, let’s explore the equipment needed for wide load transportation.
Best Ways to Transport Heavy Equipment
The successful transportation of heavy equipment involves several crucial steps, from loading and securing the equipment to selecting the right trailer and transport company. Let’s delve into these steps in detail.
Proper Securing of Heavy Equipment
Before anything else, it’s vital to secure heavy equipment properly. This not only ensures the safety of the machinery but also helps in complying with regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces cargo securement regulations that cover heavy equipment.
Loading Heavy Equipment Safely
Loading heavy equipment onto flatbed trailers requires meticulous planning. Assigning specific roles, ensuring a clean loading area, and securing equipment components are essential for safe loading.
Transporting Heavy Equipment Safely
Once the equipment is loaded, it must be transported safely. Mapping out an efficient route, obtaining necessary permits, immobilizing equipment wheel components, and outfitting vehicles with appropriate signs and lights are all part of a safe transportation process.
Unloading Heavy Equipment Safely
The final step is unloading the equipment. A clear and level unloading site, a thorough walkthrough, and proper release of chains and tie-downs ensure a safe unloading process.
Heavy Equipment Tie-Downs
Effective tie-downs are crucial to secure heavy equipment during transportation. This involves using appropriate securing devices and attachment points to prevent movement and ensure stability.
Finding the Right Heavy Equipment Transport Company
Selecting the right flatbed transport company is pivotal for the safe and cost-efficient shipping of heavy equipment. When choosing a transport company, consider the following factors:
Equip Trucking for Your Heavy Equipment Hauling
With over three decades of industry experience, Equip Trucking is your trusted partner for heavy equipment transportation. Whether you need to transport heavy machinery across town or require secure machine storage facilities, Equip Trucking can handle all your heavy equipment transportation needs efficiently and reliably.
Additional Tips for Transporting Heavy Equipment
Before you embark on your wide load transportation journey, consider these extra points:
Transporting heavy equipment may seem challenging, but with careful planning and execution, it can be accomplished safely. Adhering to the recommendations in this guide ensures the secure transport of your valuable machinery.
Are you in need of wide load transportation quotes? Visit Flatbed Hauling Quotes or call (844) 337-4909 to get a quote and discuss your wide load transportation requirements. Our expert team is ready to assist you in transporting your wide loads safely and efficiently.
