There are certain requirements which
need to be met in hauling over dimensional loads and these varies from state to
state. One has to know all these requirements so as not to encounter any
problems when the day of the hauling. Bulky objects or over-sized loads which
cannot be separated are considered to be indivisible. These loads are not
allowed to be transported on roads and highways if the requirements given by
the Department of Transportation are not fulfilled. The following requirements
are stated below:
For the height requirement, the normal
limit for hauling an over dimensional load is thirteen feet and six inches.
There are times the requirements in height vary because of the different
clearance in various states which permits the load to pass bridges or tunnels.
In case the loads exceeds these measurements, a special transportation permit
with a route stating the bridges and tunnels that should be avoided. When it
comes to the width requirements, a very heavy and over-sized load requires it
to be not less than eight feet and six inches. Just like the height
requirement, the width requirement for hauling over-sized loads varies from
state to state. There are some roads, highways, and bridges in some states
which do not allow vehicles carrying very large loads to pass based on their
width. Some requires special transportation permit if the loads go over the
measurement limit.
Vehicles carrying over dimensional
loads are usually trucks with trailer. What are the different specifications of
an interstate cargo/load trailer which hauls heavy equipment or loads? Well,
there is the interstate victory series 6 foot-wide load trailers which can be
10 feet or 12 feet in length. It has an A-frame deign with 14 inch tires and
exterior aluminum panels. Then there is a 6 feet wide interstate Load runner
trailers which is in 10, 12 and 14 feet in lengths. It has also a frame design,
15-inch tires, 32 cam lock door and a16-inch aluminum diamond plate guard.
There is the interstate Pro series trailers which has a 15-inch tires, a double
rear, an A frame design, a covered undercarriage and a rubber torsion axle.
These trailers often require an escort or pilot cars in front and behind them. Sometimes
the escort car needs to be at the rear of the hauling vehicle or trailer.
These
escort or pilot cars alert the driver of the vehicle as well as the other
drivers they encounter on the roads. The hauling vehicle typically has at least
one flashing light or both flashers are on while on the road. If transporting
or hauling at night, the truck must have its flashing lights turned on. There
are times the escort or pilot cars likewise have their lights on so as to let
the other drivers on the road will be aware that the truck is going slow and
may use the two lanes. Hauling very heavy loads are not permitted to travel at
nights. A license should be obtained before hauling very heavy loads over each
state’s borders to where the vehicle will pass and transport the loads. One
will get these licenses at a state’s Department of Transportation.
