While air, rail, and maritime transport are widely used, freight trucks dominate the commercial transportation of goods. This includes the delivery of products classified as “oversized loads.” According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, “[T]rucks moved more high-value, time-sensitive commodities than any other mode in 2024.”
As you can imagine, transporting oversized loads is a BIG job — literally and figuratively! Whether relocating pre-built homes or moving cranes and other construction equipment, several considerations must be made. Our team is equipped and ready to help you navigate the logistics of these important jobs by planning your route, obtaining special permits, recruiting pilot cars, and more.
1. We Offer Detailed Route Planning
Have you ever witnessed a flatbed or lowboy struggling to navigate tight city streets or low underpasses and bridges? These precarious situations can be easily avoided or minimized with proper planning. When you partner with our team, we will carefully map out each route, identifying potential obstacles and providing the quickest and safest alternative. We even factor in weather conditions and traffic patterns to ensure your journey is a smooth one.
2. We Secure Special Permits
As part of our planning process, our team also obtains the necessary permits to move your oversized loads from point A to point B. Factors considered when applying for permits include the type of products you are moving, the length of time you need the permit, and the weight and dimensions of the load. It is also important to keep in mind that permits are issued on a state-by-state basis, and the laws and regulations often vary.
For example, the Federal Highway Administration declares that the gross vehicle weight allowed on interstate highways is 80,000 pounds. However, the state of Pennsylvania, according to Air-Weigh, allows 102,000 pounds on certain highways. This doesn’t even take into account the varying legal ramifications and monetary fines that vary by state when found to be in violation of their laws. Therefore, the process of filling out the paperwork and obtaining the necessary documentation can be nuanced. Our team is experienced in handling state permits and can minimize the stress of crossing state lines!
3. Other Special Considerations
Even after carefully considering your route and obtaining the necessary permits, additional accommodations may be required. Oversized loads often require pilot cars and road closures to help keep the vehicle’s load and the drivers surrounding it safe.
Pilot cars, as the name implies, involve having a licensed driver escort the main freight truck on its delivery route. Due to the weight and dimensions of the load being transported, the vehicle and its driver are more vulnerable to changing weather conditions, roadside hazards, and impatient drivers. Pilot cars serve as a security mechanism by providing a barrier between others and the oversized load. They are also another set of eyes to monitor the road and the load being carried on the flatbed or lowboy.
Pertaining to the overall mass of an oversized load, road closures are another way to keep drivers safe. For example, a vehicle transporting a mobile home needs special accommodations due to the width exceeding the boundaries of a lane. While inconvenient, it may be necessary to temporarily shut down the route that the freight is traveling on in order to prevent accidents. Depending on the product you need to transport and the available routes, our team will help secure road closures when necessary.
In conclusion, the transportation of oversized loads can be a significant undertaking. Not only must one focus on making a delivery on time, but also on the varying laws and regulations of each state and the safety of others on the road. Reinforced Logistics offers experience and foresight that will help you deliver your products safely and efficiently! Contact us at
814-310-0673 or through this form to get started!