Navigating Over-Dimensional Freight: A Comprehensive Guide
In the logistics and freight shipping industry, understanding over-dimensional freight is essential for effective transportation. Over-dimensional freight encompasses items that exceed standard dimensions, including over-width, over-height, over-length, and over-weight categories. Recognizing these dimensions is crucial for businesses and individuals to navigate the complexities of shipping. FreightSideKick.com is here to support your shipping process for various over-dimensional shipments, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
What is Over-Dimensional Freight?
Over-dimensional freight refers to cargo that exceeds standard shipping limits in one or more dimensions:
- Over-Length: Freight that exceeds 65 feet (75 for a few states - see table below).
- Over-Width: Freight that exceeds 8.5 feet.
- Over-Height: Freight that exceeds height of 13.5 to 14 feet, depending on state.
- Over-Weight: Freight that exceeds 80,000 lbs gross weight or over state-based axle weight limits.
Examples of over-dimensional freight include construction equipment, large machinery, oversized building materials, and heavy industrial components.
Challenges of Shipping Over-Dimensional Freight
Shipping over-dimensional freight presents several challenges:
- Increased Costs: Each dimension can contribute to higher shipping costs. For instance, over-width and over-height shipments may require special handling and permits, while over-weight loads may necessitate additional equipment.
- Limited Carrier Options: Far fewer carriers are equipped to handle various over-dimensional shipments, so there is generally much less capacity in this category.
- Regulatory Compliance: Different regulations apply to each dimension, including permits and escort vehicle requirements specific to width, height, and weight.
- Logistical Complexity: Planning for over-dimensional shipments requires careful consideration of route planning for height restrictions and weight distribution for heavy loads.
Trailer Types and Deck Heights
Choosing the right trailer type is essential for accommodating over-dimensional freight:
- Flatbed Trailers: Flatbed trailers typically have a deck height of 60 inches. With the height restrictions of 13.5 to 14 feet, a flatbed can typically accommodate loads that are as high as 8.5 to 9 feet.
- Step Deck (Lowboy) Trailers: These trailers are advantageous for height-restricted loads, with lower deck heights ranging from 36 to 42 inches, allowing for loads that are as high as 10 or more in some cases.
- Lowboy and RGN Trailers: Lowboy and RGN trailers are often 18 to 24 inches in the lower deck, or the "well", allowing for loads up to 12-12.5 feet before needing permits or special routing.
Permitting for Over-Dimensional Freight
Permitting requirements for over-dimensional freight vary from state to state. It's important to understand that if an over-dimensional load can be reduced in size, it may not be eligible for a permit. You can use our helpful tool to check state-by-state regulations but you should also double-check regulations with each state to ensure compliance and avoid unnecessary complications.
| State | Maximum Overall Length | Maximum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 65' | 13'6" |
| Alaska | 53' | 14'0" |
| Arizona | 65' | 14'0" |
| Arkansas | 65' | 13'6" |
| California | 65' | 14'0" |
| Colorado | 75' | 14'6" |
| Connecticut | 65' | 13'6" |
| Delaware | 65' | 13'6" |
| Florida | 65' | 13'6" |
| Georgia | 65' | 13'6" |
| Hawaii | 65' | 13'6" |
| Idaho | 65' | 14'0" |
| Illinois | 65' | 13'6" |
| Indiana | 65' | 13'6" |
| Iowa | 65' | 13'6" |
| Kansas | 65' | 14'0" |
| Kentucky | 65' | 13'6" |
| Louisiana | 65' | 13'6" |
| Maine | 65' | 13'6" |
| Maryland | 65' | 13'6" |
| Massachusetts | 65' | 13'6" |
| Michigan | 65' | 13'6" |
| Minnesota | 75' | 13'6" |
| Mississippi | 65' | 13'6" |
| Missouri | 65' | 13'6" |
| Montana | 75' | 14'0" |
| Nebraska | 65' | 14'0" |
| Nevada | 65' | 14'0" |
| New Hampshire | 65' | 13'6" |
| New Jersey | 65' | 13'6" |
| New Mexico | 65' | 14'0" |
| New York | 65' | 14'0" |
| North Carolina | 65' | 13'6" |
| North Dakota | 75' | 14'0" |
| Ohio | 65' | 13'6" |
| Oklahoma | 65' | 14'0" |
| Oregon | 65' | 14'0" |
| Pennsylvania | 65' | 13'6" |
| Rhode Island | 65' | 13'6" |
| South Carolina | 65' | 13'6" |
| South Dakota | 75' | 14'0" |
| Tennessee | 65' | 13'6" |
| Texas | 65' | 14'0" |
| Utah | 65' | 14'0" |
| Vermont | 65' | 13'6" |
| Virginia | 65' | 13'6" |
| Washington | 65' | 14'0" |
| West Virginia | 65' | 13'6" |
| Wisconsin | 65' | 13'6" |
| Wyoming | 75' | 14'0" |
To avoid complications, always double-check state regulations before shipping.
How FreightSideKick.com Simplifies Over-Dimensional Freight Shipping
FreightSideKick.com is committed to simplifying the shipping process for over-dimensional freight. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Carrier Network: We partner with carriers specialized in various over-dimensional dimensions and trailer types, ensuring you have the equipment and capabilities that the job demands.
- Transparent Pricing: Our pricing model accounts for different dimensions and weight considerations, permitting, escorts and fees, providing clear and upfront costs.
- Expert Guidance: Our logistics experts assist in selecting appropriate trailer types and equipment.
Steps to Prepare for Over-Dimensional Freight Shipping
To ensure a successful shipping experience, follow these steps when preparing over-dimensional freight:
- Measure Accurately: Obtain precise measurements for length, width, height, and weight to avoid complications.
- Choose the Right Trailer Type: Select the appropriate trailer type based on your freight dimensions. Or you can simply us to handle this.
- Obtain Necessary Permits: Research and secure any permits required for transporting oversized loads, or simply outsource it to your freight provider of choice.
- Prepare for Loading and Unloading: Make arrangements for specialized equipment if needed for loading and unloading your over-dimensional freight.
Get Personalized Assistance
For personalized assistance with your freight transportation, Get a quote today, call 877-345-3838, or email support@freightsidekick.com.
