The Ultimate Freight Shipping Guide for Heavy Equipment

When it comes to buying or selling industrial machinery and construction equipment on eBay, understanding the intricacies of freight shipping is essential. Heavy equipment often requires specialized shipping methods and equipment to ensure safe and efficient delivery. In this guide, we’ll explore best practices, shipping options, and key considerations for successfully shipping machinery and equipment on eBay.

Whether you're a seller aiming to reach a broader audience or a buyer seeking great deals, understanding freight shipping will make all the difference in navigating this complex process.

Understanding Freight Shipping

Freight shipping is designed for large, bulky goods such as industrial machinery and construction equipment. Unlike standard parcel shipping, freight services accommodate items that are too heavy or oversized for regular mail services. Key characteristics include:

Weight and Size: Freight shipping is intended for goods exceeding 150 pounds, with items such as construction machinery and large equipment being common.
Transport Methods: Freight can be shipped via truck, rail, air, or sea, depending on the destination and time sensitivity.
Specialized Equipment: Items like flatbeds, step-deck trailers, or lowboys are commonly used to transport heavy loads.

What is Over-Dimensional Freight?

Over-dimensional freight refers to cargo that exceeds standard shipping limits in one or more dimensions:

Over-Length: Freight exceeding 65 feet (75 feet in some states).
Over-Width: Items wider than 8.5 feet.
Over-Height: Cargo taller than 13.5 to 14 feet, depending on state regulations.
Over-Weight: Loads exceeding 80,000 lbs or state-based axle weight limits.

Challenges of Shipping Over-Dimensional Freight

Shipping over-dimensional freight presents unique challenges:

Increased Costs: Each dimension can increase costs. Over-width and over-height shipments may require special handling, permits, and escort vehicles.
Limited Carrier Options: Fewer carriers are equipped to handle over-dimensional loads, reducing available capacity.
Regulatory Compliance: State-specific regulations, permits, and escorts are required for oversized shipments.
Logistical Complexity: Route planning becomes more difficult for over-dimensional loads, with consideration for height restrictions and weight distribution.

Trailer Types and Deck Heights

Choosing the right trailer type is essential for over-dimensional freight:

Flatbed Trailers: These trailers typically have a deck height of 60 inches, accommodating loads up to 8.5 to 9 feet high.
Step Deck (Lowboy) Trailers: With lower deck heights (36 to 42 inches), these trailers are ideal for taller loads (up to 10 feet or more).
Lowboy and RGN Trailers: With deck heights of 18 to 24 inches, these trailers can handle loads up to 12.5 feet tall before requiring 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.

Conclusion

Understanding freight shipping is essential for both buying and selling heavy equipment on eBay. Whether you're dealing with standard freight or over-dimensional loads, knowing the right carrier, the right trailer type, and the permitting process can help ensure a smooth transaction.

FreightSideKick is your trusted partner for all your freight shipping needs, helping you navigate the complexities of transporting heavy machinery and equipment on eBay.