When you’re preparing to transport a wide load, it’s important to take the right steps to make sure the job goes smoothly. There are many important factors you should consider, including ensuring the proper permit is obtained and taking extra safety measures to avoid accidents.
Safety precautions
When transporting a wide load, you should be aware of some basic safety precautions. This will keep you and the people on your route safe, as well as save you some time and money. There are many rules and regulations regarding oversized loads, so be sure to take them into consideration.
One of the most important is securing the load. Properly securing your load will ensure that the cargo will be secure and that it will not move during the transportation process. Using straps and spreading the weight evenly will also help. Also, be sure to properly clean the equipment before transporting it. Loose materials can fall off of your vehicle on the road and pose a serious hazard.
A good safety protocol involves using warning signs and lights to let other drivers know what you’re doing. For instance, an “OVERSIZE LOAD” sign is required by many states. Another is a warning light placed on the extreme corners of the load.
Other safety measures involve having multiple people in the vehicle checking the load. The heaviest items should be at the bottom of the container, and it is a good idea to spread the weight around. If the load is stacked high, it may tip over and put the driver in danger.
Aside from securing the load, other measures include planning your route. Planning your route will allow you to minimize travel time and costs. However, there are times when you may not have the option of choosing the most direct path. Therefore, you will have to be extra careful when driving in unfamiliar areas. You may even want to use a smaller vehicle to check the area before proceeding.
One of the most obvious safety precautions for an oversized load is to not exceed the speed limit. While there is no exact science behind the optimal speed for a vehicle, you will have to be aware of the limits of your particular state’s roads. Be careful when driving on roads with curves or other hazards. Similarly, you should not drive in bad weather. Even though you will be in control of your vehicle, you may not be in control of the weather.
Aside from a well-maintained and serviced vehicle, you should make sure that you know all the regulations and signs pertaining to oversized loads. These can vary by state, so it’s a good idea to learn all you can about oversized load shipping. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with any local laws and permits that you will have to obtain.
Using an escort vehicle is a good way to ensure that your load will be safely delivered. This can include police or other escort vehicles. Escort vehicles are not only for your own safety but also for the safety of others on the road.
Permit requirements
Getting a permit for transporting a wide load can be a complex process. It can take months to get all of the details right and get approved. The requirements vary from state to state, and knowing what’s required can help you save time and money. Whether you’re shipping a load of construction materials, prefab homes, or wind blades, securing the right permit can make all the difference in getting it to your destination safely.
An oversize load is defined as a load that exceeds the legal limits for width, height, and weight. These loads can be anything from combines or bulldozers to steel beams or prefabricated homes. If you are going to transport an oversized load, you’ll need to comply with the state’s regulations and use proper equipment.
Most states restrict oversize loads on the roadways and on holidays. In some cases, you may be required to have escort vehicles. You may also be required to have flags or signs to indicate your vehicle is carrying an oversize load.
Many states require an oversized load to be at least 48 feet in length. For shipments over 12 feet in width, you may have to use at least one pilot vehicle. Other states have rules that limit the number of vehicles traveling on a specific road. This is because the roads and roadways are usually narrower in size.
Oversize loads can include tractors, combines, prefabricated homes, and cranes. They can also include a variety of other equipment that cannot be broken down into smaller sizes. Because the laws for oversized loads are so complicated, it’s important to stay up to date on the regulations.
Permits are required for any load larger than 8.5 feet in width. Loads larger than 10 feet are not permitted on the Interstate or the George Washington Bridge. A permit can be issued for a specified period of time, such as for a day or night, or it can be a long-term permit that requires renewal each year. Some states allow a single permit to be used for all of the states that the truck will travel through in a given year. Typically, permits cost between $15 and $70. However, you should ask the agency or organization that provides you with the permit for more information on the cost of the permit and its fees.
The amount you’ll pay for a permit depends on the type of load you’re transporting and its dimensions. Permits are issued by the state’s Department of Transportation. Some states have a central office for issuance, while others have a branch of the Department of Revenue. When you choose to hire a transportation provider to handle your wide loads, it’s helpful to know what their policies are. Make sure you find a company that has an account with the jurisdictions in the areas where you’re planning to transport your loads.
Avoid inclement weather
What is the best way to avoid the aforementioned hazard? For starters, there is no foolproof method of ensuring that your wares get from A to B without a hitch. Luckily, if your plight does not involve the dreaded snafus, there are plenty of viable alternatives to avoid the sack. One such alternative is to employ the services of a reputable third-party logistics company. With this kind of service in hand, you can rest assured that your shipment is in good hands. Moreover, you can avoid the aforementioned snafus in the process. Of course, you should never let your guard down. You may just end up in a sticky situation. Thankfully, you can be well-armed with the latest and greatest in the industry.
