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Entrust Traction Transport with your oversized shipments to experience seamless delivery, meticulous handling, and advanced technology solutions that ensure compliance and efficiency.
Each state mandates permits for loads exceeding legal size or weight limits. Permit fees vary based on the state's regulations and the shipment's specifics.
Careful selection of routes is essential to avoid obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, or weight-restricted areas. Some states provide specific routes for oversized loads.
Depending on the load's size and state regulations, escort vehicles (pilot cars) may be required to accompany the shipment, ensuring safety and compliance.
Many states restrict the movement of oversized loads to daylight hours and may prohibit travel during weekends or holidays to minimize traffic disruptions.
Proper signage, lighting, and flags are mandated to alert other road users to the oversized load, enhancing safety during transit.
When transporting oversized loads, the choice of equipment is critical. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used truck types for oversized freight, their dimensions, and their applications:
Flatbeds are the most versatile trailers for oversized shipments, capable of carrying a wide range of freight types, including machinery, construction materials, and large equipment.
Length: 48 to 53 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height (deck to load top): Up to 8.5 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 48,000 pounds
For loads that don’t require side or top enclosure and exceed standard trailer dimensions.
Easy loading and unloading from any direction.
Can accommodate irregularly shaped cargo.
Lacks protection from weather; tarping is required.
Step decks feature two deck levels, allowing for taller cargo that would not fit on a flatbed.
Upper Deck Length: 10–11 feet
Lower Deck Length: 37–43 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height (lower deck to load top): Up to 10 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 48,000 pounds
For taller equipment or cargo that exceeds the height restrictions of a flatbed.
Ideal for taller freight, avoiding height permit requirements in many cases.
Can still be loaded from the sides or overhead.
Limited length on the upper deck.
Double drop trailers are specifically designed for extremely tall or heavy cargo. They have a low "well" in the middle to handle tall loads.
Well Length: 25–29 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height (well to load top): Up to 11.5 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 40,000 pounds
For oversized cargo such as industrial equipment, generators, or large vehicles.
Best for extremely tall loads.
Well ensures safe transport of towering equipment.
Limited length of the well reduces capacity for long freight.
These trailers are used for cargo that exceeds the standard 53-foot length of flatbeds, such as beams, poles, or large machinery.
Extended Length: Up to 80 feet
Width: 8.5 feet
Height: Up to 8.5 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 43,000 pounds
For long loads that cannot be split into smaller shipments.
Flexible length options for extremely long cargo.
Easy loading and unloading.
Limited availability; may require additional planning.
RGNs are specialized trailers for hauling extremely heavy or tall equipment. They allow cargo to be loaded and unloaded by detaching the front of the trailer.
Length: Up to 29 feet in the well
Width: 8.5 feet
Height (well to load top): Up to 11.6 feet
Weight Capacity: Up to 150,000 pounds (varies by axle configuration)
For oversized, heavy-duty equipment like cranes, tractors, and mining machinery.
Allows for easy loading/unloading of equipment that can drive directly onto the trailer.
Requires experienced drivers due to complex maneuvering.
Modular trailers are custom-built for extreme loads, often exceeding hundreds of thousands of pounds. These are typically used for industrial or infrastructure projects.
Highly customizable depending on cargo requirements.
For transporting extremely large and heavy loads such as wind turbine blades or bridge sections.
Fully customizable for the most demanding loads.
Accommodates extreme weights and dimensions.
Expensive and requires extensive planning.
Our team stays updated on state and federal regulations, ensuring all permits are secured, and shipments comply with legal requirements.
Utilizing sophisticated software, we design optimal routes that accommodate oversized dimensions and weight, avoiding potential obstacles.
We arrange for certified escort vehicles when necessary, adhering to state-specific requirements to facilitate safe passage.
Our fleet includes trailers designed for various types of over dimensional freight. Whether it’s a flatbed, step deck, or double drop we’ve got the equipment necessary to handle cargo with a variety of different dimensions and weight.
Our Transportation Management System (TMS) provides real-time updates, allowing you to monitor your shipment's progress and receive timely notifications.
Our drivers and logistics coordinators are trained in handling oversized loads, ensuring expertise at every stage of the process.
We conduct thorough reviews after delivery to assess performance and identify areas for improvement, ensuring continuous enhancement of our services.
We offer insurance options tailored to oversized shipments, providing peace of mind that your valuable cargo is protected.
Precisely measure your cargo's dimensions and weight to determine if it qualifies as oversized and to obtain the necessary permits.
Apply for permits well in advance, as processing times can vary by state and may affect your delivery schedule.
Plan shipments according to state-specific travel time restrictions, avoiding prohibited periods to ensure compliance.
Equip vehicles with the required signs, lights, and flags to alert other motorists of the oversized load, enhancing road safety.
Maintain open lines of communication with all parties involved, including drivers, escort vehicles, and regulatory agencies.
Decades of experience navigating federal and state regulations ensures full compliance.
Specialized software identifies optimal routes, accounting for bridge heights, weight limits, and restricted zones.
Dedicated project managers handle permits, route surveys, and escort coordination.
From a single oversized load to ongoing projects, we adapt to meet your needs.
Tailored coverage protects high-value shipments.
Stay informed with our advanced TMS, offering GPS tracking and automated updates.
Each state imposes unique requirements for oversized shipments, including:
Permit Requirements:
Travel Restrictions:
Escort Requirements:
Typically required for loads over 12 feet wide or exceeding specific height or length thresholds.
Note: Exceeding these dimensions or weight typically classifies a load as oversized, necessitating special permits and compliance measures.
Traction Transport has been our trusted logistics partner for just over a year now, and they’ve consistently delivered for us. Since the beginning of the year, they’ve handled over 1,100 shipments with a 98% on-time delivery rate. Their 24/7 service has saved our butts multiple times when things didn’t go exactly as planned and have put out plenty of fires with our time working with them.
– Sarah L.,
Supply Chain Director, Midwest Manufacturing
Man these guys know their stuff. It’s been just under a year now I think we’ve worked with the Traction team and they absolutely crush it when it comes to logistics. Our freight costs have decreased by 15%, and we’ve saved more hours then I can count thanks to how streamlined their processes are and how reliable their team has been. Traction’s commitment to us truly feels like an extension of our own business and they’ve earned a customer for life.
– James R.,
Operations Manager, National Retailer
Oh my gosh, I think it’s been a little over 7 months now since we started working with Traction Transport? Their service has been consistently exceptional, and they’ve been able to adapt to every curve ball we’ve thrown at them. Their team treats us like family and even catered a surprise Thanksgiving lunch for us this year. They really treat you like family. It’s rare to find a logistics company so committed to the details, and we look forward to growing together.
– Laura M.,
Logistics Coordinator, Leading E-commerce Brand
Trust Traction Transport for unmatched expertise, cutting-edge technology, and flawless execution of your oversized shipments. Request a quote today to experience the difference!
