You may be surprised at the cost of transporting equipment and other goods via heavy haulers, especially if it’s the first time that you’ve utilized the shipping method. However, there are understandable costs and a wide range of factors that contribute to the heavy haul rate you will pay.

Load Composition

Not all shipping companies are able to accommodate every type of cargo. Loads that exceed weight, height, length and width limits come under the heading of an oversized load and require a company that specializes in that type of shipping. They have experienced drivers and are cognizant of the permits and regulations governing each type of load.

Trailer Type

There are multiple types of trailers available, ranging from step decks and drop decks to double drop trailers. Each is designed for specific purposes. The more specialized the trailer need, the more expensive the heavy haul rate. You can decrease the rate of your heavy haul, depending on the trailer needed, by breaking down the cargo so it doesn’t exceed certain specifications.

Time of Year

Heavy haulers are in high demand, but more so at certain times of the year. It’s a good idea to schedule your heavy haul as early as possible to ensure the type of trailer you need is available and you may obtain a better rate. It all comes down to supply and demand.

Little Known Needs

There are a number of factors that go into the cost of heavy hauling that you probably would never consider. Every load must be secured to prevent damage to the cargo and safety of the journey. That means cables to secure it and some loads require a tarp. There are also mandatory insurance costs.

If the driver must do the unloading, additional fees may apply. There will be a fee per mile traveled and toll road fees, depending upon the route. Each state has permits that will need to be acquired and the cost of fuel. If you’re shipping across borders into another country, count on tariffs.

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Heavy haulers are subject to a variety of rules and regulations that require special permits and a flurry of paperwork. However, drivers that will be crossing borders from one country to another can expect the amount of paperwork to transition into a full-fledged snowstorm. A single missed step will result in extra costs and major delays.

Customs

To cross a border, special documents will be required. In most instances, a bill of lading will suffice, but it will depend on the shipment. A bill of lading should provide a description of the load that includes the weight, type of commodity and piece count when applicable. A commercial invoice will also be needed that indicates the value of the cargo and it must be in the denomination of the destination country.

MC Number

Before heavy haulers can move shipments from the U.S. to Canada, they must apply for a U.S. Dept of Transportation (DOT) MC number. It has to be renewed each year if the carrier is to be classified as active within the Federal Motor Safety Administration. Flatbed companies must have a Standard Carrier Alpha Code and drivers in the U.S. are required to comply with the Automated Commercial Environment electronic manifest program.

Customs Brokers

A customs broker will make crossing borders much easier. They’ll be responsible for declaring the goods being shipped and for paying tariffs and taxes. They can also be instrumental in arranging sales, handling other costs, and obtaining custom clearances.

Self-Propelled Vehicles

A self-propelled vehicle of any type requires additional documentation and many pieces of equipment that will be transported by heavy haulers will fit that description. That can include cargo encompassing classic cars and agricultural harvesters to excavators and mining equipment.

If the items are crossing from the U.S. into Canada, an EPA form will be required in addition to the other documents. It will need to show the year and make of the engine to ensure it complies with emissions regulations. If the cargo is going from the U.S. to Canada, it will have to undergo an investigation that traces the ownership to verify that the title is free and clear.

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Many truck drivers want to break into the field of heavy hauling for the money they can earn without fully understanding what it entails or the risks involved. An oversized load will typically involve heavy equipment, but there are a great number of other types of cargo that requires the specialized services provided by drivers experienced in oversized loads.

Loads that exceed ordinary dimensions will require one and possibly two escort vehicles. Drivers will need to learn how to work in tandem with the escort drivers to maintain safety for what they’re hauling and other drivers on the road. In addition to state requirements on height, width and length, there are federal standards that apply.

Special permits, signage and warning light requirements may be in force, along with permitted hours of operation. Because regulations vary from state to state, it’s essential that drivers know the rules of any state they’ll be driving through. There may also be specialized requirements governing how cargo is secured. Anything over 46,000 pounds is considered an oversized load.

Width

In the U.S., loads exceeding 8.6 feet in width are considered an oversized load. Any load that exceeds 12 feet in width will usually require one or two escort vehicles to safely transport the cargo. A shipment greater than 16 feet in width is considered a super load and can require road closures and other special accommodations.

Height

In most states, height limits to qualify as an oversize load are 13.5 to 14.5 feet. Drivers have to be very careful and have a route preplanned to avoid lodging their load under an overpass. There are still a large number of overpasses that aren’t even 13 ft. in height.

Length

Any length that exceeds 48-53 feet falls under the heading of an oversize load. However, there are 25 states that allow trailers of up to 53 feet without a permit. Some states measure the overall length, while others measure from kingpin to rear axle.

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Heavy haulers transport an extensive list of construction equipment that includes bulldozers, road graders and cranes to excavators, articulated trucks, agricultural harvesters and forwarders used in logging. However, perhaps the most common shipment requests are for equipment used in the construction industry. The key word is prudence every step of the way.

Break It Down

Whenever possible, try to reduce the height of the cargo. It can make the load come under the category of an ordinary haul rather than an oversized load. It will save on permit costs, the need for escort vehicles, and reduces the potential of running afoul of low hanging overpasses. There’s a good chance drivers will need special permits and rules vary by state. The smaller the profile of the equipment, the easier it will be to haul.

Weight and Size Matters

It’s best if drivers can keep the load down to 40,000 pounds or less. It will prevent the shipment from becoming an oversized load that comes with extra permits, regulations and costs. The same is true of the cargo’s length. A length of 48-53 feet qualifies as a wide load and requirements vary among states.

Securing Loads

Perhaps the most important thing a driver will do is secure the load to prevent shifting and moving during the journey. It minimizes the potential for dangerous situations on the road. Properly securing construction equipment is the best way to ensure it isn’t damaged during transport and is a major contributor to the safety of the driver and other motorists.

Make sure the equipment is clean before it goes on the trailer if at all possible. Drain fluids to prevent leakage, zip tie the doors and compartments that may be subject to wind or bumps, and wrap or otherwise protect breakables.

Inspection Time

Before embarking on any job, drivers need to inspect the truck and trailer to ensure both are in optimal working order. Inspect tie-downs and tarps before leaving and at any stopping points along the way.

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There have been instances of distracted drivers since the first motorized vehicles were created. Distracted driving isn’t a new concept, but there are many more ways to be distracted than in the past. Motorists that allow their attention, hands or vision to wander even for a few seconds, increase the potential for an accident.

When a car runs afoul of a trucker, the odds are not in favor of the passenger vehicle and the results are typically catastrophic. There are multiple ways in which ordinary motorists can be distracted while driving and they pose an enormous hazard against which truckers must constantly be vigilant.

Distracted Drivers

Drivers that allow themselves to be distracted are making a bad decision and every action after that exacerbates the situation, whether it’s adjusting their playlist, making a phone call, or responding to a text. They miss critical clues about traffic, street signs, and misinterpret road conditions. Distracted drivers may not see pedestrians, bicyclists or wildlife.

Texting and talking are the two primary ways in which drivers are distracted, but children and pets are equally diverting for people driving. Eating, drinking, applying makeup and other types of grooming are all extremely distracting while trying to drive.

Many newer vehicles are equipped with on-board GPS systems that makes it easier to find destinations but can cause people to make lane changes without proper spacing or signaling. Following along with GPS on phones is even more distracting.

According to statistics gathered by law firms, one of the most underestimated causes of distracted driving is talking with passengers. It’s natural for people to converse when traveling together, but the real problem arises when drivers take their eyes off the road to look at the person to which they’re speaking.

Those distracted driving hazards and situations don’t even take into account brightly colored flashing signs to identify businesses and amusements. While billboards have been banned in many locations, there are still some areas where they can be found, complete with high-tech messaging designed specifically to attract attention.

When it comes to distracted drivers, truckers must be vigilant against the errors of others at all times and be prepared for anything. However, they must also be careful not to develop careless habits of their own and not allow outside influences from a myriad of sources that steal their attention away from the road.

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A great many individuals will engage in local heavy hauls over short distances. However, for others, heavy hauling will take the form of long-distance runs to destinations throughout the nation. It’s a great occupation for those that feel the call of the open road. Drivers can conceivably find themselves hauling freight ranging from mining equipment to construction materials and even military equipment.

Depending upon the job, a long-haul trucker may be on the road for a couple of weeks at a time, while others may stay out for a couple of months before returning home. There’s an increasing number of drivers that choose to live out of their trucks rather than purchase a home in a specific location. They have the option of taking their downtime anywhere they want.

Long Distance Heavy Haul

Long distance heavy hauling is more than a job. It’s a lifestyle choice that doesn’t adhere to 9-5 rules. The majority of trucking companies that individuals drive for will try to accommodate a need for time off for family emergencies and similar situations. However, it’s important that drivers understand that it’s not possible to simply drop everything and head for home.

Individuals will most likely drive for a trucking company and the schedules can vary widely. Some companies offer terms of a specific number of days driving and a specified number of days off, while other companies may have schedules that keep drivers on the road for 50 hours or so before they must have time off.

Long distance heavy haul drivers can be called upon to transport any number of items that are heavy and/or oversized.  Delivery can be to any destination in the U.S. or even adjoining countries. The long-haul trucking life isn’t for everyone, but a great number of people excel at it and wouldn’t trade the lifestyle for any other job.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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The first thing that heavy haul drivers need to know to reduce accident risk is that few people piloting a passenger vehicle view a heavy hauler truck any differently than another consumer vehicle. They don’t understand the distances that heavy haulers require to stop or the need to make wider turns. Heavy haulers can reduce accident risk by driving alert and

Conversely, maneuvering in close quarters, through traffic and on worksites, and in inclement weather presents heavy hauler drivers with an increased risk for an accident. There are some basic things for every long hauler to keep in mind to reduce the potential for an accident.

Secure the Load

Always ensure that every load is appropriately secured before pulling out to prevent the cargo from moving or shifting. A significant number of accidents are the result of debris/items falling from a truck when it has to make a sudden stop or the load isn’t properly secured. Securing your load is the law and will reduce accident risk.

Safe Driving Habits

Safe driving requires vigilance at all times and developing driving habits that aid in reducing accidents before they occur. Safe habits include no drowsy driving or distracted driving. One of the leading causes of accidents is distracted driving due to mobile devices. Letting the mind wander is equally dangerous.

If a load requires a spotter or escort, listen to them, but drivers should use their best judgement based on their driving experience. That goes for overpass clearances, driving routes, and similar areas of potential problems. If a driver needs to pull over and survey the surroundings visually, don’t hesitate to do so.

Close Quarters & Blind Spots

Drivers need to use extra caution when pulling onto ramps, into traffic, or making turns. Leave extra space between the heavy hauler and other vehicles. Navigating in close quarters on job sites or drop-off points can be extremely difficult, especially when backing up. Always be aware of where the truck’s blind spots are.

Weather Conditions

The weather can change with little warning in any location. It pays to keep abreast of local weather conditions, which enables drivers to anticipate situations that could prove dangerous. Depending upon the time of year and locale, drivers can encounter snow and freezing rain, tornadoes, flooding from hurricanes, and even problems due to wildfires. Staying advised provides drivers with the information needed to make informed decisions to reduce accident risk.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Heavy haul drivers transport heavy haul loads with a wide range of objects and materials during their careers. They ensure that items that exceed standard weight, height, length or width dimensions arrive at destinations far and wide. The following are some of the most common loads that heavy haul truckers will encounter.

Equipment

Vehicles and equipment used in the mining and construction industry, along with harvesting equipment, are among the most common types of heavy haul loads that heavy haulers will typically find themselves transporting. The huge cookers, boilers and other types of equipment utilized in the food production industry are also transported by heavy haulers. The truckers may also be tasked with delivery of such unusual items as “mini” submarines for underwater exploration.

Construction Materials

This can encompass wood, metal and cement materials. An example would be metal support beams for the building industry or prefabricated concrete elements for construction projects. Heavy haulers can also be called upon to deliver items such as roof joists for homes or materials for the construction of bridges. In some instances, heavy haulers are responsible for transporting entire structures and historical buildings.

Energy

The enormous turbines, transformers, and the giant propellers of wind generators used in the energy creation and distribution industry are just some of the types of freight that require the specialized knowledge of a heavy hauler. That also includes the giant-sized pipes used for oil pipelines and oversize equipment delivered to docks and ferried to offshore oil rigs.

Liquid Loads

From milk to gas, special training is required for transporting liquid heavy haul loads. Liquid moves in ways that solid freight doesn’t and the center of gravity continually changes as the liquid moves and sloshes.

Military Heavy Haul Loads

When tanks and other pieces of equipment are decommissioned, a heavy hauler is often called upon to transport the equipment to surplus stores or military auctions. In many instances, those items are sold to veteran’s organizations and heavy haulers are required to transport them to their new destination.

When it comes to distracted drivers, truckers must be vigilant against the errors of others at all times and be prepared for anything. However, they must also be careful not to develop careless habits of their own and not allow outside influences from a myriad of sources that steal their attention away from the road.

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Transporting heavy equipment requires specialized handling, preparation and trailers. Equipment that exceeds a certain height, weight, width or length limits can require escort services, specific permits and signage, or a specialized trailer for it to be legally and safely conveyed.

Bulldozers, loaders, cranes and cement mixers are just some of the types of equipment that can be hauled. It’s even possible to transport decommissioned tanks and similar types of military equipment for display at a variety of venues for a myriad of organizations. An oversize load is usually anything less than 80,000 pounds, 13.5 ft. high, 8.5 ft. wide, and 53 ft. long.

Paperwork

There will be permits to transport an oversize load and even through multiple states if applicable. Fuel permits and trip permits will be needed, along with signage and an escort vehicle. An approved route will also have to be established that takes into account overpasses, tunnels, bridges and other features that could have an impact on the load.

There will typically be restrictions on when the specialized trailer can operate, under what types of weather conditions, and on certain roads due to their rating or traffic congestion. A professional heavy hauler will be able to ascertain the type of trailer needed and arrange for permits and logistics.

Specialized Trailers

A removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer is the preferred method for transporting machinery that’s taller or longer than usual. RGN trailers can be lowered to the ground to create a ramp, enabling wheeled and track vehicles to be driven onto the specialized trailer for ease of loading and off-loading.

Other options exist, such as step-deck and stretch double drop deck trailers, depending on the item to be hauled. Outriggers are beneficial for large pieces of equipment when a large separation exists between the wheels or tracks. Outriggers swing out to expand the trailer’s surface area.

Super Loads

There are also specialized trailers for what’s considered super loads. These are items that exceed 150,000 pounds, 16 ft. high, 10 ft. wide, and 75 ft. in length. Some examples of a super load would be HVAC equipment, industrial boilers, mining equipment, power generators and power plant transformers, and turbines. Beam trailers, platform trailers and steerable dollies are all trailer options for super loads.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Hauling a normal load can be difficult enough. When hauling an oversize load, there are specific dangers that drivers can encounter – not least of which are other motorists that ignore signage and treat trucks like ordinary vehicles. Oversize loads come in a variety of forms. The following are the primary dangers that drivers need to be aware of when hauling oversize loads.

Stopping Distances

A loaded tractor-trailer will require about 200 feet to come to a complete stop, compared to an ordinary passenger vehicle that needs about 135 feet. Stopping distance is a simple matter of physics and the laws of physics can’t be ignored. The more weight and mass a truck is hauling, the longer it will take to stop. For every 20,000 pounds added after the first 80,000 pounds, stopping distances will increase by a little over 25 percent.

Approved Routes

The surface upon which trucks travel can create substantial difficulties in the form of potholes and other existing damage that can unsettle a load. The route taken should be pre-planned carefully and an escort vehicle should accompany the load.

Height

When an oversize load is due to height, it’s imperative that drivers travel on approved routes to avoid bridges, overpasses and other obstacles that are lower than the height of the load. Failure to do so can result in a load that’s jammed under an overpass and significant damage to infrastructure.

Weight

Just as height is a factor in oversized loads, so is the weight the tractor will be hauling. Again, only travel on approved routes that avoid bridges that can’t handle the weight, along with roads that are unable to accommodate the load without damage. It’s critical that the weight of the load be distributed properly to minimize danger.

Length

The length of the load will also be a factor. It will require wider turns and extra care if the driver will need to back up.

Securing Loads

It’s critical that extra care and diligence be utilized when properly securing oversize loads. Drivers should never assume load security throughout the haul. Every load should be inspected at every stop to ensure safety.

Crashes and Accidents

An oversize load won’t be able to navigate sharp curves and turns the way other haulers can. Rollovers and jackknife crashes are a very real danger if a driver must brake quickly. There’s also the potential for a load to shift or break loose. Driver fatigue and distractions, blown tires and speeding are all elements that can result in an accident or rollover.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

CONTACT US TODAY