Super Load Hauling

What defines a super load, or commonly spelled as one word, superload?  Well, depends on which state you ask.  Unfortunately, as in many things about this industry, the states have a broad range of what is considered a super load.   In general, however, a super load is when the load exceeds the dimensions of a state’s “routine permit limits” and is non divisible, meaning it can’t be broken down into smaller parts for shipping.  You can review these state limits from our ‘State Oversize Permits & Escorts Information and Requirement’ page.

So, a super load is going to exceed the routine permit limits typically in the following ways:

• Length
• Width
• Height
• Weight

The load could exceed just one of these limits or a combination of limits.  Again, this will depend on the state’s rules.  Another key consideration when hauling a super load is that it often takes more time to get state approval and can also require the following:

• State Approval (weeks to months)
• Engineering Survey
• Utilities Involvement
• Route Survey
• Police Escorts
• Pilot Cars
• Permits
• Shipper’s Letter
• Bridge Analysis
• Drawing or Sketch of Shipment

Because states can vary, it’s important to do your homework before hauling.  For example New York says a load at 200,000 lbs or over is a superload where Massachusetts says that over 130,000 lbs is a super load.  Keep in mind that these two states share a border with each other.

In the realm of super load hauling, you can get in very wide range of dimensions.   If a shipment falls in super load status you might find that a two week lead time is required by a state where another super load which is much bigger requires months of planning.

Often, superloads are consisted of multiple components like jeeps, dollys, stingers, trailers,  and boosters.  In the case of lift axles, some states allow for lifting of axles during turns where they may damage tires, roads, or hinder the driver in completing a turn.

When a sketch is required for a super load typically the states are looking for the following information:

• Axle Loadings
• Axle Spacing
• Tire Size
• Tires per Axle
• and Dimensions

Keep in mind superloads can also be shipped by barge or rail and if that is a viable alternative it must be considered or an explanation provided why it’s not a solution.

Finally, for the purposes of this article, I will touch only briefly on the traffic control plan and what is looked for on a super load.

• Route
• Traffic Control
• Estimated Traffic Delays
• Lane Restrictions
• Escort Vehicles and Flag Persons
• Overhead Obstacles (that can also be moved)
• Railroad Crossing Schedules (and ground clearance)
• Emergency Vehicle Navigation

There you have it!  Superloads can be a fun and exciting shipment to handle, but they take experience, know how, and problem solving to name just a few.  Super Load Hauling is worth taking pictures so plan for that too!