Over Dimensional Trucking
Over Dimensional Trucking
Over dimensional trucking has a lingo all its own and as such it can be confusing to those who don't work in it every day. Here we address some of lingo and equipment required to handle and properly ship oversize loads.
- Loading and Unloading
- Dunnage, Blocking, etc
- Dimensions
- Routing
In this article I hope to cover some of the terminology used to describe not only trailers but about commodity descriptions too. We've written many articles about related subjects on this site and I will provide links to those articles for greater detail when available.
What is the Commodity
Machine or Wheeled Vehicle
It makes a big difference on what type of trailer equipment you use. If it's a wheeled or tracked vehicle it needs to be driven on most likely, but not always. Perhaps a stepdeck with ramps will work, but weight and ground clearance can be limiting factors. What if the wheeled vehicle doesn't work and it has be be pushed on the trailer. That gets difficult if not dangerous with a stepdeck with ramps. Don't get caught on just the loading side, you have to consider the delivery location as well.
How is the product going to be loaded and unloaded?
Loading
If you have a machine how is it going to be lifted, Does it have D-rings to lift with chains? Will it be lifted by forklift? When it sits on the trailer does it need dunnage, blocking or will it sit flat on the trailer deck. If blocking is required, how much and at what height will it increase the overall height of the load?
What are the over all shipping dimensions including dunnage, blocking, etc?
Max Dimensions are key
Dimensions should be discussed as it is going to sit on the trailer. A tank that stands on the ground which is 8'6" in diameter and is 14' tall is going to shipped as 14' long x 8'6" wide and 8'6" high and require a flatbed trailer. It's not uncommon that someone will say the tank is 8'6" in diameter only to find out there are legs, a cradle, vents, or other components that stick out on top, the sides, or underneath that must be considered. All these things will change the overall hauling dimensions.
Permits and Escorts
One inch can make a big difference! In one state you might be legal or only require permits, while in another state you may need escorts in addition to permits. Click here for our state permits and escorts information.
Footprint
The commodity footprint is a term used quite often and with a lot of confusion. Basically, it means the amount of space the commodity is using to sit or is touching on the trailer. This becomes very important when dealing with a stepdeck or double drop trailer where there are upper and lower decks. A double drop for example has around a 29' bottom deck. If your commodity has an overall length of 32' it may require a stretch trailer to accommodate the additional 3'. However, if the commodity has any overhang on the front and/or rear of the piece it might not need the full 32' well requirement and actually fit inside a standard double drop well.
In the below image:
A - Would represent the overall length of this loader
D - Would represent the footprint length of the loader.
The end result is to communicate and ask the important questions. It's not always a straight forward as it seems. When the driver knows exactly what is required when picking up a shipment it greatly reduces the chances of having problems.
We Love Heavy Haul Trucking!
My name is Travis Smith and I’ve been working in the trucking business since 1994 and with Heavy Haul Trucking since 2001. Our office knows about oversize, heavy and specialty loads and how to get your load exactly where you need it, safely and on time. I enjoy writing about Heavy Haul and if your interested in learning more, please sign up for our free newsletter. If you need a shipping quote, just call (417) 312-2920 or visit our Free Freight Quote page for more details. Google+
