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Wide Loads

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wide-loads

Shipping Wide Loads

Of all the dimensions: Length, Width, Height, and Weight, width is the most straight forward, but it can have its complexity as well.  First off, the max legal width of any load through any state is 8'6".  Any commodity over 8'6" wide is considered over dimensional or overwidth.

Max Legal Width is 8'6"

Unfortunately, when a load goes beyond 8'6" wide things get a bit more complicated. You will need permits to move an over width load, but the costs can vary by state.  Click here to view permit costs by state.

State Requirements

States can vary widely, no pun intended, in regulations of hauling overwidth loads.  Here are samples of overwidth regulations that are out there that can affect how a truck travels through a given state based on specific criteria.

  • Lane Width - This is the actual width of the road lane being traveled.
  • Bridges on the route
  • Two-Lane roads vs Interstate or Four-Lane roads
  • Non-Designated roads - Over 8' is considered oversize on some routes
  • Spring thaw restrictions (yes, for over width too, not just over weight)
  • Commodity (Bulldozer blades for example)

wide loads

Escorts

​Escort requirements are going to vary by state and each state will further breakdown escorts depending on your overwidth shipment.  For example:

  • The route can determine if escorts are required
  • The over width dimension can determine when an escort is required and how many escorts.
  • Police escorts can be required in addition to civilian escorts.

Super Loads

Each state will provide a max over dimensional width that can be hauled with permits and escorts.  This can range from 14' to 20' wide.  Beyond this limit set by the state is called a superload and the requirements of super loads can vary.  Click here to read more about super load hauling.

  • More time to issue clearance to haul a load.
  • Restrictions on routes
  • Cost more for permits

We Love Heavy Haul Trucking!

Heavy Haul TruckingMy 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.