Oversized FTL Shipments

Each state has certain requirements for obtaining permits when oversized freight is trucked. Understanding the process is crucial to making sure that your FTL shipments deliver on time and without issue. Hefty fines can be assessed to truckers who do not have the proper permits, so understanding the rules is important if you’re operating your own fleet, or hiring a trucking company. Inexperienced, uninsured or underinsured carriers can also pose major risks and threats to your business, so it’s best to use a logistics company like GlobalForwarding.com who has systems in place to check the insurance and records of trucking companies.

Understanding the oversized or overweight permit requirements can also help you when planning your loads. If you can find a way to make your shipments not require permits, you’ll save on the costs of shipping them.

Overall, special permits may be required when any of the following conditions are met:

  Width of the load or hauling equipment exceeds 8 feet 6 inches 

·  Height of vehicle or vehicle combination and load exceeds 14 feet

·  Front overhang exceeds 4 feet beyond the front bumper of the vehicle 

·  Load greater than 40 feet, exceeding 5 feet beyond the end of the semi-trailer

·  Load length 40 feet or less, as long as rear overhang does not exceed 1/3 of the wheelbase of the combination, trailer length does not exceed 40 feet, and overall length (including rear overhang) does not exceed 60 feet

·  Gross combination weight exceeds 80,000 pounds

·  Any single axle weight exceeds 20,000 pounds 

·  Any tandem axle weight exceeds 34,000 pounds

This article is intended only as an overall informational guide, and is NOT a complete or accurate listing of all rules or requirements that might apply to any specific shipment. Since many states have differing rules, you must consult the proper authorities for accurate guidance.