If you’re joining the trucking industry, it’s essential to understand all the types of loads you’d most likely be transporting to ensure a safe and successful journey. Now, one type of load that you need to be aware of is the wide load.
If you’re not familiar with this trucking term yet, you’ve come to the right place! From knowing what wide loads are to the importance of getting a wideload permit, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about transporting these over-dimensional loads.
What Is a Wide Load?
This type of shipment exceeds the interstate limits for width, height, and length as prescribed by the Department of Transportation. Basically, a haul will be considered a wide load if it has a width of more than 8.5 feet, a height of more than 8.5 feet, and a length of more than 48 feet. Apart from the dimensions, a haul will also fall into this category if it weighs more than 46,000 pounds.
For wide loads, the width is the most critical factor to consider due to the size of the roads. While rules and regulations can vary from state to state, most states are extra careful about shipments that occupy more than one lane of traffic when moving on overpasses, bridges, and tunnels.
For this reason, truckers are often required to have a wideload permit or any other special license before they can start transporting these superloads on public roads.
Common Examples of Wide Loads
To get a better understanding of what wide loads are, let us take a look at some of their most common examples.
- Construction equipment – Track hoes, bulldozers, cranes, and dump trucks
- Industrial machinery – Boilers, turbines, and storage tanks
- Agricultural equipment – Tractors, thrashers, harvesters, bailers, and plows
- Manufacturing equipment – Grinders, generators, conveyors, and assembly lines
- Pre-fabricated structures – Mobile homes and pre-built homes
- Building components – Steel beams, frames, and large pipes
Apart from these, there are also other items that might require you to get a wideload permit before transport, such as boats, wind turbine components, and oversized containers.
Safety Measures to Take When Transporting Wide Loads
To ensure safe and successful journeys, you need to take some extra precautions before you hit the road. Also, you must use some additional devices and instruments to ensure other motorists see you clearly while on the road.
Here are some safety measures that you should implement while transporting this type of cargo:
- Use some turn signal lamps
- Utilize wide-load signs
- Ensure the cargo is safely secured to the trailer bed
- Make sure to put out markers and flags on your haul
- Use an escort vehicle or a pilot car to help guide you
By following these safety measures, you can ensure that your haul will reach its destination safely and on time.
Importance of Securing a Wideload Permit
On top of observing the necessary safety measures, securing a wideload permit is a vital step before you start shipping these loads. Permits vary depending on the state and city you are traveling to, so make sure to look up all the requirements beforehand.
Securing the right permit prevents you from being fined for not having the proper documentation. Wide loads will also require special attention from law enforcement, so you can provide them with the wideload permit as proof that you are following all applicable regulations.
Get Your Wide Load Permits Today!
Now that you know everything about wide loads and how to transport them safely, it is time to get your permits sorted out.
Here at Reliable Permit Solutions, LLC, we can help you obtain your wideload permit faster than ever before. With our easy-to-navigate platform, you can receive your documents quickly and without any hassle.
So, don’t wait—get in touch with us now and get your wideload permits in no time!