Planning and transporting oversized and over-dimensional freight require an extra level of attention and meticulous eye for detail. Inches and ounces matter, which is why it can seem like our heavy haul operations ask dozens of specific questions about your project.
When accurate information isn’t provided, it creates a domino effect when we try to plan the move and then coordinate with partners, escorts, states or provinces and local jurisdictions.
To ensure seamless project management and transport of your oversized equipment, please double- and triple-check the following load requirements when providing them to us:
- Description of freight - what the equipment is and its value
- Photos
- Dimensions of freight – length, width and height (to the inch!)
- Weight of freight (in lbs.)
- Schematics or load drawings with COG
- Origin and destination
- Delivery deadlines
- Special instructions for dunnage, securement points and weatherizing
If there are multiple pieces of equipment in a project, we need the above information for each piece. It’s best not to assume that every piece of equipment is the exact same or “close enough.” In this business, inches and ounces matter!
If the load requirements you provide are inaccurate, it ultimately causes delays, added expense and rework. As we often say, “your freight challenges don’t scare us,” and we’re known for out-of-the-box, creative solutions, but it certainly can delay a move if for example, your freight needs to be tarped and tarps were not specified until we were on the job site ready to load.
Tarps, however, are just one detail that affects a project’s on-time, safe transport. We depend upon the above information being accurate and specific to coordinate and secure:
- Special permits
- Approved routes
- Travel days and times
- (Number of) escort vehicles
- Pilot cars
- Engineering
- Utilities
- Police
- Equipment availability and configurations
- Crane and rigging
Every state and province have its own specific oversize load regulations and weight restrictions. Permits, number and types of escorts, legal hours of operation and route surveys – essential to heavy haul transport – are all contingent upon the load requirements you provide. While we have longstanding relationships with permit offices and police that help smooth the process, we do have to provide them with accurate information and timely notification of oversized equipment that we plan to move through their jurisdictions.
Crane and rigging, which are necessary to load the cargo onto the truck and trailer and then unload the cargo at its destination, rely on accurate load dimensions and schedules. Expensive delays can result if we miss crane appointments!
Once routes are approved, our professional drivers and escort vehicles must follow that route. Again, that’s why it’s critical for the load requirements to be accurate – routes are mapped based on bridge heights, roads that are engineered to support the weight and size of the freight (not all roads are built equal!), tree lines, height of utility lines and more.
The amount of existing traffic on the approved routes is also considered, and depending on the load, we often must adhere to travel curfews – daytime or nighttime only restrictions, holiday or weather-related restrictions and road construction.
We recognize that understanding these complexities and gathering the load requirements and necessary details can be overwhelming, and we’re here to serve as your partner in these complex moves. Rely on our project management expertise and trust us to be your second set of eyes – let’s work together to ensure seamless planning and transport of your oversized and over-dimensional equipment.