Moving freight from one location to another is already full of logistical challenges. However, what happens if you need to move heavy construction equipment? In those cases, you need experienced movers to ensure that your load gets to its destination on time and in one piece (or multiple pieces, depending on the situation).
Because heavy hauling requires more logistics and planning than standard shipping, we want to dive deep into this process. Here’s everything you need to know about moving construction equipment with heavy hauling trucking companies.
What is Construction Equipment?
Depending on the size of the job site, construction equipment often consists of multiple vehicles and machinery, such as:
- Bulldozers
- Cranes
- Dump Trucks
- Excavators
- Boom Lifts
- Backhoes
So, that’s where construction equipment hauling comes in. Trucking companies also call this heavy or oversized hauling, but each term refers to the same thing.
Regulations Regarding Construction Equipment Hauling Services
Heavy hauling is defined by specific measurements and dimensions. If a product or machine weighs too much or is larger than a standard shipping container, it’s considered oversized. Let’s break down these measurements:
Height Restrictions
Currently, there are no federal height guidelines for trucks and cargo. However, states set their own limits, which range from 13.5 feet to 14 feet. So, if your construction equipment has to cross state lines, it’s crucial to know the limits for each location. Otherwise, trucks can get pulled over and fined for violating the law.
Another point to consider is clearance heights for bridges and other overhead obstacles. For example, most bridges are lower than 13 feet, so trucking companies must plan accordingly when shipping oversized and heavy freight.
Weight Restrictions
For semi-trucks, the federal guidelines state that the maximum gross vehicle load can’t exceed 80,000 pounds. When breaking the weight down by axle, those connected to a steering column can’t hold more than 12,000 pounds. Tandem axles that aren’t part of a steering wheel can hold up to 34,000 pounds.
Length and Width Restrictions
The standard highway lane width is 12 feet. Federal guidelines say that normal loads can’t exceed 8.6 feet wide before being oversized. If cargo is wider than 12 feet, it’s likely to be considered a super load and will require extra services and signage, such as secondary vehicles.
As far as length goes, the government says that standard loads can be between 48 and 53 feet.
Permits
Because oversized loads can cause potential traffic issues, trucking companies need to obtain several permits before hitting the road. These permits are only designed for a single load, so they can’t be reused repeatedly. Depending on the length of the trip, companies may have to get permits from multiple states, counties, and city governments.
If you are renting heavy machinery Singapore, you need to make sure that the company you are renting from has all the permits and licenses for the same. You do not want to be at the receiving end of fines and suspensions because someone else failed to renew their permit. Some areas within the city are sensitive when it comes to the movement of heavy machinery at certain times of the day.
As a rule, any transit on federal highways doesn’t need a special permit, provided that the trucking company satisfies other requirements like signage and flags. So, if the route goes through a state but doesn’t go off the freeway system, you may not need special permits for that state.
The time of year may also affect permitting requirements. For example, since northern states get snow and ice, they often limit travel hours during the day. Holidays may also be off-limits or require extra hauling permits.
Travel Materials
In addition to permits, trucking companies may also need to secure various materials to avoid fees and other regulatory headaches. These items may include:
- Pilot Vehicles – Some states require one or more cars to notify other drivers of the oversized load. In some cases, the pilot vehicles may have poles attached to their hood to check for any clearance issues. For example, if a driver hits a bridge or a sign with the rod, they know that the equipment is too tall, and they have to reroute the truck.
- Signage – All oversized shipments must use yellow banners that say “oversize load” on the front and back of the truck. Also, the shipment must have safety flags posted at the corners so that all edges are highly visible to both the drivers and other cars on the road.
- Lights – In some states, heavy haulers must have yellow rotating lights on top of the vehicle. These lights further serve to make everyone on the road aware of the load’s presence and impact.
Factors That Affect Construction Equipment Hauling Costs
While getting construction equipment to the job site is necessary, you have to weigh the costs and benefits. Also, you can prefer Heavy Haulage which is the best construction equipment that simple your work. Here are the most common factors that can inflate your shipping expenses with heavy and oversized loads:
- Dimensions and Weight – The larger the equipment, the more permits you need. You will also have to find a truck that can haul such equipment since a standard semi might not be capable.
- Route – If you can stay on freeways for most of the trip, you can avoid most logistical headaches. However, if your load needs to move through city streets, that can create all kinds of problems. Clearance and permitting issues become more prevalent in cities than in rural areas.
- Fuel and Transport Costs – Not all truck drivers are capable of hauling heavy and oversized construction equipment. Even loading these machines onto the truck is tricky and requires experienced workers. Heavier loads take more fuel to move, so you’ll have to refuel more often.