Heavy Haul
Looking for a reliable and experienced heavy haul freight shipping service? Our specialized transportation solutions can move your large and heavy cargo safely and efficiently, with unbeatable discounts and automated tracking and paperwork. Trust our 24+ years of logistics expertise to handle your heavy haul freight needs. Get a quote today!
What Is Heavy Haul Shipping?
Heavy haul shipping, also known as heavy equipment transportation, involves moving extremely large or heavy items that cannot be transported using standard shipping methods. This can include construction equipment, industrial machinery, oversized vehicles, and even entire buildings.
Heavy haul shipping requires specialized equipment and expertise to transport these large and heavy items safely. Typically, heavy haul carriers use specialized trailers such as lowboys, flatbeds, or extendable trailers to transport these goods. The drivers of these specialized trailers must be trained and experienced in handling large and heavy cargo.
In addition to the specialized equipment and expertise, heavy-haul shipping also requires careful planning and coordination. This may include obtaining permits and coordinating with local authorities for road closures or other necessary preparations. It is essential to ensure that the route is suitable for the cargo’s size and weight and that all safety measures are in place to prevent accidents or damage to the load.
Overall, heavy haul shipping is critical in transporting large and heavy items, allowing for the essential movement of equipment and machinery needed for construction and industrial projects.
Why Choose Our Heavy Haul Shipping Services?
- Receive Freight Shipping Quotes for transporting heavy and oversized items anywhere in the U.S. & Canada.
- Unbeatable discounted heavy haul transportation rates include LTL, truckload, rail, air, and more.
- Our automated system tracks your shipment and generates all necessary paperwork and invoices.
- Manage all your quotes and shipments in one place with our user-friendly platform.
- Automated Tracking and Paperwork
- Experience You Can Trust
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
Awards and Endorsements
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Heavy Haul?
There are many reasons to choose FreightCenter for your heavy-haul shipping needs.
Here are just a few:
- Specialized Equipment: We can access various specialized trailers and carriers to safely and efficiently handle your heavy haul shipments safely and efficiently.
- Expertise: Our team of transportation experts has the knowledge and experience to handle the complex logistics involved in heavy haul shipping, including obtaining permits, coordinating with local authorities, and ensuring the safe transport of your cargo.
- Technology: We use advanced technology to provide automated tracking, real-time status updates, and streamlined paperwork and invoicing, making it easy to manage your heavy haul shipments.
- Competitive Rates: Our relationships with carriers and industry-leading negotiating power allow us to offer unbeatable heavy-haul shipping rates.
- Customer Service: We pride ourselves on providing exceptional customer service, with dedicated representatives available 24/7 to answer your questions and ensure a smooth shipping experience.
In short, when you choose FreightCenter for your heavy haul shipping needs, you can trust that your cargo will be in good hands and that you’ll receive the best possible service at a competitive rate.
Heavy Haul Criteria
When it comes to heavy haul shipments, the dimensions and weight of the cargo are crucial factors to consider. At FreightCenter, we specialize in heavy-haul shipping and can help you determine whether your load requires specialized equipment and permits for transportation.
Typically, heavy haul trucking services are needed for shipments that exceed the following loaded dimensions: 14 feet 6 inches high, 14 feet 6 inches wide, and 100 feet long. Any load with a single extreme size (i.e., more than 16 feet across or tall) will also require heavy haul trucking service. It’s important to note that heavy haul freight dimensions may vary between carriers, and it’s essential to consult with your provider to ensure that your specific shipment meets the requirements.
As for the weight of the cargo, any load with an overall piece weight exceeding 55,000 pounds is considered a heavy haul shipment. These shipments require additional truck and trailer axles to safely transport the cargo, ensuring that it complies with weight and size limits set by state and local regulations.
At FreightCenter, we have a vast network of carriers and specialized equipment to handle any heavy haul shipment, regardless of size or weight. Contact us today to learn more about our heavy-haul shipping services and how we can help move your oversized or heavy cargo.
Here are 8 types of products that often require heavy haul transportation:
- Large construction equipment: Heavy haul transportation is often used to move large construction equipment, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, which are too large or heavy to be transported using standard shipping methods.
- Industrial machinery: Large and heavy industrial machinery such as turbines, generators, and presses may require heavy haul transportation due to their size and weight.
- Oversized vehicles: Heavy haul shipping can move large trucks, buses, and other oversized vehicles that cannot be transported using standard trailers.
- Prefabricated buildings: Modular homes, commercial buildings, and other prefabricated structures often require heavy haul transportation due to their size and weight.
- Heavy and oversized raw materials: Large steel beams, concrete barriers, and other raw materials may require heavy haul transportation due to their size and weight.
- Mining equipment: Heavy haul transportation can move large mining equipment such as haul trucks, draglines, and shovels.
- Aerospace equipment: Large aerospace equipment such as aircraft parts and engines may require heavy haul transportation due to their size and weight.
- Wind turbine components: The blades, towers, and other parts of wind turbines can be huge and heavy and often require heavy haul transportation to move them to their installation sites.
Overall, heavy haul transportation is ideal for moving huge, heavy, or oversized items that cannot be transported using standard shipping methods. It requires specialized equipment and expertise to ensure safe and efficient transportation of these types of products.
Oversize Freight General Dimensions
1. Exceeds eight ft. six in. (2.59 m) in width
2. Exceeds 13 ft. six in. (4.11 m) in height
3. 34k to 80k; depends on number of axles
Some examples of oversized freight include boats, heavy equipment, machinery, generators, trusses, etc. Consult your freight agent if you aren’t sure what your cargo qualifies.
Does Oversize Freight Require Specific Transportation Equipment?
Oversize freight requires specific transportation equipment, such as:
Lowboys—A semi-trailer with a drop deck. The trailer sits very low to the ground. There are two drops, the first behind the gooseneck and the second in front of the wheels.
Drop decks—A semi-trailer on a platform. It lacks a roof, sides, and doors. Drop decks have 2 deck levels and sit higher than the lowboy.
Stretch trailers—A stretch trailer is an extendable flatbed lacking roofs, sides, and doors.
Stretch trailers carry oversized loads that are too long for standard trailers by providing support and circumventing overhangs. These can be single or double.
Removable gooseneck trailer (RGN)—These trailers are suitable for carrying long, tall freight. The front is detachable, and the trailer can be dropped to the ground to make a ramp. 3-20+ axles.
Extendable double drop trailers—An extendable double drop trailer is used to carry and haul freight that exceeds the length of a standard double drop trailer. The number of axles (2-3) depends on the freight’s weight.
These services specialize in moving shipments that exceed the limitations of LTL and FTL carriers. State, federal, and local laws will restrict the weight and dimensions that freight trucks can haul without special permits and equipment. Packaging requirements may also push the shipment outside the size limitations.
The Difference Between Oversize and Overlength
Oversize freight and over-length freight are both types of cargo that exceed the standard size or weight limits for standard shipping containers or trucks, but they refer to slightly different aspects of a shipment:
Oversize freight: This term generally refers to shipments that exceed the standard size or weight limits, regardless of whether the excess is due to length, width, height, or weight. Oversized freight can include heavy machinery, large vehicles, or oversized building materials.
Over-length freight: This term refers explicitly to shipments that exceed the standard length limits for shipping containers or trucks. The maximum legal length of a truck or trailer can vary depending on the country or region, but over-length freight typically refers to shipments that exceed this maximum length. Over-length freight can include pipes, poles, or other long and narrow items.
While oversize freight can include over-length freight, not all oversize cargo is necessarily over-length. For example, a large piece of machinery may be oversize due to its width or height rather than its length. It’s essential to carefully consider a shipment’s specific dimensions and weight when determining the best way to transport it and to work with a shipping company or freight forwarder with experience in handling oversize or over-length freight.
Unlike oversize freight, the term overlength freight pertains only to shipments for which length is the only outstanding dimension. Pipe and lumber are examples of freight that can face an overlength limit. Individual carriers establish their limits for length.
Several FreightCenter carriers continue to accept cargo up to 12′ (144″) in length without charging an overlength fee. Increasingly, pages are setting 96″ as their overlength limit. They will still take on freight beyond the limit but charge extra for it.d to ship something that is longer than eight ′ and doesn’t want to pay an overlength fee? Contact your shipping agent at 800.716.7608.
These trailers feature a low deck height and can transport heavy and oversized loads exceeding standard trailer height limitations.
These trailers offer a flat deck without sides or roofs, making them suitable for wide or oversized loads.
These trailers consist of a lower front deck and an upper rear deck, enabling the transportation of taller cargo without exceeding height restrictions.
These trailers feature a lower deck located between the front and rear axles, allowing taller cargo to be transported without exceeding height limits.
These trailers can extend to accommodate extra-long cargo.
These trailers possess multiple axles, distributing cargo weight evenly and reducing pressure on any single axle.
These trailers have a distinctive design that suspends extremely heavy or oversized cargo between two large beams.
These trailers are constructed with individual units that can connect to form a custom-sized platform for transporting very large or heavy cargo.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
Q. What is heavy haul transportation?
A. Heavy haul transportation refers to the movement of oversized or overweight cargo that exceeds the standard legal limits for size or weight. It involves specialized equipment, such as flatbed trailers, lowboys, or multi-axle trailers, to accommodate the dimensions and weight of the cargo. Heavy haul transportation often requires special permits and adherence to specific regulations and safety protocols.
Q. What types of cargo require heavy haul transportation?
A. Various types of cargo may require heavy haul transportation, including large industrial equipment, construction machinery, oversized structures, wind turbine components, transformers, tanks, or any other exceptionally heavy or bulky items that cannot be transported using standard methods. These types of cargo typically exceed the legal weight or dimensional limits set by transportation authorities.
Q. How is heavy haul transportation different from regular transportation?
A. Heavy haul transportation differs from regular transportation in size, weight, and specialized handling required. Regular transportation typically involves standard-sized cargo that can be accommodated by standard trailers or shipping containers. Heavy haul transportation involves specialized equipment, permits, and expertise to safely handle and transport oversized or overweight cargo that exceeds legal limits.
Q. What are the challenges of heavy haul transportation?
A. Heavy haul transportation presents several challenges, including:
Permits and regulations: Transporting oversized or overweight cargo requires obtaining special permits from transportation authorities. Compliance with rules related to weight limits, height restrictions, route restrictions, and safety protocols is crucial.
Specialized equipment: Heavy haul transportation requires specialized trailers or trucks capable of carrying heavy loads and accommodating oversized cargo. Coordinating and arranging the appropriate equipment can be challenging.
Route planning: Navigating through roads and highways with oversized cargo requires careful route planning. Identifying potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow streets, or weight-restricted areas is essential.
Safety considerations: Safety is paramount in heavy haul transportation. Ensuring proper load securement, compliance with safety regulations, and employing trained and experienced drivers are critical to prevent accidents and ensure the safe transport of cargo.
Q. How do I determine if my cargo requires heavy haul transportation?
A. Determining if your cargo requires heavy haul transportation depends on its weight, dimensions, and legal limits set by transportation authorities. Heavy haul transportation is likely needed if your shipment exceeds the standard size or weight limits for regular transportation methods. Consulting with transportation experts, freight forwarders, or logistics providers experienced in heavy haul can help assess your cargo and determine the appropriate transportation method.
Q. How do I arrange heavy haul transportation for my cargo?
A. To arrange heavy haul transportation for your cargo, you should work with transportation specialists, freight brokers, or logistics companies specializing in heavy haul services. Please provide them with detailed information about your shipment, including its weight, dimensions, and any specific requirements. They will assess your needs, determine the appropriate equipment and permits, and coordinate the transportation process, including route planning and securing any necessary escorts or pilot vehicles.
Q. Are there any legal requirements for heavy haul transportation?
A. Yes, heavy haul transportation is subject to various legal requirements. These include obtaining permits from transportation authorities, complying with weight and size restrictions, following specific safety regulations, and adhering to any additional rules imposed by local, state, or national authorities. It’s crucial to work with transportation experts who are well-versed in the legal requirements for heavy-haul transportation and can ensure compliance.
Q. Can heavy haul transportation be done internationally?
A. Yes, heavy haul transportation can be done internationally, but it requires additional planning and coordination. International heavy haul transportation involves complying with the transportation regulations of each country along the route, obtaining appropriate permits and approvals, and coordinating with local authorities and transportation partners. Working with freight forwarders or logistics providers experienced in international heavy haul can help navigate the complexities of cross-border transportation.
Q. Is insurance necessary for heavy haul transportation?
A. Yes, insurance coverage is highly recommended for heavy-haul transportation. Given the unique challenges and risks of transporting oversized or overweight cargo, insurance provides financial protection against potential damages, accidents, or liability. Consult with insurance providers specializing in transportation to ensure that your heavy haul shipments are adequately covered.
Q. How do I ensure my heavy haul cargo’s safe and successful transportation?
A. To ensure the safe and successful transportation of heavy haul cargo, follow these key steps:
-
- Work with experienced transportation specialists or logistics providers who specialize in heavy haul.
- Obtain the necessary permits and comply with all legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Properly secure and load the cargo to prevent shifting or damage during transit.
- Conduct thorough route planning, considering any obstacles or restrictions.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including drivers, escorts, and destination contacts.
- Regularly monitor the progress of the transportation and address any issues promptly.
- Maintain clear documentation of all aspects of heavy haul transportation, including permits, insurance coverage, and safety records.
The Difference Between Oversize Load and Heavy Haul
While “oversize load” and “heavy haul” are often used interchangeably, they refer to different aspects of a shipment. An oversize load refers to a shipment that exceeds the legal size limits for transportation on public roads, typically in terms of height, width, or length. Oversized loads require special permits and pilot cars or escorts to ensure safe transit.
On the other hand, heavy haul refers to a shipment that exceeds the weight capacity of standard trucks and trailers. Heavy haul shipments typically require specialized equipment, such as lowboy, extendable, or multi-axle trailers, to accommodate the weight of the cargo. Heavy haul shipments also require special permits, approvals from state and local authorities, and careful route planning to ensure safe transportation.
In summary, oversize load refers to a shipment that exceeds legal size limits, while heavy haul refers to a shipment that exceeds weight capacity. However, many shipments may fall under both categories, requiring specialized equipment, permits, and careful planning to ensure safe and efficient transportation.
Heavy Haul FAQs
Q. What is heavy haul transportation?
Heavy haul transportation refers to the movement of oversized or overweight cargo that exceeds the standard legal limits for size or weight. It involves specialized equipment, such as flatbed trailers, lowboys, or multi-axle trailers, to accommodate the dimensions and weight of the cargo. Heavy haul transportation often requires special permits and adherence to specific regulations and safety protocols.
Q. What types of cargo require heavy haul transportation?
Various types of cargo may require heavy haul transportation, including large industrial equipment, construction machinery, oversized structures, wind turbine components, transformers, tanks, or any other exceptionally heavy or bulky items that cannot be transported using standard methods. These types of cargo typically exceed the legal weight or dimensional limits set by transportation authorities.
Q. How is heavy haul transportation different from regular transportation?
Heavy haul transportation differs from regular transportation in size, weight, and specialized handling required. Regular transportation typically involves standard-sized cargo that can be accommodated by standard trailers or shipping containers. Heavy haul transportation involves specialized equipment, permits, and expertise to safely handle and transport oversized or overweight cargo that exceeds legal limits.
Q. What are the challenges of heavy haul transportation?
Heavy haul transportation presents several challenges, including:
Permits and regulations: Transporting oversized or overweight cargo requires obtaining special permits from transportation authorities. Compliance with rules related to weight limits, height restrictions, route restrictions, and safety protocols is crucial.
Specialized equipment: Heavy haul transportation requires specialized trailers or trucks capable of carrying heavy loads and accommodating oversized cargo. Coordinating and arranging the appropriate equipment can be challenging.
Route planning: Navigating through roads and highways with oversized cargo requires careful route planning. Identifying potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow streets, or weight-restricted areas is essential.
Safety considerations: Safety is paramount in heavy haul transportation. Ensuring proper load securement, compliance with safety regulations, and employing trained and experienced drivers are critical to prevent accidents and ensure the safe transport of cargo.
Q. How do I determine if my cargo requires heavy haul transportation?
Determining if your cargo requires heavy haul transportation depends on its weight, dimensions, and legal limits set by transportation authorities. Heavy haul transportation is likely needed if your shipment exceeds the standard size or weight limits for regular transportation methods. Consulting with transportation experts, freight forwarders, or logistics providers experienced in heavy haul can help assess your cargo and determine the appropriate transportation method.
Q. How do I arrange heavy haul transportation for my cargo?
To arrange heavy haul transportation for your cargo, you should work with transportation specialists, freight brokers, or logistics companies specializing in heavy haul services. Please provide them with detailed information about your shipment, including its weight, dimensions, and any specific requirements. They will assess your needs, determine the appropriate equipment and permits, and coordinate the transportation process, including route planning and securing any necessary escorts or pilot vehicles.
Q. Are there any legal requirements for heavy haul transportation?
Yes, heavy haul transportation is subject to various legal requirements. These include obtaining permits from transportation authorities, complying with weight and size restrictions, following specific safety regulations, and adhering to any additional rules imposed by local, state, or national authorities. It’s crucial to work with transportation experts who are well-versed in the legal requirements for heavy-haul transportation and can ensure compliance.
Q. Can heavy haul transportation be done internationally?
Yes, heavy haul transportation can be done internationally, but it requires additional planning and coordination. International heavy haul transportation involves complying with the transportation regulations of each country along the route, obtaining appropriate permits and approvals, and coordinating with local authorities and transportation partners. Working with freight forwarders or logistics providers experienced in international heavy haul can help navigate the complexities of cross-border transportation.
Q. Is insurance necessary for heavy haul transportation?
Yes, insurance coverage is highly recommended for heavy-haul transportation. Given the unique challenges and risks of transporting oversized or overweight cargo, insurance provides financial protection against potential damages, accidents, or liability. Consult with insurance providers specializing in transportation to ensure that your heavy haul shipments are adequately covered.
Q. How do I ensure my heavy haul cargo's safe and successful transportation?
To ensure the safe and successful transportation of heavy haul cargo, follow these key steps:
-
- Work with experienced transportation specialists or logistics providers who specialize in heavy haul.
- Obtain the necessary permits and comply with all legal requirements and safety regulations.
- Properly secure and load the cargo to prevent shifting or damage during transit.
- Conduct thorough route planning, considering any obstacles or restrictions.
- Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including drivers, escorts, and destination contacts.
- Regularly monitor the progress of the transportation and address any issues promptly.
- Maintain clear documentation of all aspects of heavy haul transportation, including permits, insurance coverage, and safety records.
3 Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Heavy Haul Shipping:
Experience and Expertise:
FreightCenter has over 20 years of experience in the logistics industry and specializes in heavy haul shipping. Our team of logistics experts has the knowledge and expertise to handle even the most complex heavy haul shipments, ensuring safe and efficient transportation.
Customized Solutions:
We understand that every heavy haul shipment is unique, and requires customized solutions. FreightCenter offers a range of specialized equipment, including lowboy trailers, flatbeds, and multi-axle trailers, to ensure that your shipment is transported safely and efficiently. We also handle all necessary permits and approvals, taking the hassle out of heavy haul logistics.
Competitive Pricing:
Heavy haul shipping can be expensive, but FreightCenter offers competitive pricing for all of our services, including heavy haul. By leveraging our relationships with carriers and our expertise in logistics, we can help you save money on your heavy haul shipment without sacrificing quality or safety.
