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Oversized shipments can be tricky. Each state has unique requirements for shipping oversized or wide items, so it can be challenging to determine the precise rules you need to follow. You’ll need to arrange for escorts, and there may be restrictions in place that will impact when you can travel and the shipping timeline in general.
Partnering with a reliable 3PL that is experienced with oversized cargo is always a good idea. Their expertise and knowledge of routes, carriers, and interstate rules contribute to your peace of mind and the end customer’s satisfaction.
Oversized Cargo Considerations
If you’re shipping oversized items, like vehicles, heavy machinery, or industrial components, here are a few of the things you’ll need to know.
1. Rules for Travel Escorts
Oversized or wide loads might require travel escorts in certain states. A travel escort’s role is to inform drivers of road hazards like accidents, traffic problems, low bridges, wires, etc. They also alert other drivers on the road that there is an oversized vehicle present.
You’ll need to cover mileage costs, hotels, meals, and other incidentals, which will be included in your total freight costs.
2. Factors That Might Affect Your Schedule
Rules for when you can travel with escort vehicles vary quite a bit between states. For example, you might not be able to travel on certain days, weekends, or holidays, which might impact your timelines.
Additionally, most states restrict travel times. You can only be on the road with a travel escort 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. You’ll also need permits for each state, along with detailed routes you intend to travel.
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3. Requirements for Special Marking
You’ll need high-visibility markings like flags or lights on flatbeds and the escort vehicles to ensure other motorists can see you. The number of lights and flags is dictated by the size of the item being shipped. Working with an experienced 3PL ensures you comply with all regulations.
Find A Reliable Partner on This: How DTS Helps
If you ship oversized goods frequently, you have many concerns to think about. While flatbed shipping is often the most economical and efficient way to go, maintaining timelines and keeping costs in check can be challenging.
At DTS World Cargo, we frequently transport large loads and oversized merchandise, including hazardous materials and other items that require special care. Our team lives and breathes logistics, ensuring you always have the best and most up-to-date information to ensure reliability, safety, and affordability from end to end.
We ship just about anything, from tractors and agricultural equipment to cranes and steel beams for large-scale construction, pre-fabricated homes, wind turbine parts, pipeline infrastructure, heavy machinery, and components for the oil and gas sector. Our track record in this area is unmatched, and our customers have come to rely on us for all their oversized shipping needs.
Request a quote today and find out how we can support you with your cargo transportation needs.
