[Musicman]

I’m looking at a 12’ wide, 38k pound load going from SoCal to MO. This would be our first OD load so I obviously have questions.
What permit companies do you use?

From what I’m reading on a pilot car website, I’d need no escorts. Besides flags and signs, would any states require flashing lights? I have them at the house but didn’t put them on yet, though I do have them built into the tail lights of the trailer.

Is there any other advice you OD veterans have to offer?

[rank]

I used to use 730 permits from Ontario, CA but they kept screwing up....They were expensive.....like $45. It took days to get permits sometimes. They couldn't get routes approved. They overcharged me for NY....(they always said NY charged $60 when it was only $40).

So now I use NOVA permits out of Montreal, QC. They're pretty good. They charge $35/permit. I've also had another company recommended to me by another driver....I think they're called "Gator Permits" or something like that out of FL. Supposed to be $15/permit.

The rules vary from state to state and I won't be much help since I don't run out there. I doubt if you need pilot cars...they start at 12' -1 " in NY. The thing about the strobes is you may find the permit requires the strobe to be visible from 360 degrees, which is often not possible that's why most guys will have strobes on truck and trailer both. Lot of guys use tail light strobes on the trailer but they are definately not visible from 360 degrees. We have magnetic strobes that plug into the receptacle at the rear of the trailer plus the ones on the truck.

Some jurisdictions allow night travel (maybe not for 12 wide tho) and in order to meet those requirements, you may have to have solid red/amber lights positioned at the extremities of the load.

My advice is to plan you route then call Gator permits and tell them this is your first wide load in that region. Ask if you need strobes and/pilots. If they are willing to help you out they might be a keeper.

[GMAN]

It is a good idea to use amber lights on over size loads. Some states require them while others do not. The type and position of lights can also vary according to the type of load and state. I usually have a light on the top of the tractor and another on the rear of my trailer. If you haul into Georgia you will need to get a permit to use a flashing light. The permit costs $2/year, but the fines are much higher if you don't have one. I know you won't need it for this load, but if you think you will haul across Georgia then I would go ahead and get the permit. I don't know why they even bother. It costs more to process the paperwork than they charge for the permit. Having lights can help as you run out of light if you are having a difficult time finding a place to park. It can keep the DOT off your back if you are running a little after sunset. But, I would not push it too much. I try to get off the road before I run out of daylight.

With a 12' wide load you should not need an escort. Make sure you read over the permit for each state very carefully. I usually do my own routing, but states can change your route based upon road construction or other factors. It is a good idea to check around for permit services. I will pm you the one I currently use. They give me the best rate and do a very good job for me. Rates can vary widely on fees charged by permit services. I order some permits myself. Some states will only sell permits though a service. If you see that you are going to haul through the same states, you may check to see if you can buy an annual permit. It may cost more initially, but save money and time during the course of the year. One other thing. I NEVER order a permit until I measure the piece myself. An over sized load should be measured from the widest part of the load, that includes any pieces that stick out from the main part of the body. I may order a permit if I am hauling something that I have hauled for the same shipper before, but as a rule of thumb, I don't oder it until I actually put a tape on the load for myself. If the shipper measures incorrectly you may need to reorder your permits. I would rather have a little delay getting started than take a chance on having to pay for permits twice and still have a delay.

When I haul over sized loads I spend some time planning where I will stop for the night. When you do over sized loads you need to do more planning. Some states require you to drive at no more than 55 mph. That can eat up your day. Other states will allow you to travel highway speeds. Remember, you may not be able to stop just anywhere you want due to the load being wide. Planning is crucial. Some states will allow you to travel at night as long as you have lights on the load. Most state require you to stop before or just after sunset. I can't stress enough about reading your permits for each state VERY carefully. Some states will allow you to travel about 30 minutes after sunset, Georgia requires you to stop 30 minutes before sunset. So, read each permit with care. Some states require the driver to sign the permit. I think that Alabama requires you to sign with a red ink pen. Whatever is stated on the permit, make sure you comply. Oversized loads are usually required to stop at each scale and go in and show your permit to the scalemaster. Some will flag you through, but most want to see you come into the scalehouse. Some will only require you to hold it up to the window so they can see it. Others want you to come into the scale so they can read it. I have also had them to put a tape on a load to measure it. That is another good reason to measure your load when you are still at the shipper. I usually add a few inches to a load as a safety precaution.

It helps to do a little research on states in which you plan on running. Some things are not on the permits. You are expected to just know the rules. For instance, in Alabama you are required to have an escort if you haul anything with a blade and it extends beyond the trailer. I don't know that it would be on the permit, but you don't want to get caught in that situation. Again, I know that you won't be crossing into Alabama on this load, but thought I would mention it for future reference.

[Heavy Duty]

No lighst needed in the states you will be running, I use "The permit company", CA based, you can buy AZ and NM at port, they will want to see insurance, call and make sure you have what they need. NM will want 6 flags, front of truck,front and rear of trailer.
Figure $300 for permits and fees and read CA very carefully and make sure you have all the provision sheets and curfew maps. Don't run any blinky lights in CA.and figure about 100 to 200 extra miles. Oklahoma will give you the grand tour, NM will shut you down with 1 snowflake and if you go thru KS, no running in rain or snow.

[mgfg]

Photo copy all your permits. That way if you run across a leo that takes your permit you still have it.....Make sure you have provision sheets for each state that requires them. Attach/staple them to the permit and READ them and the permits. Many permits require that you date and sign them in a specif color to prove that you read the permit.

[Musicman]

Thanks to all who have added to the discussion and offered so much helpful information. It would be nice to see a forum specifically for open deck trailer operators.

I ended up passing on the load, as it was 12’ 10” high which was conveniently omitted in the load information. I’ve got no compunction about pulling a 12’ wide load, but I’m not so bold to think that I’d want to be running down the interstate with my first 12’ wide load that is also 15’ 11” high.

[Maniac]

It would be nice to see a forum specifically for open deck trailer operators.

There probably is.........

oversize loads

[Musicman]

Originally Posted by Maniac

There probably is.........

oversize loads

Well, yes, there's such forums in several places on the net, but I was thinking that it would be nice to have such a forum here, where I do most of my posting.

[Windwalker]

Do they still require a "Strobe light permit" in NV? I believe it was NV, and you needed the permit if the light was mounted on the truck, whether you were using it or not.

There also was a reg that each permit had to be signed in BLUE INK. You'll want to make sure you have the permits signed before you move in any of the states.

I seem to remember that NE required blinking lights on the back of the load. That's been a few years, so things could have changed. Other than that, I don't remember which one did or not.

[YerDaddy]

Weird thing at Knoxville, the chicken masters like to sign my permits when pull around back.