Overwidth Loads, when to consider.

[TiredOut]

[b][i]I was wondering, on a 102" wide trailer, if the load pertrudes ANY amount whatsoever over the sides of the deck, (detachable lowbed,) is the load considered wide? I'm thinking if it is, it needs to be flagged on all 4 sides of the pertruding object, or machine, and "oversize load" signs need to be displayed front & rear of vehicle, and strobe lights going?

I'm not getting the answers I want from the FMCSA website, or USDOT either. I haven't hauled wide stuff in 15-20 yrs., and forget some, but mostly want to know if anything changed..(DOT change something? Nooooooooo!!!)

Any big load haulers have any input, I'd appreciate it a lot.

I recall anything under 10 feet wide just needs signs, flags, beacons. Over 10 feet, all of the above PLUS a permit and an escort, right? :?:

Thanx in advance... :wink:

[Myth_Buster]

Size and weight laws vary by state. 96" is safe on any highway 102" is limited to STAA routes.

Alabama

Clark County Nevada

Colorado

Here's a start, do a web search for the state you are going to travel then type in "oversize loads" and do a search for the state. Most states have their web sites designed to provide searches.

Be safe.

[wot i life]

Chances are, at that width, it,ll be the same as over here.
Mark the load as you said and notify relevant police areas that you intend to travel through at x hours on x road etc...
Have a good un :wink:

[GMAN]

Anything wider than 102" is considered over-sized and will need to be permitted and have the appropriate signage and flags. There are a few routes which may have width restrictions of 96".

[wot i life]

Anything wider than 102" is considered over-sized and will need to be permitted and have the appropriate signage and flags. There are a few routes which may have width restrictions of 96".

Really? ... that does surprise me.
Even a standard width trailer over here is 100"(8ft 4")
Interesting that was GMAN :wink:

[GMAN]

Wot i life, there are a few areas in the states which have additional restrictions for width and length. For instance, I have been in a few areas where the length of a trailer is restricted. There is an area in northern California, near the Oregon border which restricts length to 45'. New Jersey has had width restrictions on some state roads to 96". If I remember correctly some of the New England states restrict 53' trailers to no more than a few miles from the interstate. However, most states will not restrict trailers if they do not exceed 53' in length and 102" in width. There are a few states where you can pull a 57' trailer.

[GMAN]

[b][i]I was wondering, on a 102" wide trailer, if the load pertrudes ANY amount whatsoever over the sides of the deck, (detachable lowbed,) is the load considered wide? I'm thinking if it is, it needs to be flagged on all 4 sides of the pertruding object, or machine, and "oversize load" signs need to be displayed front & rear of vehicle, and strobe lights going?

I'm not getting the answers I want from the FMCSA website, or USDOT either. I haven't hauled wide stuff in 15-20 yrs., and forget some, but mostly want to know if anything changed..(DOT change something? Nooooooooo!!!)

Any big load haulers have any input, I'd appreciate it a lot.

I recall anything under 10 feet wide just needs signs, flags, beacons. Over 10 feet, all of the above PLUS a permit and an escort, right? :?:

Thanx in advance... :wink:

You need a permit for any load which exceeds 102" wide plus the appropriate signage and flags. You don't need an escort in most states if a load is only 10' wide. Some require an escort if the load is 12', others may not require an escort until you get up to about 14', as long as you are not on a 2 lane road. You can have the same load crossing 4 different states. One may require an escort in the front. The second may require an escort in the rear. The third state may require an escort in front and rear. The fourth state may not require an escort at all. If you plan on hauling over-sized loads you need to check the regulations in each state. For instance, Georgia requires a permit for each truck which has an illuminated flashing light, strobe, etc., Lights are not necessary in every state for all over-sized loads. Some drivers routinely put lights on any over-sized load they carry.

[wot i life]

Wot i life, there are a few areas in the states which have additional restrictions for width and length. For instance, I have been in a few areas where the length of a trailer is restricted. There is an area in northern California, near the Oregon border which restricts length to 45'. New Jersey has had width restrictions on some state roads to 96". If I remember correctly some of the New England states restrict 53' trailers to no more than a few miles from the interstate. However, most states will not restrict trailers if they do not exceed 53' in length and 102" in width. There are a few states where you can pull a 57' trailer.

On "A" roads and unclassified roads we have plenty of restrictions, some of which are not too well signed and sometimes the local authorities will actually propose these roads when applying for a movement order.
The worst instance I ever came across was being routed through a village in West Wales with a 38ft length restriction with a 70ft trailer.
All the locals were very helpfull and eventually I got turned around.
That movement order had been applied for and recieved.
Some clerks first day on the job I guess

[rvrjr7]

I pull oversized loads mainly in Wisconsin your permit provision sheet will tell you what needs to be done for flagging, lights and everything else. Also it will let you know if you need an escort and your permit will tell you what route to take. Here in Wisconsin I have a blanket permit that covers me all year i think it covers me up to 16 tall 16 wide and 100 feet long and its good for a year. For daytime running I always use more flags and banners than the permit calls for, id rather be safe than sorry, ive been pulled over with an OD load and they never questioned my flags. I am sure some of the guys who have alot more experience at pulling oversized loads can teach me more ive only been pulling od loads for a year and that is still a rare occassion for me

[yoopr]

I pull oversized loads mainly in Wisconsin your permit provision sheet will tell you what needs to be done for flagging, lights and everything else. Also it will let you know if you need an escort and your permit will tell you what route to take. Here in Wisconsin I have a blanket permit that covers me all year i think it covers me up to 16 tall 16 wide and 100 feet long and its good for a year. For daytime running I always use more flags and banners than the permit calls for, id rather be safe than sorry, ive been pulled over with an OD load and they never questioned my flags. I am sure some of the guys who have alot more experience at pulling oversized loads can teach me more ive only been pulling od loads for a year and that is still a rare occassion for me

When you pulling a load out of up here again? You can buy me a cup of coffee :P
Normal rule of law is flag if 12" over but if I was 6" when pulling flats I flagged it.

[GMAN]

Each state can have differences in their laws. For instance, Georgia requires you to have a permit if you have a flashing beacon light. It costs $2/per truck. You can have one on the truck, but if it is lit, you are expected to have the permit. Some states will allow you to be no more than 13'6" high, others 14'. Some may require an escort over a certain width, while others may not require an escort for the same load. If they do require an escort, some may require one in front, another one in the rear, others two with one in front and another in the rear. The permit should inform you of what is needed, but it is best to be prepared. Hauling over-sized requires more trip planning.

[rank]

[b][i]I was wondering, on a 102" wide trailer, if the load pertrudes ANY amount whatsoever over the sides of the deck, (detachable lowbed,) is the load considered wide? I'm thinking if it is, it needs to be flagged on all 4 sides of the pertruding object, or machine, and "oversize load" signs need to be displayed front & rear of vehicle, and strobe lights going?

I'm not getting the answers I want from the FMCSA website, or USDOT either. I haven't hauled wide stuff in 15-20 yrs., and forget some, but mostly want to know if anything changed..(DOT change something? Nooooooooo!!!)

Any big load haulers have any input, I'd appreciate it a lot.

I recall anything under 10 feet wide just needs signs, flags, beacons. Over 10 feet, all of the above PLUS a permit and an escort, right? :?:

Thanx in advance... :wink:

-NY, PA, OH and ON require permits for that 10' load. Don't know about other states.
-Permits for the toll roads do not cover state roads and vise versa.
-No escort required.
-Flags required
-Signs required
-OH will not allow eveneing travel with 10' but the others will, providing you have a flashing light (*I think*, better double check this one).

[GMAN]

Some states may not require an escort for interstate or 4 lane roads, but may on 2 lane roads. Each state makes up their own rules. When you plan on running in a state, you should go to their website or contact your permit service. These people should be up to date on current requirements. I think most of the time, they just go to the state web site and quote from that.