When Are Escort Vehicles Necessary for Transport?

When it comes to heavy haul trucking, companies must take certain precautions to make sure the transport goes smoothly. The police escort is there to make sure the company’s equipment is safe and that they are allowed to transport it. Different states have regulations to consider when hauling oversized equipment to ensure road safety. Contact us if you have any questions!

What is the Definition of a Police Escort?

A police escort is a vehicle in which a police officer drives to make sure that the person in the vehicle is safe and that the vehicle is not being tampered with by criminals. Their presence can also ensure the safety of other drivers on the road.

When it comes to oversize loads, police presence will help ensure road safety on Interstate roads. States have requirements for a police escort based on the height, length, or width of the freight vehicle. Sometimes the product that the freight is transporting may need a law official to escort it even if it is not oversized.

The police escort is there to make sure everything goes as planned from a safety standpoint. So, law enforcement will conduct any necessary inspections of the driver, the vehicle, and the equipment they are transporting. They make sure the cars have flashlights, spare tires, and warning lights. Law enforcement will also check the license and qualifications of the person driving the heavy freight. For additional safety, the escorting officer will double-check the intended route the driver will take beforehand.

What is the Definition of Heavy Freight Cargo?

Heavy freight cargo has different definitions based on the state it is traveling through. For example, equipment that is more than 15.4’ high and 13.5’ wide is viewed as oversized freight in Connecticut.

If a freight trailer is more than 100’ long, it is an oversized freight in New Hampshire.

When Do You Need a Police Escort Vehicle for Freight Transport?

When transporting freight, you may need to hire a police escort vehicle. This is often the case when you are transporting dangerous goods, such as explosives. The police escort vehicle will help transport the cargo without any problems and without any delays.

In the event of road closings, police escorts will have to accompany heavy freight. Weather and traffic conditions may require heavy freight escort if the state police decide it is warranted. The DOT of the state has a set of guidelines for when police are needed in these cases.

Connecticut requires police escorts for heavy freight when the trailer is moving through construction zones.

What States Require a Police Escort for Heavy Freight Cargo?

In most states, the police escort requirement for heavy cargo is only necessary if the cargo is classified as a hazardous material. It is also important to note that the escort requirement is only required if the cargo is moving through certain types of jurisdictions.

If the cargo is moving through a state or county that is not listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, then no escort is required. If the cargo is moving through a state or county that is listed, then the law requires that the cargo be escorted by law enforcement. As of now, Oklahoma does not have any requirements for a police escort of heavy freight.

Here are some states that require police escorts for heavy freight transit:

• New Hampshire
• New York
• Texas
• Maine
• Florida
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island

What To Expect When You Need a Police Escort

When it is time for the transport, the police escort will need to see some things for their inspection. They will need to see an over-dimensional travel permit and review the intended route map. They will contact more police to escort them if they feel it is necessary. The police may also put an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong during transport. If more private escorts are traveling on the route, the police will question and inspect them as well.

In conclusion, a police escort will keep your oversized load as safe as possible during transit. Make sure you understand the rules and regulations of the DOT in your state so you know whether you have an oversized trailer or not. If you know you are transporting overweight cargo, you can take the right steps to prepare for the police ahead of time. If you need a reliable freight service, contact Osage Specialized Transport today.

Categorised in: Escort Vehicles