Traits the Nation’s Top Heavy Haul Trucking Companies Possess
What Is Heavy Hauling?
Heavy hauling is the transporting of overweight or oversized freight. Moving items like heavy machinery, large tractors, modular homes, and any other overweight and oversize freight requires specialized equipment and extra permits. Shipping oversize cargo is not as straight forward as shipping regular freight. With the legal requirements to ship overweight freight varying from state to state, hiring a professional heavy haul trucking company is crucial.
What Type of Equipment & Machinery Requires Heavy Hauling?
Heavy hauling is required when any freight exceeds the legal limit for standard over the road transportation. Everything from new blades for wind power to industrial machinery needs to be shipped over the road at some point. Each state has its specific regulations for what makes a heavy haul, but if the freight is greater than these specifications, it will need special handling:
- Width of 8.6 feet
- Height of 13.6 feet
- Length of 48 to 53 feet
- GVW of 80,000 Lbs.
There is a per-axle weight limit for heavy hauling. Total weight limitations are federal law. Here is a breakdown of weight per axle:
- Steer axles cannot exceed 12,000 pounds
- Single axles cannot exceed 20,000 pounds
- Drive axles cannot exceed 34,000 pounds
- Tandem axles cannot exceed 34,000 pounds
- Overweight loads require more axles
3 Things to Look for When Hiring Heavy Haulers
Let us take a closer look at what to be on the lookout for when hiring a heavy hauler company. Choosing a transportation company can be a daunting challenge. You need to know precisely what you are getting yourself into.
1. Look for Door to Door Service
Find out if the transportation firm you are considering offers door to door service, as this option ensures your freight will be picked up on-site and send through to the end location. Door to door service saves you on costs, logistics issues, and straightforward shipping. You will also avoid any hidden costs like customs fees and taxes. These costs are all factored into the upfront charge.
2. Is Your Shipment Covered by Adequate Insurance?
As you go through vetting a heavy hauler company, you will want to ensure they offer the proper insurance coverage necessary for your freight. Some companies will ship your freight and not provide adequate insurance for your order. In these instances, if an accident occurs, you will be left having to cover any costs that were left out of the sub-par coverage plan. Be sure to skip any that are not going to offer you the appropriate coverage.
3. Settle on Payment Information in Writing
Heavy haul freight companies are not all created equally. Some are trustworthy, honest organizations that will tell you upfront what the total cost is and will give it to you in writing. There have been many cases of companies, suddenly adding several fees and additional charges right as the payment comes due. Make sure it is all in writing ahead of time, and that you have secured the funding for the delivery.
What Red Flags I Should be Aware of Before Hiring a Trucking Company?
Before you hire a trucking company, there are a few things to watch out for. We have discussed the insurance overage previously, but as a reminder, it is essential. Here are some other warning signs to watch for:
- Make sure they are appropriately licensed. Verify their DOT number and look them up in the FMCSA system.
- They provide a crazy lowball estimate before seeing your freight.
- They have bad reviews and a very low rating online.
Reach out to us at Osage Specialized Transport to schedule your next move.
