What Are The Challenges Faced While Shipping Oversized Loads?

• Mar 15- 2021
• Trucking Company

All types of freight have their own challenges, but oversized loads are probably the most difficult category of all. Oversized loads are any freight that can’t be taken apart or neatly packed away, and so take up a lot more space than the average load. In practical terms, this is usually defined by width – any load that exceeds per-axel limits or is wider than 8 and a half feet is categorized as an oversized load and comes with its own set of challenges. Oversize load companies in North America require special training for their employees, special equipment, and face other, more specific challenges as well. But what makes oversized loads so difficult?

Legal requirements are one of the biggest hurdles to overcome for oversize load trucking companies. Many provinces and US states have restrictions on what trucks with oversized loads can do and where they can go, and most require special permits. This is especially tricky because the definition of an oversized load can actually vary pretty wildly from province to province, or state to state in the US, which means that you have to do your research before taking a large load on the road. You need to get a permit for every province or state you travel through independently, and fines for transporting oversized loads without a permit can be pretty hefty.

The actual drive itself is also a lot more challenging for oversize trucking companies. Your drivers have to take into account both the weight and the width of the freight they’re hauling, and any difficult road conditions are made a lot harder when you have a prefab home or airplane parts attached to your truck. This is why it’s so important for oversize load trucking companies to plan their routes carefully, and make sure their drivers always know exactly what they’re getting into when they get on the road.

Lastly, meeting deadlines is made extra difficult when dealing with oversized loads. Large shipments like these have to be driven carefully, especially when going downhill or around curves, and it can take a lot longer to get from point A to point B if you’re driving for oversize trucking companies. As mentioned before, treacherous road conditions are also a huge factor, especially for oversized loads, so delays can often be long and costly. Truck drivers should also be trained in basic repairs, and have the equipment necessary to fix any common problems that might come up during the drive.

Despite the added challenges, running oversize load trucking companies can be great business. You just have to make sure that you understand what you’re getting into, and ensure that your employees have everything they need to face whatever obstacles come their way behind the wheel.