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OVERSIZE LOAD FLAGS, LIGHTS, SIGNS, BANNERS, HOLIDAY RESTRICTIONS, AND RUNNING TIMES REGULATIONS BY STATE

As a truck driver, time is money and the more you know before driving, the faster and easier you can get to your destination. While driving an oversize load is not out of the ordinary, it does make your task more difficult, especially if traveling over state lines.

Standard trucks have dimensions that cannot exceed 13.5 feet tall, 8.5 feet wide, and 72 feet long. Any cargo or dimensions that go over these numbers is considered an oversized load. To ensure the safety of all drivers on the road, these loads must be clearly marked with red flags and use an escort vehicle.

What is an oversize load?

In the United States, semi-trucks have standard sizes. This includes being 72 feet long, 13.5 feet tall, and 8.5 feet wide. They also can’t have a maximum weight that is over 80,000 pounds.

As soon as a truck surpasses any of these dimensions, whether for height, length, or width, they are considered to have an oversize load. While containers are meant to be within these dimensions, some loads, such as heavy equipment and even parts of houses, don’t come in pre-determined sizes.

How do you flag an oversize load?

Once you know you have an oversize load, appropriate safety measures should take place. This includes clearly marking that your truck is oversize so that everyone else on the road is aware and can take more precautions.

All four corners of your truck bed need to have clear markers so that vehicles on either side of you are aware of the load. On each corner, secure a red flag.

The flag needs to be at least one square foot in size so that it remains visible, even if there is a lot of wind. An alternative is to use strips of fabric that are at least 1.5 feet long and 6 inches wide.

What’s the difference between a wide load and an oversize load?

difference between a wide load and an oversize load

A wide load is simply a more specific term when it comes to oversized loads, as it focuses on the width and not the height. This means that it can still safely go under overpasses, as long as there is more than one lane it can take over.

There are many types of transport that are wide loads. Mobile homes or parts of prefabricated housing need to be transported, and these are often wider than standard. Many boats and construction equipment will also be classified as wide loads. Finally, farm equipment, such as bailers and harvesters, are much larger than standard.

Oversize Load Flags, Lights, Signs, Banners, Holiday Restrictions, and Running Times Regulations By State:

Can you go around oversized loads?

As a regular driver, it can be frustrating to be stuck behind an oversize load. These loads, whether they are traveling on their own or need to be transported on the bed of a truck, must go slower to remain safe.

Furthermore, their wide load means they take up more than just one lane. If there are three lanes on a highway, it is much easier to pass an oversize load but with one or even two lanes, much more caution is needed.

If there are two lanes, the driver of the oversized load will do their best to stay closer to the shoulder. This way, they can try to free up as much of the inside lane as possible.

To pass an oversized load, start indicating well in advance. Look for clues that the driver sees you, such as moving over to the right to give you extra space.

You will also need to look for oncoming traffic. You may need to cross a double line which, while ordinarily is not to be done, can be done in this case, as long as you are sure there is a large enough gap between any oncoming vehicles.

As for a one-lane road, much more caution is needed. You may have to wait quite a while until there is no oncoming traffic.

Never go around an oversized load if you are cresting a hill as visibility of oncoming traffic is limited. And, while it should go without saying, never pass on the right.

What is the highest load without a permit?

Before needing a permit, the highest load you can transport is 13.5 feet tall and 8.5 feet wide. After this, you will need a permit and extra safety measures to transport items, no matter what state you are driving in.

After your trucking company determines your load is oversize, a permit will be needed. Each state has a transportation agency that will issue the permit. They will also go over safety features and perform safety checks to ensure you are road ready.

Another safety requirement for an oversize load is the use of a pilot car or escort vehicle. This drives near the oversize truck and is clearly marked, usually with flashing signs, to further show the drivers around the truck that it is oversized.

How do you determine if you have an oversize load?

Measuring is key to determining the size of your load. As stated earlier, if your load exceeds 8.5 feet wide or 13.5 feet tall, it is oversize.

It does not pay to cut corners in measuring. In fact, any reputable trucking company will ensure that your load is either at a normal size and if not, that all appropriate safety measures are in place.

Driving with an unmarked oversize load is extremely dangerous. Not only can you run into overpasses but the drivers around you won’t know you have an oversize load, which means accidents can potentially be caused.

Conclusion

While most truck loads are standardized, there are certain times when loads exceed the maximum dimensions. In this case, a permit is needed and certain safety measures, such as flags and trailing vehicles need to be used to ensure everyone is as safe as possible.