When Do You Need Heavy Haul Trucking?

Shipping freight isn’t always as simple as loading a standard trailer and sending it down the road. When cargo exceeds standard weight or dimension limits, heavy haul trucking becomes necessary.

But how do you know when your shipment qualifies?

Understanding when to use heavy haul services can prevent delays, avoid costly fines, and ensure your freight arrives safely.

What Qualifies as Heavy Haul Freight?

In most states, a shipment is considered oversized or overweight when it exceeds:

• 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight
• 8’6” in width
• 13’6” in height
• 53 feet in trailer length (standard maximum)

When freight goes beyond these limits, special permits, routing plans, and sometimes escort vehicles are required. That’s where heavy haul carriers step in.

Common Freight That Requires Heavy Haul

Heavy haul trucking is commonly used for:

• Bulldozers and excavators
• Cranes
• Steel beams and coils
• Industrial generators
• Precast concrete structures
• Agricultural equipment

These loads often require specialized trailers and additional axles to distribute weight properly.

Heavy Haul vs Standard Flatbed

While both use open deck trailers, heavy haul goes beyond standard flatbed transportation.

Standard Flatbed:

• General construction materials
• Lumber
• Palletized freight
• Machinery under legal weight/dimensions

Heavy Haul:

• Oversized loads
• Overweight equipment
• Specialized axle configurations
• State permits and escorts required

If your freight requires permits, route surveys, or police escorts, you’re in heavy haul territory.

Equipment Options for Heavy Haul

Different freight requires different trailer configurations:

• Step Deck (Drop Deck): For taller equipment.
• Double Drop: For extremely tall loads that need lower deck height.
• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): Ideal for driving equipment on and off.
• Multi-Axle Trailers: For extreme weight distribution.

Choosing the correct trailer is critical for compliance and safety.

Why the Right Carrier Matters

Heavy haul transportation involves more than just a truck and trailer. It requires:

• Permit coordination by state
• Route planning around bridges and weight restrictions
• Escort coordination
• Experienced drivers
• Proper insurance coverage

Working with an experienced asset-based carrier reduces risk and improves reliability.

Heavy Haul Services with RCS Trucking

At RCS Trucking, we specialize in flatbed and heavy haul transportation designed to handle oversized and overweight freight safely.

Our team coordinates permits, plans compliant routes, and ensures your equipment arrives on time and intact. Whether you’re moving construction equipment, industrial machinery, or structural components, we have the equipment and expertise to get it done.

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