{"id":1527,"date":"2019-04-25T11:32:12","date_gmt":"2019-04-25T18:32:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freightera.com\/blog\/?p=1527"},"modified":"2025-10-13T05:55:32","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T12:55:32","slug":"heavy-haul-shipping","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freightera.com\/blog\/heavy-haul-shipping\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Tips For Shipping Heavy Haul"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a heavy haul?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u2018Heavy Haul\u2019 as a term in freight describes a shipment carrying an unusually large and wide load.\u00a0 For example, manufacturing equipment that exceeds the guidelines for legal dimensions (width, height, or length) and\/or weight limits in which case special equipment and special permits are required to transport the load. <\/span>Heavy Haul<\/span> in turn may have limits and may be referred to as a \u2018Superload\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some tips for you to make your heavy haul shipment as stress-free as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Get help in finding the right trucking company<\/span><\/h3>\n

Hire a reliable and experienced carrier, broker, or online freight company like Freightera to assist you. Ask lots of questions, and ask for references, pictures, and any evidence that the Carrier is experienced in organizing and handling these types of heavy hauls before. Research them online to make sure there are no claims against them and that they have the right insurance. The way they respond will tell you a lot about the service you\u2019ll get along the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

2) Know your freight\u2019s dimensions<\/span><\/h3>\n

Width, height, length, and weight. These attributes will dictate the type of permits needed for shipping over-dimensional loads. A few inches of difference may result in a change of route, permit, and cost. Once the carrier has requested a permit for certain criteria, if the dimensions or weight are subsequently changed, the carrier will need to re-apply for another permit at the shipper\u2019s cost.<\/span><\/p>\n

And let\u2019s be honest, the last thing you need is for your shipment to check the height of an overpass.<\/span><\/p>\n

3) Know how you\u2019re going to put your load on the truck<\/span><\/h3>\n

Do you need to hire a crane? A large forklift? On both ends: pickup and delivery?<\/span><\/p>\n

4) Confirm any other special requirements<\/span><\/h3>\n

Do you need bracing, tarping, tie-down points, or flags? If the load is fragile, how will you strap it down to the truck?<\/span><\/p>\n

5) Plan ahead<\/span><\/h3>\n

Give yourself lots of time (weeks or even months) to get organized, to get all the permits, and give the carrier time for all arrangements.<\/span><\/p>\n

6) Confirm with the trucking company regarding permits<\/span><\/h3>\n

Often, for shipments that are not outside the norm of oversized cargo shipping, carriers will have time-based permits ready to go. If this is not the case, the Carrier will take care of requesting permits and include them in the shipping cost once you contact them. Confirm what the case is with your particular move.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever the case, it\u2019s best to stick to tip number 5 and check everything ahead of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

7) Be prepared for the unexpected<\/span><\/h3>\n

Even with the best planning and preparation, there may be an unexpected hurdle, such as additional escort services or permits.<\/span><\/p>\n