Over the road, or OTR, hauling and handling regulations provide specific restrictions and limits for heavy machinery hauling. If you’ve recently purchased oversized construction equipment, farming machinery, or other heavy equipment that you’ll need to move to a different location, get to know these special requirements to ensure a smooth and safe start to your transportation process.

Heavy Machinery Hauling Weight Restrictions

Roads and bridges are constructed to handle specific weights, so transporting loads that exceed the specified weight limit can damage the infrastructure, posing hazards for other drivers. These restrictions include the weight of the hauling vehicle and the weight of the equipment itself. Many types of heavy equipment exceed the weight limits of standard roads, especially when combined with the weight of the truck that’s carrying the load, so be sure to drive on roads that are specifically designed to support your vehicle and equipment’s weight.

Heavy Machinery Hauling Accommodations

Because of these restrictions, trucking companies must make special accommodations for heavy machinery hauling. Some of these include:  

• Axles - Federal law limits how much weight can be safely carried on any truck by the type and number of axles it has. The size and number of axles may affect how much it costs to transport equipment. Standard axle types include steer axles, drive axles, and single, double, or tandem axles. Heavy equipment may require trucks with additional axles.
• Permits - OTR drivers must carry legal documentation and permits while transporting goods and equipment. Each shipment requires an individual license, and heavy equipment shipments may require additional city, county, or township permits.
• Timelines – Transportation laws may also limit heavy equipment hauling to specific periods during the day or night. They may also exclude travel during winter months, and may restrict travel during weekends or holidays.
• Safety Equipment – Trucks must outfit oversized loads with specific safety markers to alert other drivers on the road, such as brightly colored safety flags, banners, and rotating lights. Some heavy equipment requires pilot cars or police cruisers to accompany the load.

When you’re looking for a dependable trucking company for heavy machinery hauling, contact Harvey Trucking Services. Based in Indianapolis, IN, their experienced drivers have hauled oversized equipment throughout the Continental United States and Canada since 1993. Call (317) 429-1647 to request a free quote or visit them online for more information about heavy machinery hauling.