A FEW BASIC TRUCK RULES
A legal load is a load that does not exceed legal height, width or weight or length as set forth by the DOT as standard regulation.
The legal width for loads in all states is 8′ – 6″ or 102″ wide.
The legal height for loads from the ground to the top of the freight, including the height of trailer, varies from state to state. A good rule of thumb is from Kansas west the height is a 14′, Oklahoma being an exception at 13′ 6″. All other states going east from there allow 13′ 6″.
Regarding weight regulation, generally the combination of tractor trailer and freight cannot exceed 80,000 lbs. There are a few exceptions to this rule on secondary roads but not for general consideration. Loads over this weight can be permitted to travel but only if the load is a non divisible load (one piece).
Length regulations apply in a couple of ways. Overall length, including combined length of tractor, trailer and freight. Or may be applied to length of overhang legally allowed in a particular state. The regulations for length and overhang vary from state to state and would need to be researched for any load for which overhang or stretch trailer would be required. A good rule of thumb is overhang of 1′ off the front of trailer and/or 3′ off rear of trailer would be legal in most states, assuming 48′ trailer.
Trailer weight vary widely and will affect the amount of weight that can be loaded on a specific trailer. Generally flatbed are the lightest and can legally scale the most weight. They can usually be loaded with 45 to 48,000 lbs legally. Step deck (drop deck or single drop) trailers are usually a little heavier and can usually scale between 42 to 47,000 lbs (some can go 48,000). Double drop trailers or lowboy or RGN’s are the heaviest trailers and usually can legally scale only 37 to 40,000 lbs. After that, stretch trailers of any sort or multi-axel lowboys can just be assumed to carry one piece and permit for weight as these are always going to be heavy trailers. Additionally, there are axel weight restrictions that must be met. So loads must be loaded properly to distribute weight.
Regarding wide loads. Any part of the load that exceeds 8′ 6″ is over width. Generally you can permit wide load and run without pilot cars up to 12′ wide. There again this will vary based on road construction or different routes or state regulations. After 12′ in most places, assume 1 – 2 cars up to 15′ then other regulations may kick in. Over 16′ route restrictions will affect the load as well as the possibility of police escorts and/or utility issues. These same issues may arise for permitted loads that are higher than 15′ or longer than 55′. Best to take OD loads of this nature on a case by case basis and allow us to research the regulations.
Finally, you may have need from time to time for an enclosed van trailer. For the most part they are 53′ long with 110″ door openings and can scale 44 – 45,000 lbs legally.
