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Glossary

Oversize Load

An oversize load is any shipment that exceeds the standard legal dimensions or weight limits for highway travel, requiring special permits, equipment, and often escort vehicles.

What Is Oversize Load?

An oversize load (also called an overweight, over-dimensional, or superload) exceeds the standard legal limits for commercial vehicles on US highways. Standard legal limits are 80,000 pounds gross weight, 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, and 53 feet long (trailer). Any load exceeding these dimensions requires special oversize permits from each state the load will travel through.

Oversize permits are issued on a per-load basis and cost $15-$150+ per state depending on the dimensions and weight. Many states also require escort vehicles (pilot cars) for loads exceeding certain dimensions — typically one escort car for loads 10-12 feet wide and two for loads over 12 feet wide. Some states restrict oversize movement to daylight hours only and may prohibit travel on weekends or holidays.

Oversize hauling is a specialized and highly lucrative niche. Rates for oversize loads can range from $4.00-$10.00+ per mile depending on dimensions, weight, and route complexity. However, the barrier to entry is significant — you need specialized equipment (lowboys, RGN trailers, multi-axle configurations), permits, and experience. Most oversize carriers have years of flatbed experience before transitioning to this segment.

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Why It Matters

Oversize loads command premium rates because of the specialized equipment, permits, and expertise required. For flatbed and step deck carriers looking to increase revenue, oversize work can nearly double your per-mile earnings. However, the permitting and planning requirements are significant.

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Real-World Example

A construction company needs a 14-foot-wide, 85,000-pound generator moved from Houston to Phoenix (1,180 miles). The load requires oversize permits in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona ($340 total), plus two pilot cars ($1.50/mile each = $3,540). A specialized carrier with an RGN trailer hauls it at $5.50/mile = $6,490 for the transportation. Total shipment cost: $10,370. The carrier nets $6,490 minus fuel and expenses. Through FF Dispatch, a flatbed carrier looking to transition to oversize work connects with experienced oversize brokers in our network.

Related Terms

Flatbed

A flatbed is an open trailer with no sides, roof, or doors, used to transport oversized, heavy, or irregularly shaped freight that cannot fit in an enclosed trailer.

Step Deck

A step deck (also called a drop deck) is a flatbed trailer with a lower rear deck that provides extra vertical clearance for hauling taller freight while staying within legal height limits.

Accessorial Charges

Accessorial charges are additional fees beyond the base freight rate for extra services like detention, layover, fuel surcharges, lumper fees, and special handling.

Operating Authority

Operating authority is the federal permission granted by the FMCSA that allows a company to operate as a for-hire carrier, broker, or freight forwarder in interstate commerce.

FMCSA

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is the US government agency that regulates the trucking industry, issues operating authority, and enforces safety standards.

Related Content

Flatbed DispatchStep Deck DispatchConstruction FreightEnergy FreightManufacturing Freight

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a load "oversize"?+
Any load exceeding 80,000 lbs gross weight, 8.5 feet wide, 13.5 feet tall, or 53 feet long. Different states have slightly different thresholds, so permit requirements vary by route.
How much do oversize permits cost?+
Permits range from $15-$150+ per state, depending on the dimensions and weight. A coast-to-coast superload crossing 5-6 states might cost $500-$1,000+ in permits alone, plus escort vehicle costs.
Can any flatbed carrier haul oversize loads?+
Technically yes, with proper permits and equipment. Practically, oversize hauling requires specialized trailers (lowboy, RGN, multi-axle), experience with route planning for height/width restrictions, and often years of flatbed experience.

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