Over-Dimensional Freight Transport Cost and Schedule Control
Overland transport of wide loads or over dimensional flatbed hauling is a complicated business. Freight transport that exceeds federal, state, or local transportation rules, regulations, and guidelines of standard weight, height, width, or length dimensions can trigger a multitude of shipping requirements.
The range of requirements can leave your head spinning. Follow these tips to help avoid a mistake that can be expensive to your budget and your schedule.
- Know Your Metrics – Falling under any over-dimensional standards can save your bottom-line and your schedule. Keeping your freight shipment within standard dimensions means avoiding permit costs, escort logistics, and the effort required to manage a wide-load route. But if the load falls within Over-Dimensional limits, know it and then plan for it.
- Know Your Route Requirements – Consistency in over-dimensional standards and requirements is the exception, not the rule, when you cross jurisdictions. Standards vary not only by state, but by locality, season, temporary conditions and more. A single load can require an escort on one part of the route and not on another or can be prohibited on weekends or certain parts of a route completely. Knowing this can save your schedule and costs.
- Avoid Unplanned for Costs – Permit fees vary by state and can change;loading delays can result in detention fees. And if your dimensions are not correct expect to pay extra fees, fines as well as time delays. These and more unbudgeted costs can be avoided with a well-planned freight transport.
Planning and know-how can make an over-dimensional shipment cost and time efficient. Take care to know your load, the regulations, and the route and make the most of your over-dimensional freight shipment.