Heavy Haul & Oversized Freight Shipping
Specialized transport for loads that exceed standard weight and dimension limits
Heavy haul shipping handles freight that exceeds standard legal limits for weight (over 80,000 lbs gross), width (over 8'6"), height (over 13'6"), or length (over 53'). These loads require specialized trailers (multi-axle, perimeter, Schnabel), oversize/overweight permits from every state on the route, pilot car escorts, and often utility coordination for bridge and power line clearances. Heavy haul carriers are a specialized subset of the flatbed market — not every flatbed carrier can handle heavy haul.
80,000 to 500,000+ lbs (multi-axle configurations)
Weight Capacity
Significantly higher than standard flatbed — $8-25+ per mile depending on weight, dimensions, and permit requirements
Typical Rates
Slower than standard freight. Heavy haul may be restricted to daylight hours, specific routes, and may require bridge surveys. Allow 1-3 extra days for permit processing.
Transit Time
Varies by trailer type. RGN: 29'L lower deck. Multi-axle: 40-60' usable. Perimeter: up to 12'W. Schnabel: for extreme loads.
Dimensions
Key Features
Everything you get with our Heavy Haul freight service.
Multi-axle trailers for loads exceeding 80,000 lbs gross weight
Oversize and overweight permits coordinated across all states on route
Pilot car and escort vehicle arrangement (front, rear, or both)
Route surveys for bridge weight limits, overhead clearance, and turn radius
Utility coordination for power line lifting on tall loads
Law enforcement escort coordination when required by state
Specialized rigging, crane loading, and jack-and-slide capabilities
Insurance coverage verified for high-value heavy haul loads
Common Commodities
Freight types most commonly shipped via Heavy Haul.
Industrial transformers and generators
Construction cranes and excavators
Bridge beams and structural steel
Wind turbine nacelles, towers, and blades
Mining equipment (haul trucks, draglines)
Modular buildings and prefab structures
Pressure vessels and tanks
Military vehicles and equipment
Oil and gas processing equipment
Power plant components
When to Choose Heavy Haul
Ideal For
Industrial machinery, transformers, generators, construction equipment (cranes, excavators), bridge beams, wind turbine components, modular buildings, tanks and pressure vessels, mining equipment, and any freight exceeding 80,000 lbs or standard trailer dimensions.
Equipment Comparison
How Heavy Haul compares to other freight options.
Heavy Haul vs. Flatbed
Standard flatbed handles loads up to ~48,000 lbs on a standard 48-53' trailer. Heavy haul takes over when loads exceed legal weight limits (80,000 lbs gross) or dimensions, requiring multi-axle trailers, permits, and escorts.
Heavy Haul vs. RGN
RGN (removable gooseneck) is often used for heavy haul loads that can drive on/off. For loads too heavy for standard RGN, multi-axle RGN or specialized heavy haul trailers (perimeter, Schnabel) are needed.
States We Serve with Heavy Haul
View detailed Heavy Haul freight information for each state, including local industries, key lanes, and regulations.
Heavy Haul Shipping FAQs
What qualifies as a heavy haul load?
Generally, any load exceeding 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53' long is considered oversize/overweight and requires heavy haul transport with specialized permits and equipment.
How much does heavy haul shipping cost?
Heavy haul rates range from $8 to $25+ per mile — significantly more than standard flatbed. Costs include the trailer, permits ($50-500+ per state), pilot cars ($500-1,500+ per trip), route surveys, and potentially utility coordination and law enforcement escorts.
How long does it take to get heavy haul permits?
Standard oversize/overweight permits can be obtained in 1-3 business days. Super-load permits (extremely heavy or oversized) may require 2-4 weeks for route surveys, bridge analysis, and utility coordination. Plan ahead.
Do I need pilot cars for oversized loads?
Most states require pilot cars (escort vehicles) for loads exceeding certain dimensions — typically over 12' wide, 14'6" tall, or 75' long. Some states require both front and rear escorts. Requirements vary by state.
Need a Heavy Haul Carrier?
Tell us about your Heavy Haul freight — origin, destination, weight, and timeline — and we will match you with a vetted, FMCSA-verified carrier. Usually within hours.
Mon–Fri 7AM–7PM CT | No obligation, no contracts