Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

Heavy haul transport is vital for industries that need to move oversized and overweight loads. These can include large construction equipment, industrial machinery, or other materials that exceed standard legal dimensions. If you’re planning to move heavy loads in Delaware, it’s important to understand the regulations and processes involved. Whether it’s securing the right permits or planning a safe route, our services can ensure your transport is compliant.

Let’s break down the key aspects of heavy haul transport so you know what to expect and how Freedom Heavy Haul can assist you.

Oversized and Overweight Load Regulations for Heavy Haul Transport in Delaware

If your load exceeds standard legal limits in Delaware, it will be classified as oversized or overweight. Transporting these loads requires special permits and careful route planning to keep your goods and Delaware’s roads safe.

Load Classifications and Limits

In Delaware, a load is considered oversized if it exceeds the following:

• Width: 8.5 feet
• Height: 13.5 feet
• Length: 60 feet (for single vehicles)
• Weight: 80,000 pounds

If your load goes beyond these dimensions, it’s important to work with a service like Freedom Heavy Haul to ensure you’re following the necessary protocols. Transporting without the correct permits or planning could result in fines and delays.

Permit Requirements and Acquisition

We assist with obtaining the necessary permits through Delaware’s Department of Transportation (DelDOT). Permits ensure that your load is safe to move across state roads, minimizing the risk of damaging infrastructure or endangering other drivers.

Types of Permits

You will need one of the following types of permits depending on your situation:

• Single-trip permits: Required for one-time transport of a specific oversized load.
• Annual permits: Ideal for ongoing projects that require frequent transport of oversized loads along particular routes.

Freedom Heavy Haul will guide you through this process, making sure you have the correct permits for your specific needs.

Safety Measures for Heavy Haul Transport

When transporting heavy or oversized loads, safety is paramount. Our team prioritizes safety measures to ensure your load is transported securely and safely.

Vehicle Requirements and Equipment

Your heavy haul transport vehicle must be fully equipped and maintained to handle the demands of oversized loads. At Freedom Heavy Haul, we ensure our vehicles meet federal safety standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Axle Configuration and Weight Distribution

One of the most important aspects of hauling heavy loads is proper axle configuration and weight distribution. Our team ensures balanced weight distribution to prevent accidents or road damage, keeping your load secure.

Braking Systems and Lighting

Safety also involves functioning brakes and proper lighting. Freedom Heavy Haul makes sure our vehicles are equipped with reliable braking systems and that oversized loads are properly marked with lights and signs. This helps alert other drivers on the road and ensures a safe transport for your oversized load.

Driver Expertise and Qualifications

Handling oversized loads requires skilled drivers who are specially trained. At Freedom Heavy Haul, we only work with experienced drivers who hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) and have expertise in managing heavy and oversized loads. You can trust that your load will be transported by professionals who know how to navigate Delaware’s roads safely.

Load Securement and Safety Protocols

Proper load securement is essential to ensure that your cargo arrives safely at its destination. At Freedom Heavy Haul, we follow FMCSA regulations for securing loads. This means using strong, reliable chains, straps, or other equipment to keep your cargo stable throughout its journey.

Route Planning for Heavy Haul Transport

Moving oversized loads in Delaware requires careful route planning to avoid roads that can’t handle the weight or size of your load. Freedom Heavy Haul takes care of this for you, planning a safe and efficient route to your destination.

DelDOT-Specified Routes and Time Restrictions

When your load exceeds certain limits, DelDOT will specify the routes you must follow. These routes are chosen to minimize wear and tear on Delaware’s roads and to ensure your load doesn’t pose a risk to other drivers. Freedom Heavy Haul works closely with DelDOT to make sure your load is transported on approved routes.

Bridge and Road Weight Limits

Not all roads and bridges are capable of supporting heavy haul loads. We ensure that your route avoids restricted areas, preventing delays and avoiding infrastructure damage.

Escort and Pilot Vehicles for Oversized Loads

In some cases, your heavy haul may need escort or pilot vehicles. These are vehicles that guide your load, ensuring it navigates safely through busy or restricted areas.

Requirements for Escort Vehicles

Delaware requires escort vehicles for certain oversized loads. Freedom Heavy Haul provides escort vehicles for loads that exceed the following dimensions:

• Over 12 feet wide
• Extremely tall loads that could be affected by bridges or overhead obstacles

These escort vehicles help clear the way and alert other drivers to the presence of your oversized load, making the trip smoother and safer for everyone on the road.

Common Challenges in Heavy Haul Transport

Moving heavy loads can come with a range of challenges, especially in Delaware. Freedom Heavy Haul has the experience to help you overcome these obstacles and keep your transport on track.

Infrastructure Limitations

Some roads and bridges in Delaware aren’t designed to handle oversized or overweight loads. Freedom Heavy Haul ensures that your route is carefully planned, avoiding areas that could cause problems for your transport.

Weather Conditions

Bad weather can complicate the transport of heavy loads. Rain, snow, or strong winds can make moving an oversized load dangerous. Freedom Heavy Haul monitors weather conditions closely to determine the best time to move your load, ensuring it arrives safely no matter the conditions.

Best Practices for Safe Heavy Haul Transport

There are certain best practices that we follow to ensure smooth transport. This includes regular vehicle inspections, clear communication with DelDOT, and highly trained drivers who understand the specific needs of heavy haul transport.

Regular Vehicle Inspections and Maintenance

Keeping the transport vehicles in top condition is key to avoiding breakdowns or accidents. Freedom Heavy Haul regularly inspects and maintains its vehicles to ensure they can handle heavy loads with ease. This helps prevent any delays or issues during transport.

Communication with DelDOT

Freedom Heavy Haul keeps open communication with DelDOT to stay informed about road conditions, detours, or any changes to transport regulations. This ensures that your load is always transported along the safest and most compliant route possible.

Driver Training and Certification

At Freedom Heavy Haul, we make sure our drivers are up-to-date on all regulations and safety protocols. Our drivers undergo regular training to stay current on the best practices for transporting oversized loads, ensuring your load is in safe hands.

Conclusion

When you need to transport oversized or overweight loads in Delaware, working with a reliable and experienced company like ours ensures compliance and safety. From obtaining the necessary permits to planning safe routes and securing your load, we are here to handle all aspects of your heavy haul transport.

Trust Freedom Heavy Haul with your heavy transport needs, and rest assured that your cargo will be handled professionally and delivered safely.