Fast, reliable & cost effective Equipment Transport

Planning a heavy haul route through Illinois, especially around the Chicago metro area, involves more than picking a route on the map. At Freedom Heavy Haul, we manage every part of the process—from securing permits and coordinating escorts to avoiding low-clearance bridges and restricted zones. Our goal is to move your freight safely, legally, and on schedule.

How We Plan Heavy Haul Routes in Illinois

This article explains how we plan heavy haul routes in Illinois and Chicago.

What Qualifies as a Heavy Haul Load in Illinois

We handle oversized shipments that exceed:

• 80,000 pounds in gross vehicle weight
• 13 feet 6 inches in height
• 8 feet 6 inches in width
• 53 feet in trailer length

Our team works with industries like construction, energy, and manufacturing to move large items such as generators, cranes, turbines, and oversized machinery.

How We Handle Permit Requirements

Before moving any heavy haul freight through Illinois, we obtain the proper permits through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This includes:

• Trip permits valid for 5 days
• Daylight-only travel (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset)
• No weekend or holiday moves unless pre-approved
• Seasonal restrictions, such as reduced axle weights during spring thaw

We take care of the entire permitting process on your behalf, ensuring compliance with all regulations so you don’t have to deal with paperwork or delays.

Choosing the Right Freight Corridors in Illinois

Our routing team carefully selects highways based on your load’s size, weight, and destination. Some of the most commonly used freight corridors include:

• I-80, a primary east-west route
• I-55, linking Chicago with St. Louis
• I-57, I-70, and I-74, which are critical for downstate Illinois freight
• I-90/94, which run through Chicago but often experience delays
• Alternate routes like IL Route 47 and US Route 30 to avoid congestion

We identify the best possible combination of highways and secondary roads to ensure your load stays on track without unnecessary stops or detours.

Navigating Through Chicago: What We Avoid and Manage

Chicago’s dense infrastructure and traffic volumes make it one of the most challenging areas for heavy haul trucking. We plan your route to avoid:

• Low-clearance bridges under 13’6″
• Truck-restricted areas such as Lake Shore Drive
• Narrow roads and sharp turns not suitable for long trailers
• Peak rush hour periods that can drastically increase transit time

We coordinate directly with the City of Chicago and local transportation agencies to gain approvals and plan alternate paths when needed.

How We Manage Escorts, Surveys, and Superload Requirements

Oversized loads often require additional safety measures. We handle:

• Scheduling and managing pilot or police escorts
• Arranging for height pole vehicles for tall loads
• Conducting detailed route surveys to identify clearances and turns
• Securing bridge approvals for extremely heavy freight

We take full responsibility for organizing all necessary support so your shipment moves legally and safely.

Verifying Infrastructure and Physical Route Constraints

We don’t rely on online maps alone. Our team reviews your entire route for:

• Bridge clearances and height restrictions
• Load-restricted or weight-limited bridges
• Ongoing construction areas
• Potential conflicts with railroad crossings

We use official GIS databases, field surveys, and up-to-date bridge reports to verify that your load will clear every obstacle along the way.

Tools and Technology We Use for Route Planning

We incorporate advanced tools to save you time, money, and risk:

• IDOT’s ITAP system for permit applications
• Commercial-grade GPS software tailored to oversize freight
• Clearance and bridge load databases
• 3D route modeling for complex urban environments

Our team uses this technology daily to prevent surprises and optimize every mile of your shipment.

Coordinating with Agencies and Local Authorities

Many heavy haul moves require cooperation with multiple jurisdictions. We communicate directly with:

• IDOT for state-level permits
• Chicago CDOT for city-level access and restrictions
• County highway departments along the route
• Utility companies if wires or obstructions need to be lifted
• Law enforcement for escort requirements or route enforcement

You don’t need to manage conflicting information or wait on calls. We handle all coordination on your behalf.

Timing Your Move Around Traffic, Weather, and Seasonal Restrictions

Even with permits in place, your move can be affected by conditions outside your control. We plan around:

• Rush hour traffic in major cities, especially Chicago
• Adverse weather conditions like snow, wind, or storms
• Spring thaw rules that limit axle weights in certain months

Our dispatch and logistics team schedules every shipment with these variables in mind to keep your delivery on track.

Examples of How We Strategically Plan Routes

We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we customize each route based on your shipment’s location and delivery goals.

• For freight near Joliet’s intermodal yards, we may route through IL-53 or US-6 to avoid I-55 congestion
• Deliveries into downtown Chicago may be scheduled overnight with escort teams and utility support
• Long-distance shipments, like turbines, often bypass Chicago using I-39 and rural routes to minimize risk

Every route is the result of detailed planning, coordination, and experience moving thousands of oversized shipments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions and answers about Planning Heavy Haul Routes in Illinois:

Do I need a permit to haul oversized freight in Illinois?
Yes, every oversize or overweight load must have a permit issued by IDOT before transport.

Can I move a heavy haul load through Chicago during rush hour?
We avoid scheduling during rush hour whenever possible, as delays and restrictions are common.

Is weekend travel allowed for oversize loads?
Not typically. Weekend and holiday travel is restricted unless specific permission is granted.

Do I need escorts for every heavy haul move?
Not always. Escorts depend on your load’s dimensions, but we’ll let you know if they are required and arrange them for you.

Can Freedom Heavy Haul handle loads that cross state lines into or out of Illinois?
Yes, we provide multi-state heavy haul services and coordinate with all relevant authorities.

Final Thoughts on Heavy Haul Route Planning in Illinois

Our team at Freedom Heavy Haul makes sure every oversized shipment is planned down to the last mile. We handle everything: permits, surveys, escorts, timing, and route selection. Whether your load is headed through downtown Chicago or across rural Illinois, we manage every step so you can stay focused on your business—not the logistics.