2020 Alabama State Shipping Regulations

By on May 11, 2020   /   Oversize trucking permits, pilot-cars, State DOT trucking permit offices., USA shipping regulations.   /   9 Comments
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Alabama DOT oversize and over weight trucking permit laws.

The great state of Alabama official seal.

2020 Alabama state DOT oversize and heavy haul trucking shipping laws, rules, regulations and limitations for oversize and heavy haul trucking permits. Pilot car requirements.

Please share your knowledge of Alabama DOT regulations with others below.

Alabama oversize permits, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars.

Locate oversize, heavy-haul trucking companies and pilot cars:

Alabama pilot cars and truck escorts for hire.
Alabama oversize and heavy-haul trucking companies for hire.
Alabama oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

Do I need a trucking permit? Legal load limits.

Alabama maximum load limits until a trucking permit is required:

Length: Trailer length maximum allowed is 57 feet (17.37 meters) including combinations.
Width: 8 feet and 6 inches (2.59 meters) wide for most roads, 8 feet (2.43 meters) for roads under 12 feet (3.65 meters) in width.
Height: 13 feet and 6 inches (4.11 meters) tall.
Weight: 80,000 pounds (36287.39 kilograms) gross (GVW).
Overhang: 4 feet (1.21 meters) off of the rear and 5 feet from the front of trailer.

Routine oversize and heavy-haul trucking permits.

These maximum dimensions/weights are considered routine oversize or heavy-haul trucking permits in Alabama:

Length: 150 feet (45.72 meters) maximum length overall.
Width: 16 feet (4.87 meters) if shipment is over 16 feet in width you are not permitted use the interstate system.
Height: 16 feet (4.87 meters) in total height.
Weight: on a single axle; 22,000 pounds (9979 kg), tandem axles: 44,000 pounds (19958 kg), tridum axles: 66,000 pounds (29937 kg), quadem axles: 88,000 pounds (39916 kg), 5 axles: 102,000 pounds (46266 kg), 6 axles: 124,000 pounds (56245 kg), 7 axles: 146,000 pounds (66224 kg), 8 axles: 168,000 pounds (76203 kg).
Overhang: 20 feet (6.09 meters) maximum.
Notes: Alabama state permitting department no longer uses the metric system. On shipments in excess of any of the above dimensions or 180,000 pounds proceed to the super load section below for more information. Loads with weight restrictions are subject to a bridge analysis.

Super load information for Alabama.

Alabama state DOT will classify any shipment in excess of the following as a super load:

Defined as shipments in excess of any of the following dimensions/weights; over 250,000 pounds (113398.0 kilograms) of gross weight, over 16 feet (4.87 meters) in width, over 16 feet in height, over 150 feet (45.72 meters) long. Anything of this nature will require special ALDOT approval. Detailed drawings will be required and need to include shop drawings of the item being shipped, the truck and trailer axle weights and spacings for both truck tractor and trailer. A letter from the manufacturer is required certifying the shipment is reduced to the lowest possible size and weight configuration as well as an explanation of why it can not be shipped by other means such as by barge or port. Loads exceeding 150,000 pounds (68038.8 kilograms)are subject to a full scale structural bridge analysis if bridges are in the route. A special weight authorization (SWA) is required from the permit office to initiate the necessary bridge rating section investigation as well. Night travel (9PM – 6AM) may be required with a state trooper or police escort (minimum of 2 when travelling). A route survey will probably be required. The Alabama State Troopers Association handles all of the scheduling of police/trooper escorts after your super load permit has been issued. A lighting system configured from strobe warning lights must be placed on each extremity of the shipment in addition to basic requirements such as flags and oversize load signs. All rail road crossings must be identified and railroad must be notified in advance of your intent to cross as well as date and time. ALDOT will more than likely verify this with the railroad and not issue a super load permit until verified. It is the carriers responsibility to notify the railroad of each intended crossing. At each rail crossing you will find a small plaque with a phone number and a “crossing number” that identifies each crossing for submitting cross requests. A bucket truck is required to accompany loads that exceed 16 feet and 5 inches (5.0 meters) in height and it is the carriers responsibility to show proof of “utility notification” for shipments in excess of 16 feet and 6 inches (5.02 meters) in height. City or county approval is required for Alabama super loads as well, please see the Alabama list of county engineers for contact details. For information published by the state you can read more Alabama super load information.

Lights, safety flags and warning signs for heavy haul and oversize loads.

Required safety markings, safety flags, warning lights for heavy haul and oversize loads:

A sign will need to be mounted on the front and rear of any over width or over length truck and trailer or combinations. Banners/signs need to be a minimum of 7 feet (2.13 meters) in width, 18 inches (45.7 centimeters) in height and be marked with black letters of no less than 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) in height, with a minimum of a 1-5/8 inch (4.12 centimeters) line thickness on a yellow or orange background. The actual words required are exactly as follows: “OVERSIZE LOAD”. Red flags must be a minimum of 18 inches (45.7 centimeters) square and be placed at all 4 outer most corners of all over-dimensional shipments.

When pilot cars or escort vehicles are required.

Heavy-haul or oversize loads may be required to be accompanies by a escort vehicle or pilot car if:

1 front pilot car (escort vehicle) is required for all loads over 15 feet and 6 inches (4.72 meters) in height with a height pole will be required adjusted 4-6 inches (10.16 – 12.7 centimeters) higher than the actual shipment. On some routes a high pole pilot (escort) may be required for even less heights. Two front and one rear pilot car (escort vehicle) is required for any shipment in excess of 12 feet (3.65 meters) wide. Rear pilot cars (escort vehicles) for mobile home shipments may be replaced with two 5 inch (12.7 centimeters) flashing, stobing or rotating amber lights. 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required for shipments over 85 feet (25.90 meters) in length. 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort vehicle) is required for shipments over 105 feet (32.0 meters) in length. 1 rear pilot car (escort) is required if overhang exceeds 10 feet (3.04 meters) from the front of the trailer or 5 feet (1.52 meters) off of the rear of the trailer. There are special escort requirements for bulldozers, scrapers, loaders and other construction equipment being transported with a blade or bucket intact. However on some routes that are 2 lane roads may require 1 front pilot car and on some 4 lane roads 1 rear escort.

Pilot cars/escort vehicle certifications and requirements.

Pilot car or escort vehicle mandatory operator certifications and vehicle requirements:

A pilot car vehicle must be classified as an actual passenger vehicle to qualify, ie; car, truck, van, etc. A pilot car vehicle must be equipped with a strobing, flashing or rotating amber light. The pilot car must be able to communicate with and be in constant contact with all parties working in relation to the shipment by CB or 2-way radio. Also see federal requirements for pilot cars and escort vehicles. Signs mounted on pilot car vehicles must moderately fit the vehicle and not be obtrusive in any manner.

Legal travel times for oversize and heavy haul loads.

Travel times and restrictions for heavy-haul and oversize loads:

One half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. Travel is allowed all day Saturday with NO SUNDAY TRAVEL PERMITTED. Shipments 120 feet (36.57 meters) to 150 feet (45.72 meters) in length are restricted from moving from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Mondays through Fridays. Travel is NO permitted on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Alabama DOT state permit office is closed on these holidays as well as on Martin Luther King Day, Washington’s Birthday, Columbus Day, Confederate Memorial Day, Jefferson Davis’ Birthday and on Veteran’s Day. More information on DOT permit office closure is available here. Travel is NOT restricted on these days.

Alabama DOT contact information and notes.

Alabama DOT office and permit contact information:

Alabama Department of Transportation – Oversize Permits
1409 Coliseum Boulevard Montgomery, Alabama 36110

Phone: 334-834-1092 or toll free: 800-499-2782 – option 4.
FAX: 334-832-9084 – if this number has changed please let us know below.
Alabama DOT: Main page of the Alabama state trucking permits website. Alabama laws direct.
E-mail trucking permits:  alabamapermits@dot.state.al.us
Current routing detours: Here is the current ALDOT closures memo (if link is down visit main site).
Misc: Alabama DOT trucking Alabama permits manual – has a lot of good information. Escrow account customers may replenish escrow by credit card.  Contact: Mechelle @ 1-800-499-2782 and press option 4. Note: Alabama DOT requires you to sign their permit with red ink only.
DOT permit office Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:45 – PM
CENTRAL TIME ZONE
Alabama is a member of SASHTO.

List of Alabama cities serviced:

Additional information:

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Alabama State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.
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2020 Advertising and oversize trucking.

By on May 11, 2020   /   News   /   Leave a comment
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2020 Advertising and oversize trucking.

Oversize trucking, heavy haul and advertising. Technology in 2020 demands more strategic advertising…

It’s certainly no secret that the major search engines dictate who is going to get work and who is not going to get work. But in this day and age the average person browsing is starting to scroll past the paid ads and onto the real results which is great, but still. This is why oversize trucking companies and heavy haulers have got to play the same game everyone else does in order to get new customers. What were going to talk about in this letter is life skills for your company. It doesn’t matter whether you are currently using wideloadshipping.com or not. Many of these roles in fact most of them apply to the way the Internet works in general and how search engines operate. However, the first thing I’m going to talk about is how to maximize your use of the WideloadShipping.com load board or your company. After that, we’ll go over the the oversize and heavy haul trucking company directory and how it’s more beneficial to your company then you may know.

truck

There’s no time like the present.

Since were right about in the middle of the absolute slowest time of the year now is a good time to implement some of these strategies for your company so you can be fully ready to optimize your production for the 2019 shipping season. As you know it’s all about getting new customers so if new customers are what you need then new customers is what you will get. Let’s take a look at our load board and think about the way that most companies use it. If you’ve got a truck that hauled a load out to the middle of nowhere you’re definitely going to be more at the taking of brokered load just so you can get anything to get your driver rolling towards the yard and making a profit. With that said you’re probably just glancing through all the load to see what you can get quickly. Understandably so. But let’s take a look at the big picture here and that’s in landing what will call the “million-dollar customer”. Many companies are able to get that customer just by using the system on a day-to-day basis. However, what we suggest is maximizing your exposure in order to do this you’re going to want to at least communicate with direct customers that have freight that is within your weight class and within your transit lanes whether you can cover the load are not. In doing so not only are you helping to keep your trucks moving but you’re making new connections as well. Here’s how we suggest you do that.

Sharpen your pencil and work smarter, not harder.

Sharpen your pencil out and create an introductory template for your company that you can mail out to potential customers. Simply leave the “Dear Whoever” named place blank. That way you can easily insert the customers name into that spot. So what you’re going to want to do is send this email template to any customers who post loads in the system that are attractive to you. Once again, that have freight that is again within your weight class and the shipping lanes that you service. You’re going to find out that most of our customers would rather have the phone number of a company that they can trust to call and say hey trucking company here’s what we have what do you think were looking at? Rather than having the go to wide load shipping.com and plugging in all of their information on the load. It’s convenient for them to do it this way because they get instant results in speaking with you. Your email template will offer this opportunity for them to do so. This is how you optimize every cent you spend with us the and will also undoubtedly ensure you get that “million-dollar customer” much sooner than you would if you were just working the system for your open dates. Also, you can have your sales team give the customer a follow-up call as well as sending them the promotional email. However we do suggest that the salesperson is very soft and the content they are selling to the customer. The high pressure pushy sales tactics as you know don’t go very far these days and people tend to find it more annoying than anything else. We’ve got a few newer brokerage companies now that I won’t mention that have 2.000 and experienced kids that do nothing but call all day long and sell garbage. I will say the first letter starts with the T that’s it. Moving right along.

Information about the word “auto” and the web.

This brings us to our final topic in this newsletter which is the WideloadShipping.com oversize and heavy haul carrier directory. First of all I want you to understand that this is not intended to be a sales email to try to get you to put your listing in our directory. As I’m sure you aware we send out very few emails. It’s merely a good example that is right here of how things work. Realistically our directory will not make your telephone ring off the hook. However, having a company listing in our directory will do some pretty cool things for your company and here’s why. The way the search engines work and part of the way they determine who is going to be at the top of their list is by looking at what sites are linked to them. They figure if a lot of other sites are connected to your website by a link that people are telling other people there is valuable information there. Especially if the site that has the link on it contains related content. In this case equipment moving companies, oversize trucking companies and heavy haul shippers as well as regulations and pilot cars and all that good stuff is perfect. It’s a good example of one of the most valuable links there is. There’s another factor, how long has the website that is linked to your site been online and how much traffic do they get? In fact, a link to your site from a “link farm” or any other site that does not have good quality relevant content on it can actually harm your site and make it drop in search results. So you do want to be careful where you put links to your website at. You don’t just want to put is many links as you possibly can which is what “auto-link” posters and “auto-bloggers” do. This is a horrible thing to do to your own site and can be almost impossible to fix. Not only do you have to contact the owner of each site to request that the link be removed but you also have to motivate them to actually do the work involved with removing it. So, there’s no sense in bothering with that in the first place, it’s poison. Anytime you see the word “auto”, run in the opposite direction!

There’s more than meets the eye.

So with that said what a lot of people don’t realize is the link that you pay either 70 or $100 for depending if you want basic or premium is worth a lot more than that. If you were to contact an SEO expert (search engine optimization) and hire them to move your website up in the search engine results it would cost you at minimum $500 a year but realistically in between $900 and $1200, something that you can do on your own right here or with any other good quality directory. Ours has been published since 2003 so it’s history is nothing more than an extra plus for you. I can guarantee you 100% if you place a listing in our directory once it is re-indexed by the search engines your own website move up in the search results a minimum of 20 positions within 20 days if you take the time to add a well written (300 word minimum) keyword description about your company and the services you provide. Just so you know once again this is not an upsell by any means but for 2019 if you do purchase three states in our directory we will give you the fourth one for free (some restrictions apply such as company size). What you can expect besides your own website moving up in position is a few good quality customer calls a year that have good quality freight but are usually on the secret side of what they are shipping. These types of customers tend to be ones that do not want to publicly post their shipments because they may involve the department of defense, NASA, the treasury, the Hollywood industry and so forth. One thing you should consider in your online campaign other than being thrifty with your company money is the 300 word minimum description I mentioned above. It’s important that you don’t post the exact same information on other websites. This is called “duplicate content”and does not help you nearly as much as original content will.

Again I want to stress that this is not a sales email but rather an informational one. These tactics apply to all content related websites on the Internet. So by all means look for places where you can add your company information free. It’s getting harder to find that these days but it is possible. Also remember that you never want to associate yourself with a company that says that they can get your website more traffic and is using an auto poster to do that. The risk is simply too high and we have seen the results of such campaigns first-hand on other projects that we have managed. Treat your website as you would your own baby because that’s exactly what it is and it will slowly grow. It is up to you to determine if it will grow poorly or with high achievements. Remember that each thing you do contributes to the amount of money you will make not only over the course of this year but years to follow as well.

Locating your heavy haul/oversize trucking company

We welcome you to join in and post your questions, comments and any concerns you may have at the bottom of this page which is posted online here. We look forward to not only serving you now but also in the future!

Remember our new pilot car directory (PiloTrac) is live and geo-location based so you can locate pilot cars based on their location and equipment type. It’s also free with no signup required, just click and call!

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Prince Edward Island Frost Laws

By on August 26, 2019   /   Frost law restrictions.   /   Leave a comment
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2020 Prince Edward Island winter frost/spring thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions.

Spring frost laws and weight restrictions for Island roads will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 15, 2020.

Frost/thaw law for PEI.

For Prince Edward Island all weather roads, such as routes 1 and 2: Vehicles may carry up to their maximum allowable weight with no overweight exceptions permitted. Other roads: Vehicles may carry 75 percent of their maximum allowable weight during frost law (thaw law) season. Only the road’s posted weight limit is permitted and if the laws are not observed a fine may be levied.

It is important for truck drivers and trucking company dispatchers to make certain they are operating in accordance with the Prince Edward Island posted frost laws, seasonal load weight and speed restrictions that are posted. Changes to these restrictions is subject to change hourly during the winter and spring months. You are expected to be aware of these changes and operate accordingly. It is possible that heavy fines may be levied as well as your truck being ordered out of service and not permitted to travel. We suggest you bookmark this page for future reference.

Seasonal weight restrictions limit the maximum weight of vehicles allowed to travel on certain roads as a way to help prevent damage and protect investment in the roadways.

Late winter and early spring driving in this province has its own set of challenges. Previously frozen roads become more vulnerable to damage as they thaw out and soften. Heavy vehicles travelling over paved roads can make it worse by causing the pavement to crack and break up.

What is frost law and why are they necessary?

When pavement thaws during the daytime and freezes at night it is potentially damaging to the road. In order to prevent this “frost laws” are implemented in order to prevent costly damages to the road.

How are roads damaged by frost thawing or the road freezing?

Water from melted ice and snow seeps into cracks in the pavement and softens the gravel underneath. When the water beneath the surface freezes again, it expands and breaks the pavement, causing potholes. If ice continues to form under the pavement from a steady supply of water, it can push the entire surface of the road upward causing the washboard like unevenness (ripple) known as “frost heaving.” These damages are permanent and costly to repair.

Why are Prince Edward Island roads more vulnerable to seasonal damage?

Prince Edward Island consists of a high concentration of silty soil which collects and holds more water beneath the roadway surfaces, making the roads more susceptible to frost heaving and potholes despite any drainage measures that have been put into place.

What are the classifications of roads under weight restrictions?

  • All-weather roads, such as routes 1 and 2: Vehicles may carry up to their maximum allowable weight – with no overweight exceptions permitted.
  • Other roads: Vehicles may carry 75 percent of their maximum allowable weight.
  • Posted weight limits: Only the road’s posted weight limit is allowed.

Contact information:

Department of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy
3rd Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street,
P.O. Box 2000,
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-5100
Fax: 902-368-5395

If you have questions about the frost/thaw laws as well as any other road related inquiries send a e-mail to: roads@gov.pe.ca

Prince Edward Island seasonal weight restrictions:

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/transportation-infrastructure-and-energy/seasonal-weight-restrictions

See also:

Tire chain laws.
Tire chain laws by location.
Trucking regulations.
Trucking regulations in Prince Edward Island.
Federal bridge formula.

Please share your knowledge with others by commenting below:

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Ontario Frost Laws

By on August 26, 2019   /   Frost law restrictions.   /   Leave a comment
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2020 Ontario winter frost/spring thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions.

Frost - thaw laws Ontario.

Restrictions during winter frost and spring thaw law months.

All annual and project heavy haul trucking permits are not valid on any highways unless otherwise specified on the permit during frost or thaw months:

  • March and April in Southern Ontario
  • March, April and May in Northern Ontario

For the purposes of this restriction the Province of Ontario is divided, west to east, by:

  • A line formed by the Severn River to Regional Rd. 169
  • Regional Rd. 169 from Washago to Hwy. 12
  • Hwy. 12, from Regional Rd. 169 to Hwy. 7, north of Sunderland
  • Hwy. 7, from Hwy. 12 to Regional Rd. 7B at Carleton Place
  • Regional Rd. 7B to Hwy. 15
  • Regional Rd. 29 to Arnprior

Single trip permits for transporting heavy haul shipments on highways not designated in Schedules 1, 2 and 3, may be issued but are subject to axle weight controls established by the Ministry of Transportation.

Pursuant to The Highway Traffic Act, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will impose reduced load weight limits for designated parts of the provincial highways between March 1 and April 30, for Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 roadways, and from March 1 to June 30 for Schedule 3 roadways.

Spring frost/thaw law weight maximums (restrictions) for Ontario:

Reduced loads.

Schedule 1.

Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King’s Highways listed in Schedule 1, when appropriate, between March 1, 2020 to April 30, 2020: Verification.

Schedule 2.

Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King’s Highways listed in Schedule 2, when appropriate, between March 1, 2020 to May 31, 2020.

When signs are posted, the following Highways will have a Reduced Load Limit for their ENTIRE length: Verification.

Schedule 3.

Pursuant to the Highway Traffic Act, the ministry will impose reduced load limits for those designated parts of the King’s Highways/Roads listed in Schedule 3, when appropriate, between March 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019.

When signs are posted, the Highway/Roads within the following Territories will have a Reduced Load Limit: Verification.

Source: http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/trucks/load-restrictions.shtml

It is important for truck drivers and trucking company dispatchers to make certain they are operating in accordance with the Ontario posted frost/thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions. Changes to these restrictions is subject to change hourly during the winter and spring months. You are expected to be aware of these changes and operate accordingly. It is possible that heavy fines may be levied as well as your truck being ordered out of service and not permitted to travel. We suggest you bookmark this page for future reference.

Seasonal weight restrictions limit the maximum weight of vehicles allowed to travel on certain roads as a way to help prevent damages to public assets and protect public investment in the roadways.

Please share your knowledge with others by commenting below:

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Manitoba Frost Laws

By on August 26, 2019   /   Frost law restrictions.   /   Leave a comment
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2020 Manitoba winter frost/spring thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions.

Manitoba Spring Road Restrictions (SRR) program.

The Manitoba Ministry of Infrastructure divides its province into three sections, with each section having a unique thaw restriction start and end date. In 2020, it will begin its spring road restrictions for Region A and Region B of the province at 6 a.m. on Friday, March 10. Weight restrictions are scheduled to end at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31.

The allowable axle weights on weight restricted roads during the spring season are based on the percentages of the legal axle weights, with some exceptions for the single steer axles and in situations where essential commodities are being shipped. There are two levels of spring weight restrictions in Manitoba depending on the strength and surface conditions of the pavement structures. The Level 1 weight restriction applies to weak pavements while the Level 2 weight restriction applies to very weak pavements. The allowable axle weights on different axle configurations are calculated as follows:

Level 1 Spring Weight Restrictions:

  1. On a single steering axle of a single or tandem drive truck tractor:
    • 10 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 5,500 kg on all highways.
  2. On a single steering axle of a straight truck or a tridem drive truck tractor:
    • Tire size 305 mm or less: 10 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 5,500 kg on all highways.
    • Tire size greater than 305 mm: 9 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 6,570 kg on all highways.
  3. On a tandem steering axle group of a straight truck:
    • 9 kg per mm width of tire multiplied by 0.90 (download factor) up to a maximum of 12,240 kg on RTAC Routes or Class A1 highways and up to a maximum of 9,900 kg on Class B1 highways.
  4. On all other axle groups:
    • 9 kg per millimetre width of tire up to a maximum of 90% of the legal axle group weights on all highways.

Level 2 Spring Weight Restrictions:

  1. On all single steering axles of all vehicle configurations:
    • 6.5 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 65% of the legal axle weights on Class A1 and Class B1 highways.
  2. On a tandem steering axle of a straight truck:
    • 6.5 kg per millimeter width of tire multiplied by 0.90 (download factor) up to a maximum of 8,840 kg on Class A1 highways and up to a maximum of 7,150 kg on Class B1 highways.
  3. On all other axle groups:
    • 6.5 kg per millimeter width of tire up to a maximum of 65% of the legal axle weights on Class A1 and Class B1 highways.

Road restrictions for Region C, the northern most regions, will begin at 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Region C is defined as the rest of the province north of the virtual line in Region B.

Spring Weight Restrictions are classified as Level 1 and Level 2 (see table below).

 

Example of Maximum Allowable Axle Weights. Level 1 Spring Weight Restriction, Reduce Axle Weights to 90% Maximum Allowable Weights. Level 2 Spring Weight Restriction, Reduce Axle Weights to 65% Maximum Allowable Weights. A complete list of Charts of Allowable Axle Weights can be found at the following link: http://gov.mb.ca/mit/srr/restrictions.html

Manitoba Spring Road Restrictions Program:

Source: http://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/srr/

Manitoba publishes a list of road bans as conditions change. Go to the above link and look for “Road Bans” in the left column. These bans identify specific roadways and the ban imposed in percent of rated axle capacity.

It is important for truck drivers and trucking company dispatchers to make certain they are operating in accordance with the Manitoba posted frost laws, seasonal load weight and speed restrictions that are posted. Changes to these restrictions is subject to change hourly during the winter and spring months. You are expected to be aware of these changes and operate accordingly. It is possible that heavy fines may be levied as well as your truck being ordered out of service and not permitted to travel. We suggest you bookmark this page for future reference.

Seasonal weight restrictions limit the maximum weight of vehicles allowed to travel on certain roads as a way to help prevent damage and protect public investment in the roadways.

See also:

Tire chain laws.
Tire chain laws by location.
Trucking regulations.
Trucking regulations in Manitoba.
Federal bridge formula.

Please share your knowledge with others by commenting below:

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British Columbia Frost Laws

By on August 26, 2019   /   Frost law restrictions.   /   Leave a comment
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2020 British Columbia winter frost/spring thaw laws and seasonal weight restrictions.

2020 Seasonal frost and thaw law restrictions.

The British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure maintains an frequently updated database that posts frost law notices and seasonal load restrictions by region. Depending on the region weight restrictions may already be in place while others are scheduled to take place imminently.

NEW: Get on the e-mail notification list to be notified of seasonal load restriction changes for the following areas in British Columbia:

The link below includes an interactive map with links to 28 regions. Each region posts its current road conditions and any weight restrictions imposed. The current map indicates restrictions from “no weight restrictions” to “50%” of rated axle weights restrictions. It also includes access to recently updated load restrictions and road reports. British Columbia is excellent about providing up to date information about their frost laws and when they are in effect. It is important for truck drivers and trucking company dispatchers to make certain they are operating in accordance with the posted frost laws, seasonal load weight and speed restrictions that are posted. Changes to these restrictions is subject to change hourly during the winter and spring months. You are expected to be aware of these changes and operate accordingly. It is possible that heavy fines may be levied as well as your truck being ordered out of service and not permitted to travel. We suggest you bookmark this page for future reference.

  • South Vancouver Island.
  • Central Vancouver Island.
  • North Vancouver Island.
  • Howe Sound,
  • Sunshine Coast.
  • Lower Mainland.
  • Fraser Valley.
  • South Okanagan.
  • Kootenay Boundary.
  • Central Kootenay.
  • East Kootenay.
  • Selkirk.
  • Okanagan-Shuswap.
  • Nicola.
  • Thompson.
  • South Cariboo.
  • Central Cariboo.
  • North Cariboo.
  • Fort George.
  • Robson.
  • South Peace.
  • North Peace.
  • Nechako.
  • Lakes.
  • Bulkley Nass.
  • Skeena.
  • North Coast.
  • Stikine.

 

British Columbia:

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/roadreports/RRMonitor.aspx

http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/bchighways/loadrestrictions/loadrestrictions.htm

See also:

Tire chain laws.
Tire chain laws by location.
Trucking regulations.
Trucking regulations in British Columbia.
Federal bridge formula.

Please share your knowledge with others by commenting below:

 

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What is a height pole?

By on May 3, 2019   /   Guides, pilot-cars   /   2 Comments
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WHAT IS A HEIGHT POLE OR HI-POLE?

A height pole or high pole or hi-pole is a measuring device that is precisely attached to the front of a pilot car vehicle that is used to measure the height of overhead obstructions during the transport of over-dimensional (tall) shipments by oversize trucking companies. North American states and provinces have laws that regulate and mandate when a height pole is required in order to transport over height shipments within their jurisdiction. To be in compliance with these pre-determined requirements trucking companies must determine if the shipment they wish to transport will require a height pole pilot car or a lead escort vehicle with a height pole installed before applying for a oversize trucking permit.

pilot car truck equipped with a height pole.

Pilot car with height pole attached.

The photograph illustrated here is a typical example of what a pilot car vehicle might appear like when equipped with a height pole.  You can clearly see the measuring device affixed to the front of the vehicle as it is very tall. A height pole is typically made out of sections of fiberglass that are adjustable to meet the requirements by each state/province the shipment will be transported through. Typically the height pole will be adjusted to a height that is 6 inches (or 15.24 centimeters) taller than the shipment is when loaded onto the shipping trailer. Then once the actual transport of the item takes place the pilot car equipped with the height pole will proceed in front of the over-dimensional (tall) load being transported. If a driver of the pilot car equipped with the height pole (hi-pole or high pole) hears the fiberglass height pole hit any obstructions in the path of the shipment the operator will then immediately notify the driver of the truck transporting the shipment informing of the obstruction in order to prevent any damages to the shipment or the obstruction. When a height pole is properly mounted to the escort vehicle it is connected to the frame. If the height pole does happen to strike any objects the sound heard by the pilot car is very loud and distinct thus alerting the driver of the obstruction. It has been noted as recently as 2015 in excess of 169 million dollars in overhead obstruction damages were caused during that single year in the United States alone. So having these safety measures in place is most definitely in the best interest of everyone from the tax payer, to the safety of the motorists and the owner of the shipment being transported as well as the transportation company.


The importance of installing a height pole correctly.

There’s no such thing as cutting corners when installing a height pole on your pilot car. It’s extremely important it’s directly connected to the frame of your pilot car for two reasons:

  • Ensure it is sturdy, stable and not going to fall off of your vehicle.
  • So you can hear the sound it makes if it hits any obstruction. To do so properly it must be attached to the frame.

In order for the pilot car vehicle operator to properly hear the sound created by the height pole if a obstruction is hit it is imperative the device be properly and securely mounted to the vehicle in such a manner the bracket holding it is connected to the frame of the pilot car vehicle. In order to obtain the absolute highest quality from installing this device you may wish to make certain you are not adding sub-supports for your height pole when designing your attachment method.

Suggested methods of attaching a height pole.

While there are many different way to install a height pole on your pilot car vehicle we strongly suggest you locate a heavy-duty bumper grill made from heavy tubing such as you might see on law enforcement vehicles. If you are able to locate a front bumper/grill protector attachment you then have a few options:

  • The first would be to cut the top portion of the bumper guard off so your height pole can easily slide in/out of the pole. Make certain you devise a method than locks it in no matter how you decide to attach it.
  • The second option would be to locate a small piece of pipe the base of the height pole snugly fits into and weld this onto the bumper grill attachment.

This will require some planning, designing and fabricating on your part in order to weld the pipe in place so it stands perfectly vertical but well worth it if you wish to work with shipments that are over-height.

The bumper grill works so well due to the fact it usually connects with two bolts to your vehicle. The tubing these are constructed out of is not only heavy-duty but very close if not the same as the base of most height poles. So not only do it properly but efficiently as well.

Why is it so important to connect high poles to the frame of pilot car vehicles?

A good quality sound must be made if any obstructions are hit with the pole. You want to consider all of the other noises that occur when you are operating your pilot car vehicle. You’ve got the sound of your engine, the sound of your tires on the road as well as any 2-way radio chatter. Other sounds such as sirens, trains, air-planes etc. are frequent as well. Because the height pole is so important make sure if it does strike something overhead it clearly makes a loud sound. This will  instantly alert the operator by being indistinguishable from any other sounds or background noises.

 
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South Carolina State Shipping Regulations

By on March 13, 2013   /   Lights, flags and signs., Oversize trucking permits, pilot-cars, State DOT trucking permit offices., USA shipping regulations.   /   2 Comments
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South Carolina DOT shipping regulations for oversize and overweight trucking on state highway and roads.

South Carolina shipping regulations.

The great state of South Carolina official seal.

Please share your expertise or knowledge with others visitors below.

Trucking company & pilot car directory.
Locate trucking companies and pilot car companies in South Carolina state:

South Carolina trucking company directory.
South Carolina pilot car company directory.

Legal load limits.
Legal load sizes and weights:

Length: 60′ is the overall maximum length allowed without a permit.
Width: 8′ 6″ in the maximum legal width allowed to travel on state roads.
Height: 13′ 6″ is the maximum legal height allowed to travel without a permit.
Weight: 80,000 lbs maximum GVW is the maximum weight permitted to travel without a permit.
Overhang: 3′ in the front and 6′ in the rear is the maximum permitted overhang for legal travel.

Routine trucking permits.
Trucking permits for overweight and oversize loads that are handled on a daily basis:

Length: 125′ in length pretty much is the maximum for routing permits. 100′ in length is the maximum on mobile homes. Overhang see; escort requirements below but the maximum is about 15′ in length.
Width: 16′ in width is the maximum allowed on a routine permit. Over this width depending on routing and you may become a superload.
Height: 16′ in height is about the maximum. Anything over 16′ in height and you start to run into trouble. Any shipment that is over 16′ in height will be required to have a route survey done prior to getting a permit issued. Also your routing requires that the overall height of your shipment is a minimum of 6″ less that any obstructions on the route in order to get that route approved routinely.
Weight: Single axle maximum weight: 20,000 lbs, tandem axle maximum weight is 40,000 lbs, tridum axle maximum weight is 50,000 lbs, quadem axle maximum weight is 70,000 lbs, 5 axle maximum weight is 90,000 lbs, 6 axle maximum weight is 110,000 lbs, 7 axle maximum weight is 130,000 lbs. Anything over 130,000 lbs in weight is a superload and will need to have a bridge analysis done. See superload section below.
Overhang: 3′ in the front and 15′ of rear overhang is about all you are going to get. You can call for more information but expect trouble.
Notes: South Carolina DOT is pretty tough on shipments that exceed any of these weight/dimensions. So if you are a boat shipper you’d better figure out a way to cut that fly-bridge off, sorry and don’t shoot the messenger.

Superload information.
We have the following information available on superloads:

As far as length goes you can get some play as long as your routing keeps you away from historic areas. Width is the same thing with traffic density and population considered. Height is big trouble with the South Carolina DOT. You will be required to have a pilot car with you at all times if you are over 16′ in height for sure. Count on a full route survey for shipments over the 16′ in height and remember that they are NOT going to want to let you travel ANY route where the clearance is less than the required 6″ overage in height. So if you are 18′ in height then the obstruction on the proposed route needs to be a minimum of 18′ 6″ in height or you are going to have delays in getting your permit. Weight is a serious issue if you want to cross over ANY bridges so if your shipment is over 130,000 lbs in overall gross weight get ready for bridge studies and time delays. Our suggestion: examine routing alternatives. Overhang is a rare issue but when it comes up and you are wanting to overhang in excess of 15′ you are going to have trouble. This is the case anytime you want to exceed the basic rule which is more than 1/3 of the overall shipment length; you just don’t do it as it’s too dangerous and the South Carolina DOT knows it.

Permitted travel times and restrictions.
Permitted travel times and restrictions:

The 1 half hour after sunrise and 1 half hour before sunset rule applies. Travel is permitted Monday through Saturday with no travel permitted on Sundays. It is possible to get Sunday travel approved but the basic rule is “no travel on Sundays“. If you are allowed to travel on a Sunday it will be clearly stated on your travel permit.  You may not travel on the following holidays: New Years day, Independence day, Labor day, Memorial day, Thanksgiving day and Christmas day. You may not travel past 12 noon on the day previous of the holiday day and until after 12 noon on the day after the holiday. In high traffic density areas you are not allowed to travel from 7 AM -9 Am and 3 PM – 6PM if you are in excess of 14′ in width. If you are 16′ in width or over, on Saturdays you are only permitted to travel between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM with no travel before or after permitted in any locations.

When pilot cars are required.
A pilot car (escort vehicle) is required when:

Length: Length is tricky in South Carolina, call the DOT to make sure. Leave your comments below for others please.
Width: From 12′ to 14′ in width will require 1 front pilot car (escort vehicle) on 2 lane roads. 14′ to 16′ in width will require 1 front and 1 rear pilot car (escort vehicle) on all roads in the state. If your shipment is over 16′ in width you will be required to have 3 pilot cars (escort vehicles) 1 front, 1 rear and 1 police escort in the rear.
Height: It all depends on your routing. You could be required to have a pilot car (escort vehicle) with a height pole the entire trip if you are 13′ 7″  (seriously). Please share your expertise with others below.
Weight: If you are approved for weight and able to maintain the minimum speed requirements the South Carolina DOT permit office will probably not require you to have a pilot car (escort vehicle).
Overhang: If your pulling a 48′ or a 53′ (just to clarify) long trailer and you have less than 15′ of overhang you can probably get away with flagging or amber lighting your shipment instead of a rear pilot car (escort vehicle). Anything over the 15′ mark and forget it you will be required to have a pilot car (escort vehicle).

Pilot car certifications.
Pilot car (escort vehicle) certifications & requirements:

The South Carolina DOT is pretty relaxed on pilot cars. You are required to have the proper banner/sign stating “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “WIDELOAD” displayed either prominently on the top of the vehicle or on the front of lead vehicles or rear of chase vehicles. You must have a flashing or strobing amber light on the top of the vehicle that is visible from 360 degrees from a distance of no less than 500′. You are required to have a CB radio or 2 way communication device and be in communication with all drivers working on your shipment. You are required to have your headlights turned on while working.

Note: It is only our professional opinion that pilot cars also have a minimum of the additional items but not required:  2 – 5 pound fire extinguishers type A, B and C, a paddle sign with the word “STOP” on one side and “SLOW” on the other with dimensions of no less than 18″ in diameter with a minimum of 6″ letters. A red safety colored flag with a handle no less than 18″ square, 3 reflective emergency road triangles or 18″ traffic cones, 8 burning road flares, 2 OVERSIZE LOAD banners (yellow with black lettering) and a safety colored (red, orange, yellow or lime green) vest, jacket or shirt (used while directing traffic).

Shipment, truck & trailer markings.
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags:

Amber lights: you are required to have 1 rotating or strobing rear amber light on any vehicle that is  shipping a load in excess of 12′ in width. Flags in safety colored orange or red with a minimum length in any direction of 12″ must be mounted on the 4 outer most corners of the entire overall shipment. Banner signs stating “OVERSIZE LOAD” OR “WIDELOAD” must be placed on the rear and front of the overall shipment. Banner signs must have a letter height of no less than 12′ and have a letter thickness of no less than 1 1/2″. Banner signs must have a yellow background with black lettering.

South Carolina DOT & information.
South Carolina DOT contact and other useful information:

Address:
South Carolina Department of Transportation – DOT
PO Box 191
Columbia, SC  39202

Telephone help line: 803-737-6769
Fax number: 803-737-2199
Hours of operation: 8 AM until 4:30 PM Monday thru Friday – EASTERN TIME ZONE.
South Carolina DOT oversize/overweight information website.
South Carolina DOT road closures and conditions reports.
South Carolina guidelines for movement of oversize and overweight loads.
South Carolina do it yourself single trip permit application – warning you can loose your money if you are not trained.

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the South Carolina State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.
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South Carolina DOT regulations.

South Carolina state flag.

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Illinois State Shipping Regulations for oversize and heavy haul.

By on March 12, 2013   /   Lights, flags and signs., Oversize trucking permits, pilot-cars, State DOT trucking permit offices., USA shipping regulations.   /   3 Comments
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Shipping laws, regulations, limitations and rules for shipping oversize and over-weight loads over the roads and highways in the state of Illinois.

Illinois

The great state of Illinois official seal.

Please share your expertise or knowledge of Illinois state shipping regulations with other visitors below.

Trucking and pilot car location system:
Locate trucking companies and pilot cars in Illinois.

Locate specialized trucking companies in Illinois.
Locate pilot car companies in Illinois.
Order oversize trucking permits.



Legal load limits in Illinois.
Illinois DOT legal load size & weight limitations.

Legal Loads.
Length:  65’ overall length maximum.
Width: 8’6” on interstate and other designated highways, 8’ on non-designated highways.
Weight:  GVW 80,000,  Single 20,000, Tandem 34,000,   Tridem 42,000
Height:  13’6” is the maximum allowed height for legal loads.
Overhang:  3’ front in the front and 3’ off of the rear of trailer.

Routine oversize shipping, trucking and transport permits.
Oversize and overweight trucking permits that are routinely issued by the state of Illinois.

Length:  Up to 145’ long. Anything longer see superload section below.
Weight:  Single 24,000, tandem: 48,000, tridum: 60,000, Quadem: 60,00 gross, 5 Axles 100,000 lbs., 6 Axles 120,000 lbs., 7 axels: 120,000, 8 axles: 120,000 lbs.
Width: 14’6” (any load over 16′ will require special admin approval before permit is issued).
Height: 15’ (any load over 16′ tall requires a route survey).

Superload information:
Illinois DOT superload information.

Length: Any load that is longer than 145′ is considered a superload.
Width: Any load that is in excess of 14′ 6″ in width is considered a superload.
Height: Any load that is in excess of 15′ 6″ in height is considered a superload.
Weight: Any load that exceeds 120,000 lbs on any standard axle configuration whether it’s a 6,7 or 8 axle configuration or not is considered a superload.
Overhang: Contact them as this varies depending on route.
Notes: Spacing between steer and first tandem must be more than 8′ 1″. The spacing before the first axle and the trailer must not exceed 18′ 6″.  All axle spacings combined must not be less than 43′ 6″. Superload permit processing times vary. Expect delays. Before requesting a route you are expected to do as much research on your own as possible. They will refer you to: GettingAroundIllinois for construction zones and other closures. 

Permitted travel times and restrictions in Illinois:
Illinois travel times and restrictions for oversize loads.

Travel is permitted from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset  Monday thru Friday and ½ hour before sunrise until 12PM on Saturdays. Loads that are overweight only may travel 24/7 on all days of the week (make certain it is not documented otherwise on your permit before doing so). No travel is permitted on Sundays unless you are below the routine permit standards of no more than 115′ in length, 12′ in width, 13′ 6″ in height (sunrise to sunset rules apply).  No movement is permitted on the major holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Travel stops at 12PM on the day before any of these holidays. The Illinois oversize load permit office is closed on MLK Day, Lincolns birthday, Washingtons birthday, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans Day and on the day after Thanksgiving. However, travel is not restricted on these days. Always refer to your permit for approved travel times.

Required shipment, truck and trailer markings:
Truck, trailer and shipment required signs, banners and flags.

A rotating amber light must remain on at all times mounted on top of the cab and be visible from 360 degrees from a minimum of 500′ in direct sunlight. If your overall length is more than 80′ in length you are required to have one amber light over the cab of the truck and one amber light no more than 10′ from the rear of end or trailer/load at the highest point that is practicle. Oversize load signs must be a minimum of 7′ in width x 18″ in height, have a yellow background color with black lettering no less than 10″ in height x 1″ thick – we have recently heard 12″ tall x 2″ thick so please clarify and comment below if you know which is correct. Flags are required at all 4 corners of the load and front of truck and are to be safety red in color and no less than 18″ square. Shipments over 75′ in length, 10′ in width or 14′ 6″ in height are required to have signs. Signs must be placed on the front and rear extremities of the truck, trailer or load.

When pilot cars are required:

Length: If over 110′ in length you are required to have a minimum of 1 pilot car and in some places 2 pilot cars (higher traffic density or certain times of year). If over 145′ (150′ in some very rural areas) in length you are required to have 3 pilot cars –  yes 3. If over 175′ in length a police escort will be required.
Width: Up to 14’6” requires 1 pilot/escort vehicle. Over 16’ requires 2 pilot/escort vehicles. Over 18′ in width will require a police escort. 
Height: Up to 14’ 6” 1 pilot/escort vehicle, over 16’ requires 2 pilot/escort vehicles. Over 18′ in height will require a police escort.
Weight: No requirements as long as you can maintain minimum speeds. However on bridge moves that require all other vehicle traffic to be removed will required appropriate number of pilot cars which is a minimum of 2 and possibly 3 with police escort. All areas are different and require evaluation.
Note: If you exceed any two dimensions, then you are required to have an additional pilot car. So if you’re over 14′ 6″ tall and 14′ 6″ wide you would be require to have 2 pilot cars.  

Required pilot car certifications:

Cars, vans or trucks may be used as long as gross weight of pilot car vehicle is rated at no more than 8,000 lbs. Pilot car driver must be 18 years of age minimum with a valid regular drivers license. Pilot cars must have a rotating or flashing amber light mounted on the top of the vehicle (no specs as of time of writing 2014). Must display red flag at all 4 outer most points of the vehicle and have “OVERSIZE LOAD” signs that are a minimum size of 5′ wide x 12″ tall and have black lettering no less than 8″ in height. Must have radio and be in constant communication with the driver transporting the shipment at all times. Must have $500,000 per occurrence combined insurance that covers property and body.

How to apply for trucking permits:

Illinois Department of Transportation – DOT
Bureau of Traffic, 2300 S Dirksen Parkway
Springfield, IL  62764

Email: dot.permitoffice “at” illinois.gov
General inquiry phone: 217-782-6273
Phone: 217-785-1477 or 800-252-8636 within the state.
Fax: 217-728-3572

Note: Fee varies depending on dimensions and miles traveled. Permit is valid for 5 days.

Hours: from 8 AM until 4:30 PM

Central Time Zone

 

The information contained in these pages is research information primarily for use by oversize and overweight trucking company drivers, dispatchers and pilot car companies. While every effort is put into maintaining the accuracy of this information you must absolutely verify this information with the Illinois State DOT Permits office before commencing movement.

illinois-state

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