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Heavy Weight Transport: The Trusted Drayage Company for Your Short-Haul Needs

You can’t rely on just any company to handle drayage for heavy weight loads. The reason for this is that heavy hauling requires specialized experience and permits. In this article, we’ll discuss what heavy hauling companies do, why heavy haul truck driver requirements are different, and why you can count on Heavy Weight Transport for your short-haul needs.

What Is Heavy Haul Trucking?

When talking about heavy hauling, we are referring to the transportation of oversized items. For example, this can include industrial machinery, farming equipment, and construction materials. Because of the heavy weights of these loads, the shipments require special handling, optimized routing, and additional permits. In addition, the truck driver can’t just drive from point A to point B like they can with a typical cargo load.

Heavy hauling companies require documentation and permitting. Different states, cities, and even counties have different restrictions for oversized weight. This can include the amount of time the shipments can travel during the day and what times of the day they are able to do so. Depending on what is actually being shipped, additional permits may be required. Companies should also note that moving shipments across states can be difficult as regulations can vary from state to state.

What Is Considered a Heavy Load?

The exact definition of a heavy load can be different for different states. However, the federal government considers a shipment a heavy load when it exceeds 80,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pounds of single axle weight, or 34,000 pounds of tandem axle weight. In order to protect the bridges across the country, the number and spacing of axles is also considered. Since standard highway lanes are 12 feet wide, any load over 8.5 feet wide is considered oversized. These often require a state permit in order to be transported. 

Heavy Haul Truck Drivers Requirements

Being a heavy haul truck driver can be a lot more complex than transporting a standard load. Driving and maneuvering a truck with an excess amount of weight, or a wide load, is significantly more challenging than shipping a truckload of pallets. That’s why heavy haul truck driver requirements are different from other truck driver requirements.

First, you should become familiar with the most basic requirements. For example, some states require heavy haul truck drivers to be 18 years old, while other states may require drivers to be at least 21 years old. There may also be an education requirement, such as a GED. 

Obtain a CDL

When you go to obtain a CDL, there are two options available to you. You could attend a dedicated trucking school or take courses at a community college. Ultimately, which route you choose is up to you. You may decide a trucking school is better because you can typically obtain your CDL quicker. Trucking schools usually offer shorter, full-time programs. Meanwhile, community college programs may take longer but could also offer more flexibility for attending classes.  

Pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Test

You’ll also need to pass another test, which is the Federal Motor Carrier’s Safety Regulations test. This includes a hearing and vision test as well as a written test focusing on federal traffic laws. A drug and alcohol test will also be required.

Gain Experience

It’s usually very difficult to become a heavy haul truck driver if you don’t have any experience driving normal-sized trucks. Most heavy hauling companies want drivers to have experience with regular trucks before they will give you a heavy haul or oversized job. That’s why you may want to use a conventional trucking job as a stepping stone to your new job. 

Apply for Heavy Hauling Jobs

Once you’ve obtained some experience with truck driving, you can apply for heavy hauling jobs!

Advantages to Becoming a Heavy Haul Truck Driver

When you decide you want to become a truck driver, there are multiple options available to you. So, why would you choose to become a heavy haul truck driver? These are some of the advantages you should consider.

Great Income Opportunity

First, heavy haul trucking is a specialized field. These drivers usually have more experience in trucking. Plus, there are not as many qualified heavy haul drivers as conventional ones. Because of this, heavy haul truck drivers typically make more per hour or have a higher salary compared to a regular truck driver. Plus, some heavy weight hauling companies will offer incentives like discounts or sign-on bonuses to their heavy haul drivers.

Enhanced Job Security

Not only will you make more money as a heavy haul truck driver but you’ll also have better job security. While all truck driving jobs are in demand – and probably always will be – heavy haulers are especially in demand. Your job opportunities are almost endless! This will give you more options for the types of loads you want to haul and when you want to haul them.

Fewer Daily Stops

Heavy haul truck drivers focus on getting their shipment from the pick up point to the drop off point. There are no additional stops along the route. Compare that to a regular truck driver who might have anywhere from 6 to 15+ stops per day. If you prefer a more linear approach to work, heavy hauling could be right for you.

Looking For Heavy Hauling? Check Out Heavy Weight Transport

One of the main services Heavy Weight Transport provides is hauling overweight loads. Using specialized, lightweight equipment and proper permitting, we have the ability to bring any of your cargo where it needs to go. Short-haul drayage is another one of our specialties. When you need a reliable carrier, look no further than the expert team at Heavy Weight Transport.

 

SHIP WITH HEAVY, SAVE MORE MONEY

SHIP WITH HEAVY, SAVE MORE MONEY