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Generally, an oversize/overweight load is a load that exceeds the legal size and/or weight limits. There are also load per axle limits. However, a load that exceeds the per-axle limits, but not the overall weight limits, is not considered overweight. The legal dimensions and weights vary between countries, but are very close. They differ mostly in definition. For instance, in Europe there’s a limit of the overall length of an articulated vehicle (tractor and trailer), whereas in the US the limit applies to the length of the trailer only.
In a specific country the roads are built in a way that allows a vehicle with dimensions within the legal limits to safely (though not necessarily easily) drive and turn. Roads that do not allow large vehicles are marked with the proper traffic signs. These may include per-axle load, height, width, or overall length limits.
In the United States an oversize load is a vehicle and/or load that are higher than 13′ 6″, wider than 8′ 6″ longer than 80′. In the EU the limits are 15m 50 cm in length, 4 meters height, 2m 55 cm width and overall weight of 40 tonnes.
Examples of oversize/overweight loads include construction machines (cranes, front loaders, backhoes, etc.), pre-built homes, containers. For a load to be allowed to be hauled as an oversize/overweight, it must be non-reducible, i.e. it cannot be easily split in smaller portions.
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Signaling
The edges of any oversize load must be marked to make them visible to drivers. during daytime the required marking is usually red flags, and during night — white or yellow lights. The hauling vehicle must have at least one flashing amber light in the front and back. Signs (yellow with black border in the US and red and white diagonal stripes in the EU), saying “Oversize load” must be pt in the front and back of the vehicle.
A pilot and trailing cars are required also. They must have at least one flashing amber light on them. Their purpose is to warn drivers about what’s approaching. The pilot car warns drivers in the opposite lane to move away, and the trailing car warns any candidates to overtake. The driver of the pilot car must have a voice link with the driver of the truck to warn him or her about any low bridges, wires, obstacles, etc. The driver of the trailing car is responsible for the safety while passing obstacles or overtaking slower vehicles.
Since the driver of the truck has no visual on the end of the trailer or any possible vehicles in the next lane (because the load obstructs the mirrors), the general procedure is as follows: The truck driver sees an obstacle and signals with his left (or right, if in a left-side traffic country) blinker. The driver of the trailing car waits until the adjacent lane is clear and moves so that the truck driver sees his or her car, thus preventing anyone from standing next to the truck. Then the trailing car moves a little back to stay clear of the truck’s path. As soon as the trailer has cleared the obstacle, the trailing car again moves forward and flashes its headlights to inform the truck driver that it’s safe to return in their lane.
Also, a skilled pilot car driver would temporarily block traffic at intersections to ensure the safe passage of the truck.
Licensing
Different countries have different approaches to licensing oversize/overweight loads. Licenses may be issued for a specific load, for a period of time, or to a specific company.
See also
- Trucking industry in the United States
External links
- U.S. Government website
- A free user based database of equipment dimensions for transport purposes
Retrieved from “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oversize/overweight_load”
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