SPECIALIZED

Wide? Tall? Heavy?  Specialized transit is anything that doesn’t legally fit onto a flatbed or into a typical van. Double Drops, RGN (Removable Goose Neck), and Extended and Low Profile are all equipment types that are commonly used in specialized transit. We’ve moved everything from 12’ tall capacitors to 100,000 lbs. tanks.  These loads often need permits, escorts, pull cars, and even route surveys.

We will also delve into the permits, escorts, pull cars, and route surveys that often accompany these unique shipments.

Specialized transportation refers to the movement of goods that do not conform to the dimensions and weight restrictions of standard transport options. This includes cargo that is too wide, tall, or heavy to be transported on flatbed trucks or typical vans. Such shipments require careful planning, extensive coordination, and the use of specialized equipment to ensure safe and efficient delivery.

Specialized Equipment for Challenging Cargo

Transporting oversized or overweight cargo demands specialized trailers designed to accommodate the unique requirements of such loads. Let’s explore some commonly used equipment types in specialized transit:

• Double Drops: Double drop trailers, also known as lowboy trailers, feature a lower deck height between the front and rear axles, allowing for greater clearance for taller cargo. This design enables the transportation of items that exceed standard height restrictions. Double drops are ideal for moving tall machinery, large industrial equipment, and construction components.
• RGN (Removable Goose Neck): RGN trailers, also referred to as detachable gooseneck trailers, provide versatility and ease of loading. With their removable front end, RGNs allow cargo to be driven onto the trailer using ramps. This type of trailer is commonly used for transporting heavy machinery, bulldozers, cranes, and other equipment that requires easy access for loading and unloading.
• Extended and Low Profile Trailers: Extended trailers are elongated versions of traditional flatbeds, offering extra length for accommodating lengthy cargo such as pipes, beams, and bridge sections. Low profile trailers, on the other hand, have a reduced deck height, allowing for easier loading and unloading of tall items while maintaining stability during transport.

Navigating Regulatory Requirements: Specialized transportation often involves navigating a complex web of regulations to ensure compliance and safety. Oversized, overheight, or overweight cargo typically requires permits from state and local authorities, as well as adherence to specific guidelines and restrictions. These permits account for factors such as load dimensions, weight, and route restrictions. Additionally, some shipments may require escorts, pull cars, or route surveys to ensure a smooth and secure journey.

The Role of Permits, Escorts, Pull Cars, and Route Surveys:

• Permits: Specialized logistics providers work closely with regulatory bodies to secure the necessary permits for oversized cargo transport. These permits outline the allowable dimensions, weight limits, and specific routes that must be followed. Compliance with these permits is crucial to prevent delays, fines, or potential damage to infrastructure.
• Escorts: Depending on the size and nature of the cargo, escorts may be required to accompany the shipment. Escorts ensure the safe passage of the load by providing guidance and maintaining communication with the driver. They also assist in navigating challenging road conditions, intersections, or low-clearance areas.
• Pull Cars: For extremely heavy or oversized loads, additional assistance may be required in the form of pull cars. These vehicles help distribute the weight of the cargo and provide the necessary power to move the load smoothly, especially when tackling inclines or challenging terrain.
• Route Surveys: Before embarking on a specialized transportation project, route surveys are conducted to identify potential obstacles, road conditions, and necessary precautions. These surveys help determine the most suitable path, ensuring the cargo’s safe and efficient journey.

Specialized transportation plays a vital role in moving cargo that exceeds the limitations of standard transport methods. The utilization of equipment such as double drops, RGNs, and Extended and Low Profile trailers enables the successful transportation of oversized, overheight, and overweight cargo. However, the logistical challenges of specialized transit extend beyond equipment selection. Acquiring permits, organizing escorts, utilizing pull cars, and conducting route surveys are all essential components of ensuring the safe and timely delivery of unique shipments. By partnering with experienced specialized logistics providers, businesses can overcome these challenges and navigate the complexities of transporting the unmovable.