Heavy equipment transport within and through Idaho is a regular occurrence, thanks to the heavy industries operating within the state. From gem mining to metals and mineral extraction to agriculture, Idaho has several active industries. When you need to ship an oversized load or super load from one location to another, there are several key factors to consider in preparing. Here are our top five tips for shipping heavy equipment in Idaho.
Research Your Dimensions
Knowing the size of your equipment is load transport 101. For starters, you need to know the size of your equipment so you can plan the route you’ll take and what trailer you need to meet roadway restrictions. Even in wide open spaces, there are rules of the road regarding when and where you can travel with a haul that is extra wide, tall, or long.
Know the Approximate Weight
Once you know the size of your shipment, you also need to determine the weight. This can involve consulting your manual or weighing the load once it’s on the right size trailer. Super loads often require additional axels on the trailer. They might also need a booster or jeep to help get the load up inclines.
The Idaho government has rules and regulations regarding heavy hauler transports, from size restrictions to weight and route guidelines to the permitting process. You can reference the details on the State of Idaho website.
Pull Your Permits (Or Ensure Your Driver Does)
Hauling oversized loads requires getting a permit. There are rules in place for a reason, and it’s often to protect public safety and infrastructure. Nobody wins when a wide load backs up traffic during a busy holiday weekend. Knowing exactly when you can be on the road while transporting heavy shipments helps you plan your trip in advance. You’ll want to ensure that you pull the permit required for your load or that your driver does. Not having a permit can result in hefty fines.
Map Your Route Options
Once you have your permit and know the dimensions/weight of your piece of equipment, you can start to map out your route options. Depending on your permit, you may not have many options. However, if your machinery and equipment are standard sizes, you can plan the best route and an alternative in case of delays, obstacles, or unpredictable events, like weather, construction, or accidents on the road. Just make sure your route can accommodate the size of what you’re hauling.
Use the Right Truck and Trailer
Choosing the right truck and trailer is another reason why you need to measure your load accurately. If your heavy machinery is tall, you’ll want to use a lowboy trailer to get as low to the ground as possible. If your load can drive onto the trailer for loading, you’ll want a trailer with a built-in ramp for easy loading. As mentioned earlier, if your haul is overweight, you’ll want to add axles as necessary to accommodate the weight.
Hire a Professional Driver
Since most people don’t have the time, equipment, or training to transport heavy shipments, hiring a professional driver is a safe bet. Not every heavy equipment transport company will be equal. We recommend working with a company that is upfront about transport costs, has a vetting process for their drivers, and prioritizes safety at every step of the way. Your heavy load is valuable. You want to ensure it arrives at its destination without any scrapes or incidents.
Heavy Haulers in Idaho
Whether you need your equipment picked up from Boise or need to haul machinery to Idaho, the drivers in the Trusted Dispatch network are ready to help. Get started with your free, instant quote to begin using our load board today.
