**Understanding Over-Dimensional Trucking**

Over-dimensional trucking involves moving very large or heavy items that don’t fit on a regular truck. Because it’s a bit different from regular trucking, it uses special words and equipment that can be confusing. Let’s break down some of these terms and ideas to make it simpler!

Loading and Unloading

When moving big items, the way they’re loaded (put on the truck) and unloaded (taken off the truck) is important. Here are a few terms that help explain it:

Dunnage and Blocking: These are materials used to keep the item steady on the truck, so it doesn’t move around during the trip. Sometimes it’s wood or other strong materials placed under or around the item, also needed for lift (forklift or crane) access.

Dimensions and Measurements

It’s essential to know the exact dimensions (size) of whatever is being transported. This includes length, width, height and weight—basically, how big the object is in all directions. For example, if you’re shipping a big tank, you need to know its size with all parts included, like any legs, vents, or other parts sticking out. This helps choose the right trailer, the correct quotation and permitting. Another key note; although you can ship multiple pieces with oversized loads, pieces cannot be put together that make a load oversize or overweight, this is called a 'divisible load'. A good rule of thumb, if it takes more than 8 hours to dismantle a load it should be able to go as 1 piece.  

Choosing the Right Trailer

The type of trailer depends on what kind of item is being moved. Here are a few examples:

Machine or Wheeled Vehicle: If it’s something with wheels or tracks, like a forklift or heavy equipment, it might need to be driven onto the trailer (removeable gooseneck, aka an rgn). But if it’s too heavy or has low ground clearance, this could be tricky and may need to be crane loaded (pushing or pulling an item on or off is not recommended as it can damage the commodity or trailer, but may be arranged under special circumstances). 
  
Footprint: This is a term for the amount of space the item takes up on the trailer. Some trailers have different levels, like a stepdeck or double-drop trailer, where part of the trailer is lower than the rest. Knowing how much space an item uses on each part of the trailer helps decide the best trailer for the job.

Permits and Escorts

Some states require special permits (and provisions) for large items, while others may also require escorts—other vehicles that drive in front or back to keep the load and traffic safe. Even an extra inch in size can change what permits or escorts are needed, so careful measuring is key! Larger loads can require route surveys, police and utility vehicles and personnel. 

Communication is Key

The most important thing is clear communication. The driver needs to know exactly what’s being transported and all its special needs. This makes sure the load is moved safely and without any problems.

By understanding these terms and thinking ahead about the loads size and needs, everyone involved can work together to safely move over-dimensional loads!