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Oversized Loads Archives - Sheedy Crane

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Oversized Loads

Tips for Over-Sized Loads and Heavy Hauling

December 1, 2018by Sheedy Blogger0

Heavy hauling and over-sized loads present a number of safety and logistical considerations when preparing the haul. Careful planning and execution is necessary to prevent any injury or collateral damage on the highway and at the work site. Here are a few tips for over-sized loads and heavy hauling.

  1. Choose a Company with a Proven Track Record

When it comes to oversized loads, you want a company with a proven track record for success. A company like Sheedy has been in the business for over 88 years, with a track record of performing some of the most challenging overweight and over-dimensional cargo hauling projects in the country. When it comes to heavy hauling, it does not pay to cut corners.

  1. Choose Your Driver

All drivers that operate a vehicle for heavy hauling should be trained and experienced in securing loads safely. They should also be adept at the equipment they are operating. There is no room for error when it comes to heavy hauling, especially in highly populated areas such as the interstate. All Sheedy drivers are current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) holders and meet all proper training and safety regulations.

  1. Permitting and Regulation

Make sure to obtain all proper permits that are required for your heavy haul. All equipment over 102” in with will require an oversized permit before it can be driven on highways or state roads. Each state will have certain guidelines regarding oversized loads and loads over 10,000 pounds. Federal regulations are serious business, especially when in it comes to interstate commerce. Local regulations may also apply if the equipment is being hauled intrastate.

  1. Know Your Route

It may not be enough to just run the route on a GPS. A pilot car is a good idea if you are unsure about possible road closures, toll roads, heavy-traffic areas, construction blockages, and other hazardous scenarios. Planning ahead of time can save you time, money, and may save you a headache or two.

  1. Secure Your Load

Over-dimensional loading and unloading is not a subject to be taken lightly or glanced over. Errors at this stage in the process can result in severe injury and damage to equipment, personal property, and roadways. A reputable company will have drivers that are very experienced in this matter.

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Heavy & Specialized Heavy Hauling in San Francisco

Sheedy Drayage Co. is a leader in heavy hauling, specialist rigging, crane rentals, hoists, seismic retrofitting, and more. We specialize in safe and reliable quality hauls and specialized transportation services around San Francisco.

Some of our hauling equipment includes:

  • Heavy Duty Highway Tractors
  • Winch Tractors
  • Low-bed Trailers: 5-axle, 7-axle, 9-axle and 13-axle
  • Step-deck, Double-drop and Double-drop Expandable Trailers
  • High-bed Trailers 35-ft, 40-ft and 45-ft
  • Heavy Duty Prime Movers – to 600 HP
  • Hydraulic Platform Trailers (Conventional)
  • Hydraulic Platform Trailer (Self-Propelled)
  • Dual-lane Modules – to 150 tons
  • Dual-lane Transporter – to 250 tons
  • Railcar trailers

We have supported tasks such as barge loading and unloading, railcar loading and unloading, machinery and power plant relocation and instillation services, and light rail vehicle transport. Whatever your heavy hauling needs are, Sheedy Drayage Co. has you covered. Visit our contact page for more information.

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CranesIndustry

What is it like Driving an “Oversized Load” in Rush Hour City Traffic?

August 28, 2018by Sheedy Blogger0

Over the past decades, we at Sheedy Crane have had the opportunity to talk to some of the “best of the best” in the rigging industry who know how to handle oversized load. We’ve seen everything from priceless pieces of art hanging from a crane over a body of water, and an entire bridge being driven through a dirt road in a remote jungle.

Our industry is all about logistics. Some of the top factors we look into when moving anything from a Toyota Camry to a 4-ton block of concrete are how much it weighs? How is the weight distributed? Is it awkward in size? Does it have hazmat limitations?

Here are some of the top considerations when driving an oversized load through a busy location:

First and foremost, know your route. Take the time beforehand and plan exactly where you are going. You don’t want to get stuck on a bridge with a boat crossing when you don’t have to. Cement trucks often times have to plan this out down to the minute when transporting wet cement to a job site.

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Know local regulations. There are some towns and municipalities that don’t allow big rigs to come through city streets. Others require you to get a permit for such jobs. You don’t want to get stuck driving tons of equipment across the state only to find out last minute you can’t make it down the “final stretch.” You will also know well in advance whether or not you need a pilot or an escort car, but if you are going across state lines you’ll also need to know if there are any additional regulations for the pilot car.

Know your lodging and stops. Amateur drivers might skip over this part, but in a multi-part or destination trip, it is imperative you know this beforehand. Imagine this: you are 8 hours into a trip and its legally time to clock out. You need to find a hotel, but the only ones nearby don’t have parking for semi’s, and definitely not for oversized loads.

San Francisco, for example, has a map of what it is considered “urbanized” and has special requirements when traveling in those areas.

san francisco street restrictions

Get to know your pilot car/escort. Many times you’ll be required to drive along with an escort car. This is normally a sedan-sized vehicle with a marking on the car alerting other motorists of your presence. A good escort car will stay in constant communication with the driver, and in some cases have a passenger in the pilot car equipped with GPS and laptop. Maintaining a good relationship with the pilot vehicle is very important, especially when you are navigating busy city streets or tough intersections.

Hazmat Considerations. Hazmat considerations are important not only for legal reasons but for your own safety as well. If you watch the news you can see some of the results of these accidents in real life. If you are transporting flammable liquids or solids it’s even more important for your own safety and for the general public.

Other considerations. Most States have special considerations for inclement weather, holidays, weight/height, and for mobile homes etc. Transporting an oversized load can take weeks to plan.

Consider Sheedy Crane for your crane and trucking needs. Contact us today for a free estimate.

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