Heavy Haul Trucking Services

Heavy haul describes freight needing specialized planning because of its weight or dimensions. There is no federal vehicle-height limit: states set height limits, and 13 feet 6 inches is not a nationwide rule. A 53-foot trailer is a common equipment size, not a federal overall-length maximum. The federal width baseline is 102 inches on the National Network and reasonable access routes, with specified exceptions. Check loaded dimensions and the route before arranging oversize or overweight permits. At Cowtown Logistics, we coordinate permitting and routing for loads that exceed applicable limits. See FHWA size guidance and height FAQs.

Heavy haul rates typically range from $4.50 to $12.00 per mile depending on load dimensions, weight, trailer type, permit requirements, and route complexity. Moves requiring additional engineering review or specialized equipment can cost more; superload classifications depend on the state. Factors like escort vehicle requirements, restricted travel windows, and multi-state permit fees all affect the final rate. Contact Cowtown Logistics for a load-specific quote.

Obtain the permits required for each jurisdiction where the loaded vehicle exceeds applicable ordinary limits, unless an exemption applies. Eligibility depends on the load, vehicle, and route. A Texas general single-trip permit authorizes one movement between specified endpoints during the times on the permit. For that permit, a Route Inspection Certification is required above 20 feet wide, 18 feet 11 inches high, or 125 feet long. Other permit types and conditions may differ. Cowtown Logistics handles permit procurement across all 48 contiguous states.

Texas’s ordinary width limit is 8 feet 6 inches, excluding specified safety devices; other dimensions and weight must also comply. A wider load generally needs a permit unless a specific exception applies. Width alone does not trigger an escort at 10 feet. For most Texas permitted loads, over 14 through 16 feet wide requires one escort; over 16 feet requires front and rear escorts. Road type, other dimensions, special permit categories, and permit conditions can change the requirements. Cowtown Logistics manages TXDMV permit procurement and escort coordination for Texas freight shipping moves. See Texas size limits and TxDMV escort requirements.

Oversize means exceeding an applicable width, height, length, or projection limit. Overweight means exceeding an applicable gross, axle, or axle-group limit. The usual federal Interstate limits are 80,000 pounds gross, 20,000 on a single axle, and 34,000 on a tandem, subject to Bridge Formula limits and statutory exceptions. Gross weight includes the vehicle and cargo. Being under 80,000 pounds does not establish axle compliance. Permitted movements use the issuing authority’s conditions. See FHWA weight guidance.

The trailer type is determined by load dimensions, weight, and how the freight needs to be loaded. RGN trailers are best for tall equipment that drives or rolls onto the trailer from the front via a detachable ramp. Double drop and lowboy trailers are used for extremely heavy or tall machinery where deck height needs to be as low as possible. Step decks provide additional height clearance for freight that exceeds standard flatbed limits but does not require a well deck. Flatbeds are used for oversize loads that are wide or long but within manageable height limits. Cowtown Logistics matches each load to the right trailer configuration based on your freight’s specific dimensions and weight.

Escort requirements are state- and permit-specific. Under TxDMV’s general escort table, a load over 14 through 16 feet wide needs one escort in front on a two-lane highway or behind on a multi-lane highway; over 16 feet needs both. Height, length, overhang, or exceeding thresholds in two dimensions can add escorts. Manufactured housing and portable buildings have separate rules. TxDMV may also require law-enforcement escorts; width over 14 feet alone does not establish that requirement. Travel hours must follow the permit. Cowtown Logistics coordinates all escort arrangements as part of the move plan before dispatch.

Standard oversize permits can typically be obtained within 24 to 72 hours for single-state moves. Multi-state moves with complex routing may take 3 to 7 business days. Superloads requiring engineering route surveys or bridge analysis can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer depending on state review timelines. Cowtown Logistics begins the permit process immediately after load details are confirmed to minimize scheduling delays.

Heavy haul freight is most common in construction, energy, mining, manufacturing, and railroad infrastructure. Typical loads include excavators, bulldozers, cranes, wind turbine components, oil and gas processing equipment, industrial pumps, transformers, and large structural steel. Cowtown Logistics coordinates heavy haul moves for construction projects, energy installations, railroad equipment, and plant equipment relocations across the continental United States.

Rules vary by state and permit. In Texas, the general permit rules allow daytime movement only unless the vehicle is overweight only, or travels on an Interstate at no more than 10 feet wide and 100 feet long with legal front and rear overhang (including qualifying overweight vehicles). TxDOT may grant other nighttime exceptions after a route and traffic study. See 43 TAC §219.11(l). Weekend travel still follows permit hours and curfews. TxDMV’s current holiday notice restricts loads over 14 feet wide, 16 feet high, or 110 feet long on the listed holidays unless an exception is granted; manufactured housing has separate restrictions. Cowtown Logistics builds all travel window restrictions into the route plan before dispatch.

Superload definitions and review procedures vary by state. Texas requires a Super Heavy permit above 254,300 pounds gross, above maximum permitted axle or axle-group weights, or above 200,000 pounds with less than 95 feet of total axle spacing. Oversize dimensions can separately trigger route inspection. Engineering review, utility coordination, and law-enforcement involvement depend on the route and permit conditions. Cowtown Logistics coordinates superload moves with the specialized planning and agency coordination they require. See TxDMV single-trip and Super Heavy criteria.

To provide an accurate heavy haul quote, Cowtown Logistics needs the following information: origin and destination, freight dimensions including length, width, and height, total weight, commodity type, and any known loading or site access constraints. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can assess trailer options, permit requirements, and routing. For many loads, Cowtown can secure a truck in as fast as 60 minutes once the shipment details are clear, with proactive updates from pickup through delivery. Contact our team directly or submit a freight quote request and a heavy haul specialist will follow up within one business day.