Heavy Haul Trucking Services

A load is classified as heavy haul when it exceeds federal legal limits: 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53’ long. Loads that exceed any one of these thresholds require oversize or overweight permits before they can move on public roads. At Cowtown Logistics, we coordinate permitting and routing for loads that exceed one or all of these limits.

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. Superloads - those exceeding 200,000 lbs or requiring engineering studies - can run significantly higher. 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.

Permit requirements vary by state and load dimensions. Most oversize loads require a single-trip or annual oversize permit from each state the route passes through. Loads over 10’ wide, 14'6" tall, or 120’ long typically require additional route surveys and may need law enforcement escorts. In Texas, overweight permits are issued through the TXDMV and are valid for five days. Cowtown Logistics handles permit procurement across all 48 contiguous states.

In Texas, loads up to 8'6" wide can travel without an oversize permit. Anything wider requires a permit issued through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV). Loads wider than 10’ require a pilot car escort, and loads wider than 14’ typically require law enforcement escort and are restricted to daylight travel only. Cowtown Logistics manages TXDMV permit procurement and escort coordination for Texas freight shipping moves. For full size and weight guidelines, visit the TXDMV oversize and overweight permits page .

Oversize freight exceeds legal dimension limits - width, height, or length. Overweight freight exceeds the 80,000 lb gross vehicle weight limit or axle weight limits, typically 20,000 lbs per single axle and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. A load can be oversize without being overweight, or both simultaneously. Each condition triggers separate permitting requirements, and some states treat them differently for routing and travel window restrictions.

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 depend on load dimensions and the states being traveled through. In most states, loads wider than 12’ require one pilot car, and loads wider than 14’ require front and rear escorts. Some states require law enforcement escorts for loads above certain thresholds. Loads traveling on interstate highways, bridges, or through tunnels may have additional escort requirements. 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.

Travel restrictions depend on load dimensions and state regulations. In Texas, loads under 10’ wide and 100’ long can travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Loads exceeding those dimensions are typically restricted to daylight hours - from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset - and are prohibited on Sundays and holidays in many states. Cowtown Logistics builds all travel window restrictions into the route plan before dispatch.

A superload is a load that significantly exceeds standard oversize thresholds - typically over 200,000 lbs, over 16’ wide, or over 150’ long. Superloads require engineering route surveys to assess bridge load ratings, road surface conditions, and clearance points. They often require coordination with state DOTs, utility companies for wire lifts, and law enforcement escorts. Lead times are longer and costs are higher than standard heavy haul moves. Cowtown Logistics coordinates superload moves with the specialized planning and agency coordination they require.

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.