Oversize loads

Oversize loads have special transport regulations (hours of travel, routes permitted), then there are the pilot vehicles etc required for different loads.
The trips take a LONG time and there is a lot of sitting time.
Some of the loads I have had experience with have required push trucks, as well as pilots. Crossing some bridges the tire truck had to be there to remove all outside wheels on the trailer, cross the bridge, then replace all the tires again. Quite a labour intensive and time consuming job.
Then going from A to B is not quite like that... you have to go via C, D and E to avoid bridges, power lines etc, and the route is MUCH longer.
It can be quite interesting though. As the push truck, take a book and cover your windshield as it will be pitted from all the wheels on the trailer.
The loads are fascinating. Maybe you could gain your experience as a swamper for the company of your choice? Also, there is a person who will operate the rear trailer wheels to turn certain corners etc...
Good luck in pursuing this when you get some experience!

 

If you want to pull oversize (as a company driver) get yourself two years of OTR experience (pref. flatbedding) and then give Keen a call (like Mack suggested). Since oversize/OD loads are more of a challenge, you need the extra experience (at least for Keen). TMC has an Oversize division, where thet mostly pull large machinery (combines,sprayers,etc).

 

Maybe its just a Canadian term? Not sure? ... a swamper is an assistant to the trucker (usually a bed truck driver has one, as well as a picker truck driver) so that they can help with chains, load securement etc. Its usually a good way to experience what the work is about and see if you are really cut out for it. However, you are in close proximity to the driver, and its not like running OTR where one is driving and one is sleeping... Hope that answered your question...!?

 

Not sure what type of oversize loads you guys are talking about... are they something like this...?

 

looks fun, what dose it pay?

 

Pay is relatively good compared with other hourly trucking, but with travel times restrictions etc, there is a lot of sitting, and the moves can be really long for a really short distance. Fun work if you are into that. Kinda dirty and boring for the push trucks though.