Over Size Over Weight load question/opinions

I usually have all the state PDF's of oversize / overweight permits on my laptop.

Fill them out, print them off, BAM, save money on actually buying those buggers.

Also try to run at night when doing under 10 foot wide because then scales are closed.

Easy peazy lemon squeezy.

 

Permits, Oregon, Idaho and Utah. I would buy annuals instead of single trip. They are fairly low cost.
Texas gives you a bible for a permit. Make sure you are registered in New Mexico, weight distance tax.
Most states have a website to self issue permits. That can save you a lot of money.

I carry a couple magnetic mount yellow strobes and flags. I carry a roll of baler poly twine to fasten the Oversize sign any where on the cargo, if needed. Pole flags and I also use "pony" clips to fasten the flags.

This time of year you don't lose much drive time. Night is only 11 hours long.
10' you won't have many curfews to worry about, if any. Some states require the driver can see the rear of the load using the side mirrors. I use 3' conduit with spot mirrors, clamped to my hood spot mirrors bracket. It is legal if the inspector can see the driver from the rear of the load.

A way to find out the value of freight. Go to some of these shipping sites put in the parameters of a load and see what is given.

Washington is an area I have trouble getting paid decent to get out. I usually load a few partials to make it worth my time.

Good luck. OD does make legal loads less of a challenge.

 

I would not go into vancouver wa for that price unless u plan on sticking around out west ... the northwest doesnt pay #### going out , unless u go south to the communist state ... which even then sometimes is tough if ur working off the boards...plus u will need the trip permit for oregon if u plan on running thru there since they are not apart of ifta... The east bound loads out of the PNW fly off the boards for 1.60 a mile.... Its pitiful....

i will add if you decide to bounce up this way . Let me know, i have a bunch of unused oversize gear, brand new in package... oversize signs and flags.. They are all urs if u want em

 

I'd say that this time of year isn't great for trying something new... except that I'm going from driving local/infrequently to moving 2,500 miles back east in a truck not set up for it. Not totally crazy, but it takes a lot of research. If this is something you can see doing often it makes sense. For one load it's not worth it (except in my case because I can't wait to leave WA)

The rate does seem low, even from my uneducated perspective. One thing I've noticed is it's hard to find equipment coming into the area. On the consumer level rates are about three time higher going out than coming in. There are a bunch of factors that I don't completely understand but I would think that should play into your return load

 

2.80 a mile is lumber freight.
I haul OD and my minimum is 3.50 for up to 10 feet. over 10 starts at 4.00.

 

Regarding money, I would be he last person to know the rates, but as a businessman I must say that an easy job that does not pay quite the top rate is the best way to get into any kind of business, including OSOW business.

 

I think you saved yourself a crash course in OD.

My advice would be to get the truck set up with flags/banners/lights etc, (I also like Tri-City products), and I like the quick connect flag holders.

Decide whether to get all the permits yourself or use a permit company. I use ‘The Permit Company” - they’re $22 per state permit. If you use them you’ll need to set up with them, have all your unit numbers, plates, VIN, axle spacing etc.

Up to 12 wide is usually no escorts, so you’re pretty safe. Start with up to 10w a few times to familiarize. You’ll note that your mirrors are about 10’ wide, so if you don’t break your mirrors off then you won’t hit the load!

Read the permits thoroughly. Some states have provision sheets that must also be carried.

You might start with a one to three state move to ease into it.

Price - well, that’s another debate, someone else will always do it cheaper, but I’d be looking at $6/mile plus permits , even on something easy like that, because -

• Time restrictions
• Curfews
• Time spent ordering permits
• Knowledge
• Risk

And the aforementioned lack of freight that pays in the PNW.

Just my 3 cents.

 

You talking long haul 1000+ miles?