Oversize load PA to OH

I can answer your third question.

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.87

 

I don't believe you will need strobes but you will absolutely need signs front and rear and flags on all four corners. I move some oversize trailers and the signs on the back are stacked with the oversize above the load watch for that because it's not legal in most states.

 

And don't ever come to Canada if you want to do oversize. "Oversize", "Long Load" and "Wide Load" are required in Ontario (IIRC) and acceptable in Alberta and Manitoba but are not acceptable in Saskatchewan. There you need the "D" dimensional banner. While the "D" banner is acceptable in Alberta and Manitoba, it is not in Ontario (IIRC).

Super-dumb to say the least. The only oversize I generally do is 60-foot material on a 48' flat (and never in Ontario). That's a "D" banner, front and back, flag on four corners and one at the back on the overhang. And now that I think about it, the more I question whether the flags on the corners are needed for just long loads.

But whatever, having it and not needing it is infinitely better than needing it and not having it. This is a universal truth in trucking. Of course, unless you have the wrong one for the province you are currently in.

 

Try to buy signs with the rope threw outside edges so it will be easy to hold on truck or trailer. try to buy at a trailer dealer or truck parts store to keep from paying t/s hi prices?

 

It's ok to ask advice here there's a lot of knowledgeable people. But when you get your permits they will come with provision sheets (you can look them up online now if you want) read the provision sheets then read them again it's the oversize bible. Now as far as your questions,

1) You shouldn't need strobes you can run them but don't have to.

2) In PA you needle oversize load signs and they have to be a specific size (18" X 84" with 12" high 2" brush stroke letters I believe, that's Ohio and I think PA is the same) in Ohio for loads under 10' you don't need signs but you can leave them on, this is for a trip permit for an annual oversize blanket you'll need signs no matter what (don't get me started on that one).

3) You will need flags for width over 8' 6" and I think 4' over the rear, if the overhang is wider than 4' you need flags marking the widest points of the overhang, so 1 flag in the middle of the overhang if it's 4' or greater won't cut it.

I said before read then reread your provision sheet then check out the respective states website to see if there's anything else. The oversize load sign thing in Ohio is an example, the OS1A say the sign "shall be" 18" X 84" with 1.41" brush strokes (they accept 2") and they will nail you for having a smaller sign trust me. But the operational guide says if a load originates outside of the state the sign required by that state is acceptable. If you didn't know that and most DOT don't from my experience you could end up with problems. That's just one example and the reason I respect theses guys that run all over the country, I pretty well have Ohio down pat but they have to try to remember them all.

 

I usually look here: http://www.heavyhaul.net/oversize_permits-escorts-requirements/
There is a link on each state's page to go directly to the official state website page to verify. So far the info they provide has been accurate.

Don't get off route for anything in OH (food, fuel, etc.) unless you declared it ahead of time on your permit.

 

I prefer the signs with grommets. On the front I have 5 or 6 rubber tarp straps that fit my bumper perfectly. I keep them rolled up in the sign. Quick and easy! On the rear I use a mesh sign for less wind resistance. I just use regular rubber tarp straps to put it wherever I want it. I also carry 2- 2X4's about 24-30" long to slip into my stake pockets in case I do not put the sign on the load. Iowa 80 has a good selection of signs and flags. Not cheap but good quality. I carry a variety of flags, some with grommets, some with bungies attached. The flags with bungies attached the T/A carries are just above junk.

 

In Ohio and Pa. the flags go on the widest points of the load. I usually go from the trailer rub rail to the load front and rear. Part of what I am trying to say is the tractor does not need to be flagged in those states. Other states you do. As far as the front sign. I put it on the bumper with tarp straps from the top of the bumper to the bottom. I think the straps are the 15" ones. I go right over the license plate. Oh. and Pa. seem to be OK with the plate covered. Other states are not. A friend of mine had his sign going under the plate and Oh. told him it obstructed the oversize sign. The trooper said to put it over the plate. If you are not comfortable with that I would zip tie the plate to your trucks grill if possible. Be sure you have the provision sheets for both states and keep them with your permits. No provision sheet and your permit is invalid.