How to get started with oversize/ specialized hauling?

I will have this old crutch paid for by end of the year, lord willing. I also was wanting to get into of and heavy haul. Love big and heavy. Anybody can bump a dock......well almost LOL

 

talk to fortycalglock and some of the others on here. They are a wealth of knowledge.

 

He's right. You might also look around at some of the Hotshot companies. And just because you never know what'll happen - If you see a driver at a truckstop with an oversize, Go talk to them.

Just my $.02

 

I just hauled my first OD load and it was a nightmare. Not because of the load itself, but the company. I wasn't sure what I needed as far as signage and when I asked, I never got an answer. I didn't get to see the permits until I picked up the load in Pittsburgh, PA. So, I had to drive illegal to the first truck stop I could find to get proper signage and flags. I was lucky I wasn't pulled over.

And then, was hit by a winter storm. According to my permits, if the roads were covered, I had to stop. Which I did, only to get yelled at by my company until I sent pictures of the roads.

I can't wait to do it again. Only this time, after much research on DOT websites and forums such as this, I'll be a million times more prepared.

The one thing I can say is to read your permits for the routing. Take out your map and find every single road you are told to take so you know right where it is. For in town moving, try to get maps and use your computer to find the streets you need to be on. Know your route inside and out before you turn that key. A GPS is nice for setting way points and for a more visual idea of where your next turn is. Take as much time as you need and use every tool available to you to get that route right, because when you screw it up, you get the fine.

I've had a taste and it was good. I'm currently looking for a new company myself to do more OD/OS hauling.

And, as a side note, I've noticed Hunt (Crete Carrier flatbed division) does equipment hauling. good experience there with the opportunity to start small and move up with a company that actually supports their drivers.

 

I just hauled my first OD load and it was a nightmare. Not because of the load itself, but the company. I wasn't sure what I needed as far as signage and when I asked, I never got an answer. I didn't get to see the permits until I picked up the load in Pittsburgh, PA. So, I had to drive illegal to the first truck stop I could find to get proper signage and flags. I was lucky I wasn't pulled over.

And then, was hit by a winter storm. According to my permits, if the roads were covered, I had to stop. Which I did, only to get yelled at by my company until I sent pictures of the roads.

I can't wait to do it again. Only this time, after much research on DOT websites and forums such as this, I'll be a million times more prepared.

The one thing I can say is to read your permits for the routing. Take out your map and find every single road you are told to take so you know right where it is. For in town moving, try to get maps and use your computer to find the streets you need to be on. Know your route inside and out before you turn that key. A GPS is nice for setting way points and for a more visual idea of where your next turn is. Take as much time as you need and use every tool available to you to get that route right, because when you screw it up, you get the fine.

I've had a taste and it was good. I'm currently looking for a new company myself to do more OD/OS hauling.

And, as a side note, I've noticed Hunt (Crete Carrier flatbed division) does equipment hauling. good experience there with the opportunity to start small and move up with a company that actually supports their drivers.
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I feel your pain I had to sit with my boss throwing permits in his face showing what they stated about road conditions and weather and what not. I haul for a pipeline construction company.OD loads draw attention to yourself. I dont like attention.90% of everything i haul is oversize.