The use of standardized pallets and containers has enabled importers, exporters and logistics providers to conveniently ship and store a wide variety of goods.
However, not all types of goods can be transported using these means as they might be too large to be transported. Such goods are categorized as over dimensional cargo.
Understanding Over Dimensional Cargo
Over Dimensional Cargo or ODC refers to any cargo or items larger than a vehicle.
Simply put, over dimensional cargo is freight that goes beyond the standard cargo deck, whether by 20 feet, 40 feet, or more, and extends outside the loading deck of the vehicle shipping the goods.
For instance, if a 20-foot truck is loaded with more giant tankers than the truck's maximum height, width, and length dimensions, the load will be considered ODC.
Typically, flat racks and open tops are needed to convey oversized items. Therefore, they require additional safety and security precautions during transportation to guarantee that the goods are in proper condition.
These oversized items need excessive assistance and attention while they are in transit.
What is ODC Limit?
There are strict guidelines that transporters must follow in order for their cargo to be allowed to travel across the country, especially for overweight shipments.
The maximum permissible load height and width in the US are 13.5 to 14.5 feet and 8.5 feet, respectively.
However, the value of the width is identical in nearly all states because they are based on the width of an average highway lane.
The load is automatically considered over dimensional freight if it is longer than 8.5 feet and up to 14 feet.
Various Types of Cargo
The word cargo originally referred to items being loaded into a vessel. Below mentioned are the three types of general cargo.
Break Bulk Cargo The concept of break bulk refers to transactions in which the cargo is transported in unitized forms, such as bagged, palletized, drummed, bundled, strapped, and crates, as well as vehicles or steel and other non-unitized general cargo.
Such ships usually have gear.
Additionally, break bulk cargo vessels come in a range of sizes and types, including Single Deckers, Box Holds, and Tween Deckers, which are the ships that transport such break bulk goods.
Containerized Cargo General cargo transported in container load units is known as containerized cargo. It is transported by particular ships, specifically container carriers.
Furthermore, the cost and time of transportation have considerably dropped with the introduction of containers.
This has led to an increase in the expansion of global trade.
Today, containerized cargo is used to transport a lot of non-bulk cargo. Cartons, boxes, cases, pallets, drums, and other everyday commodities are all transported in cargo containers, which are all-purpose storage units.
In addition, there are tank containers for liquids and refrigerated containers for perishables.
Other containerized commodities include barrels, heavy machinery, gases, minerals, and organic materials.
Neo Bulk Cargo The third division of general cargo is called neo-bulk cargo.
It contains prepared, defined load unit-transported commodities that aren't kept in containers.
Neo bulk cargo ships are explicitly made for this type of cargo. Roll-on/roll-off automobile carriers and ships that transport logs are two examples.
Furthermore, heavy equipment, lumber, bundled steel/steel coils, big chunks of scrap metal, waste paper bundles, and automobiles are examples of neo-bulk transport commodities.
They are all collectively referred to as a neo-bulk carrier.
Additionally, the category has only been recently acknowledged as a unique general cargo category.
What are the costs associated with ODC?
At some point, shippers may need to move oversized loads from one location to another.
This could apply to military, industrial, or construction equipment. Of course, transporting oversized loads differs from conventional shipping, possibly because it costs more and requires special equipment.
Additionally, they may require additional permits, escort cars, and safety measures for a secure and efficient transportation operation.
Thus, the price of shipping large loads tends to vary depending on a number of variables as well as the type of cargo being transported.
Here are a few costs associated with ODC:
Cargo Permits An over dimensional cargo requires a permit to transport.
The permit may depend on the weight, size, and nature of the cargo, in addition to the origin and destination of the transportation truck, if the shipment exceeds one or more permissible dimensions.
Furthermore, required dimensions vary from one state to another. A cargo permit might cost anything from $15 to $70, depending on the state.
Escorting Vehicles Transporters could need an escort if the cargo load is extensive. The purpose of the escort is to inform the truck driver of any construction work, accidents, etc.
Additionally, it serves as a vital safety warning to other drivers, alerting them to an impending wide load.
Furthermore, states may have different requirements for the location and quantity of escort cars for particular oversize shipments.
Nonetheless, deploying the bare minimum of escort cars for each section of large goods will be more cost-effective.
Safety Measures The carrying and transportation of over dimensional cargoes are highly concerned with safety. Flags, warning signs, and lights are frequently used as safety equipment to help other motorists see the margins of an oversized load.
As a result, transporters must also hang a banner or sign that reads “Wide Load” or “Oversized Load” across the front of the hauling truck.
If the load extends beyond the actual length of the hauling truck, most states will mandate a display, which is an additional warning sign at the end of the cargo or at the back of the vehicle, as an added safety measure.
What is the Maximum Load Height?
Vast quantities of over dimensional cargo are transported throughout the country every day.
Without the truck carriers that transport these items, simple, every-day tasks like putting sugar or salt in our food or filling up our vehicles wouldn't be possible. However, bulky, over dimensional freight can be challenging to ship.
Hence, there are rules that specify how such a product can be transported from one state to another.
Furthermore, one of the specific requirements is to know the maximum load height of a cargo.
The ideal maximum legal load height in the U.S for an over dimensional cargo is 13.5 to 14.5 feet.
What is an Over Dimensional Route?
Overweight and over dimensional loads are larger or heavier than what is typically allowed by law for a particular section of a road, highway, or another piece of transportation infrastructure.
Furthermore, there are limitations on things like the load per axle, height, and width. Special authorization is necessary for vehicles that are over the legal limit to use the roads.
The permission may stipulate conditions such as the day and hour the vehicle is permitted to travel, the route it must take, and whether or not a pilot car or escort is required to travel with it.
This is when an over dimensional route must be taken into consideration because not all roads can support high loads.
However, in order to distribute the weight evenly and prevent damage to the roadbed, shipments may also need more than one axle.
What are Flatbed Over Dimensional Shipments?
Flatbed over dimensional shipments are flatbed deliveries that are larger than the legally required limit.
The flatbed trailer is an open-deck piece of equipment without sides or a roof that is mainly used to move industrial goods.
Due to its adaptability, a flatbed trailer is a popular asset for carriers. It is a straightforward trailer with no sides or a top, making loading and unloading goods quick and simple.
Such trailers frequently transport industrial goods such as steel coils, aircraft parts and other varying steel equipment.
In actuality, the word ‘flatbed’ is frequently used to refer to several different kinds of open-deck machinery.
If the cargo is transported on an over dimensional flatbed trailer, shippers must be mindful of the dimensions of their cargo.
Additionally, it's crucial to be aware of the laws and guidelines that apply in each state while carrying over dimensional flatbed goods.
