Best Routes for Oversized Load Haulers in the Pacific Northwest
For fleet managers working within companies that offer oversized load hauling (also known as heavy haul or superload transport) and for independent owner-operators who work in this very specialized genre of trucking, you understand there’s a lot more that goes into a heavy haul versus a standard 18-wheeler gig.
Before you even load up, you need to be familiar with state and local regulations and restrictions, and you generally need special permits to operate in various jurisdictions—which can be especially difficult if you have a long-distance haul that crosses multiple municipalities or even state lines.
Many times, this requires a special permit, and in some cases, more than one. You will also be required to outfit the tow vehicle and trailer with highly visible “Oversized Load” banners, flags, or flashing lights. In some cases, you will need a pilot car to lead the hauler and an escort vehicle may be required to follow to keep other traffic on the road aware of the large load. Both are meant to warn others to proceed with caution due to the unexpected haul and possible disruption to normal commutes.
Depending on the size and weight of the load, the haul may require a special trailer, such as a removable gooseneck or multi-axle lowboy trailer to evenly distribute the immense weight or keep the load low enough to clear overpasses along the way.
Perhaps even the most important facet of planning an oversized load transport is understanding the route. A driver can’t just jump in the cab after a larger-than-average load has been connected and simply punch coordinates into the truck’s GPS. The route has to be meticulously planned in order to avoid low bridges, narrow turns, and weight-restricted roads.
One of the country’s most significant economic regions for heavy hauls is the Pacific Northwest, including the transport of vast amounts of lumber and industrial equipment. If you’re operating in Washington, Oregon, or Idaho, you can expect challenging terrain and unforgiving road conditions when dealing with the weather. That’s why you need a reliable pathway to deliver your cargo. Here is a look at some of the best routes for oversized loads when hauling in the Pacific Northwest.
Why The Pacific Northwest?
For one thing, the bulk of the nation’s permitted superload and over-dimensional cargo moves through major freight regions like the Midwest, Texas, and the South. However, the Pacific Northwest sees a significant volume of highly specialized heavy-haul transports, including logging and timber equipment, in addition to massive aerospace components and humongous data center infrastructure modules. Operators new to this area of the country may not be familiar with the specific needs, practices, or best routes in this region.
Further, various proponents of the Heavy-Haul Corridor—which connects the western tip of the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and Canada—are trying to convince oversized load companies and drivers to stay north, rather than automatically head to the heavier-traveled ports on the Gulf Coast, which has been the norm for so long.
The Routes
Some of the major highway arteries that run through Washington, Oregon, and Idaho are well-established for handling oversized loads. However, there are some highly enforced restrictions and a few limitations that transport companies need to be aware of when making the routing plans.
In Idaho, the best east-west routes include I-84 to the south and I-90 to the north. US-20/26 is also a good option. For north-south travel, I-15 and US-95 are both excellent choices. These are all known as “Black Routes,” which are generally four-lane interstates and U.S. highways that can accommodate loads up to 14 feet, 6 inches wide and 15 feet, 6 inches wide. “Red Routes” are usually two-lane state highways that are limited to a maximum width of 12 feet, 6 inches.
Routine dimensions for oversized loads in Idaho are up to 8 feet, 6 inches wide; 14 feet high; and 75 feet in length. Anything larger than that requires a permit. Superloads are anything larger than routine loads that exceed 16 feet in height or width. These require a special engineering evaluation before a permit can be issued. The escort rule on two-lane roads over 12 feet wide or 100 feet long requires at least one escort vehicle. Anything over 14 feet wide requires two escort vehicles. On four-lane roads, anything more than 15 feet wide requires one escort. For additional information about permits, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Permit Office is one helpful resource to ensure your load is safe for your intended corridor.
In Oregon, the primary east-west route continues to be I-84, which connects Idaho on the eastern side of the state and leads to Portland on the western side. In the event of construction or closures, oversized haulers must often detour to secondary two-lane highways such as US-26, US-97, or US-20, if permitted. For additional information and permit requirements on oversized loads, visit the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) website.
East-west routes in Washington include I-90 and I-82. In the colder months, mountain pass winter restrictions are in effect from November to April. Height limitations and permit requirements are rigorously monitored. The main artery for north-south shipping is I-5. However, there are strict curfews and commuter restrictions on I-5 through some of the major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Vancouver. For additional information on running oversized loads through Washington, visit the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website.
For heavy-sized long-haul driving, these are your main roads in the Pacific Northwest that will lead you to delivery. While it may not be an easy task, keep on trucking, heavy-load haulers. Thank you for all the extra effort you put into keeping us moving forward.
Barrett Baker
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