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The USA has 4.2 million miles of highways sprawled across its different states. This makes it one of the most developed highway networks in the world. Heavy haulers use this network of highways and routes to transport equipment to and from destinations.
Most people use the words “route” and “highway” interchangeably. That’s OK for everyday driving. However, for heavy equipment transport, the difference matters more than most people realize. A 15-ft highway-legal crane may be illegal on certain state routes.
In this article, we’ll explore how the distinctions between the two directly affect heavy haul feasibility, permits, safety, and cost.
Major roads designed for intercity and interstate high-speed travel are called highways. These roads are typically state- or federally funded and maintained. Most highways have multiple lanes and are engineered to support higher load capacity than conventional roads. To prevent congestion points, highways have fewer access points. Mostly stemming from major cities.
There are several types of highways, including:
Highways are designed to enable commercial freight. Bridge clearances are usually kept to 16 ft or more. Road surfaces are designed to withstand 80,000-pound loads repeatedly for years. Turns are designed to accommodate large trailers.
Routes don’t quite follow the same engineering standards. They include state routes, country roads, and designated corridors connecting smaller towns and rural areas. The purpose of routes is to offer more connectivity for general traffic. This is the reason routes even pass through smaller towns and rural residential areas.
Routes are not always designed for oversized or overweight loads, though. Typically, routes feature tighter turns that accommodate smaller vehicles. Some routes might be wide and well-maintained, while others are narrow two-lanes with low bridge clearances and stricter weight restrictions. This innate variability is a problem. Survey engineers need to assess, on a case-by-case basis, which routes are suitable for heavy hauling.
There are several distinctions:
Speed limits: Highways go 55-75 mph. Routes on the flip side range from 25-55 mph. These speeds can even drop further when passing through towns.
Access:Highways make use of ramps. Routes have frequent intersections, studded with driveways and service lanes.
Traffic density:Highways are wider and designed to accommodate high traffic volumes. Routes, on the other hand, due to traffic signals, narrower lanes, and intersections, experience higher congestion. Despite lower traffic, frequent stops along routes increase vehicle density.
Turning radius allowances:Highways are built for large trucks and trailers. Routes are a different story. They have sharp 90-degree turns, which aren’t exactly large vehicle-friendly.
Suitability for oversized loads:Highways can generally cope with oversized loads. Permits might be needed, though. Routes often prohibit wide, tall, or heavy equipment entirely. Display messages, road signs, and physical barriers warn oncoming heavy haulers to keep away.
Additionally, routes might have various access points, such as:
Ideally, all shipments should take the most direct route possible to save on time and gas. In the real world, this isn’t always possible. The shortest route on a map may not be legal or suitable for large carriers. That’s why engineers need to optimize the best possible scenarios to choose among highways and routes.
Certain states will require escorts for shipments over 12 ft wide. Others would require escorts only on specific routes, not on highways. If your route requires more than one escort vehicle due to heavy traffic at both the front and rear, the costs would obviously increase.
States will usually allow daytime movement only, considering safety. Some shipments still might get clearance if sufficient lighting arrangements are made. The costs can go up, considering that in most cases, only 8-10 hours of the day (sunlight hours) can be used. Remote floodlights for nighttime usage will also build up bills. Night-time movement takes advantage of off-peak traffic and helps minimize disruption to the local communities.
Highways require less time for permits as heavy hauling corridors are already established. Routes require extensive feasibility studies and mitigation measures to make the access appropriate for heavy loads.
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Transport engineers survey routes using a number of methods: GPS data, satellite imagery, physical inspections, and government records. They measure bridge clearances, road widths, road gradients, and any obstructions. Calculations are made to see if the cargo can safely navigate through turns and slopes.
Next up, permits are obtained. Carriers submit the intended route plan to the state’s Department of Transportation. Further documentation might be needed. If denied, clarification is sought, and alternative routes are drafted. If approved, escort planning is done. Compliance-first decision making helps passageways that are both legal and safe. Cost is a priority, but not at the expense of compliance.
Heavy Haulers has nearly twenty years of experience hauling heavy and oversize loads. Your dedicated hauling specialist pre-plans the transport, to determine the best routes, highways and roads to delivery your equipment safely. Get started by speaking to a live agent now! (800) 908-6206
No. Highways are major roads designated for high-speed, long-distance travel. Routes will include local and state roads with variability in width, grades, clearance, and restrictions.
Not always. Some highways may prohibit oversized cargo. Specific details should be sought with local state Department of Transport.
Some routes may be unsuitable for heavy equipment as the bridges, roads or intersections might not be suitable for oversized or overweight equipment.
Yes. Permits list the approved roads to use for each haul.
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