OD Basics Part 1 (Deck 1)

Question 1

Oversized Load

Answer 1

Shipment that exceeds legal dimensions set by DOT (width, height, length, or weight).

Question 2

Over-Dimensional (OD)

Answer 2

A classification for loads that exceed legal size limits and require special permits or routing.

Question 3

Permitted Load

Answer 3

A load allowed to exceed legal size with a special state-issued permit.

Question 4

Pilot Car / Escort Vehicle

Answer 4

Vehicle that accompanies an oversized load to warn traffic and assist with safe travel.

Question 5

Superload

Answer 5

A load that greatly exceeds OD limits and may require route surveys and police escorts.

Question 6

Legal Load Limits

Answer 6

8’6” wide, 13’6” tall (varies by state), 48-53’ long, 80,000 lbs GVW.

Question 7

Bridge Formula

Answer 7

Federal regulation on axle weight distribution to protect bridges.

Question 8

Route Survey

Answer 8

Analysis checking bridge clearances, road strength, and travel feasibility for OD loads.

Question 9

Dimensional Survey

Answer 9

Official measurement of load dimensions for planning and permitting.

Question 10

Axle Spacing

Answer 10

Distance between axles affecting weight distribution and permit needs.

Question 11

RGN (Removable Gooseneck)

Answer 11

Trailer that detaches at the front for front-loading tall or heavy equipment.

Question 12

Lowboy Trailer

Answer 12

Trailer with a drop deck to move tall equipment under legal bridge height.

Question 13

Extendable Trailer

Answer 13

Trailer that stretches in length to move long loads like blades or beams.

Question 14

Double Drop Trailer

Answer 14

Trailer with two deck height drops to accommodate taller freight.

Question 15

Steerable Dolly

Answer 15

Axle system under long loads that pivots to assist with turning.

Question 16

Multi-Axle Trailer

Answer 16

Trailer with multiple axles to distribute heavy loads legally.

Question 17

Blade Trailer

Answer 17

Specialized trailer for wind turbine blades; very long, steerable, extendable.

Question 18

Jeep Dolly

Answer 18

Modular axle system placed between truck and trailer for added weight distribution.

Question 19

Booster

Answer 19

Axle assembly added at trailer rear to help with load weight distribution.

Question 20

Schnabel Trailer

Answer 20

Self-loading trailer used for massive and tall freight (e.g. turbines, transformers).

Question 21

Single Trip Permit

Answer 21

Permit for one OD move along a specific route.

Question 22

Annual Permit

Answer 22

Permit allowing repetitive OD moves within specific limits over a year.

Question 23

State DOT Regulations

Answer 23

State-specific limits, restrictions, curfews, and permit rules for OD moves.

Question 24

Travel Restrictions

Answer 24

Limitations like daylight-only travel, no holidays/weekends, etc.

Question 25

Curfew Hours

Answer 25

Time windows when OD moves are restricted (rush hours, city limits, etc.).

Question 26

Weekend Travel Ban

Answer 26

Some states ban OD moves on weekends or holidays.

Question 27

Police Escort

Answer 27

Law enforcement vehicle required for high-risk or superload moves.

Question 28

Permit Load Routing

Answer 28

State-selected route for OD moves based on infrastructure limitations.

Question 29

Height Pole Vehicle

Answer 29

Lead vehicle with a height-measuring pole to test clearances in real time.

Question 30

Permit Coordinator

Answer 30

Person or company arranging all permits for an OD shipment.

Question 31

Pre-Trip Inspection

Answer 31

Full check of equipment, cargo, and permits before moving OD freight.

Question 32

Load Securement

Answer 32

Chains, straps, and dunnage used to keep OD freight in place during transit.

Question 33

Blocking & Bracing

Answer 33

Custom-built supports to prevent shifting of large freight.

Question 34

Load Plan

Answer 34

Diagram or plan showing how the load will be positioned and secured.

Question 35

Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI)

Answer 35

Document from shipper with handling and routing instructions.

Question 36

Bill of Lading (BOL)

Answer 36

Legal contract between shipper and carrier describing the OD freight.

Question 37

Tarps vs. Shrink Wrap

Answer 37

OD freight may require custom tarps or shrink wrap due to large size.

Question 38

Carrier Capacity

Answer 38

Availability of trailers and qualified drivers for OD loads.

Question 39

Site Constraints

Answer 39

Limiting factors like tight spaces, low wires, or steep inclines at pickup/delivery.

Question 40

Crane Lift Coordination

Answer 40

Planning for crane use to load/unload large cargo.

Question 41

Accessorial Charges

Answer 41

Extra fees for escorts, permits, cranes, waiting time, surveys, etc.

Question 42

All-In Rate

Answer 42

Flat price quote including linehaul and all extras for OD moves.

Question 43

Rate per Mile (RPM)

Answer 43

Cost-per-mile that’s often higher for OD loads due to complexity.

Question 44

Layover Fee

Answer 44

Charged when a driver waits overnight due to curfews or other delays.

Question 45

Tariff-Based Pricing

Answer 45

Structured pricing model some OD carriers use for repeat shipments.

Question 46

Spot Quote

Answer 46

One-time rate based on real-time market, urgency, and trailer availability.

Question 47

Capacity Shortage

Answer 47

When specialized OD equipment is limited, driving up costs.

Question 48

Risk Management

Answer 48

Minimizing risk with route surveys, escorts, permits, and vetted carriers.

Question 49

Margin Compression

Answer 49

When OD accessorials and delays reduce your profit.

Question 50

High-Ticket Freight

Answer 50

Freight generating $15K–$50K+ per shipment due to complexity and size.