What is considered a heavy haul load?

A load is classified as heavy haul when it exceeds federal legal limits: 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53’ long. Loads that exceed any one of these thresholds require oversize or overweight permits before they can move on public roads. At Cowtown Logistics, we coordinate permitting and routing for loads that exceed one or all of these limits.

How much does heavy haul trucking cost?

Heavy haul rates typically range from $4.50 to $12.00 per mile depending on load dimensions, weight, trailer type, permit requirements, and route complexity. Superloads - those exceeding 200,000 lbs or requiring engineering studies - can run significantly higher. Factors like escort vehicle requirements, restricted travel windows, and multi-state permit fees all affect the final rate. Contact Cowtown Logistics for a load-specific quote.

What permits are required for heavy haul trucking?

Permit requirements vary by state and load dimensions. Most oversize loads require a single-trip or annual oversize permit from each state the route passes through. Loads over 10’ wide, 14'6" tall, or 120’ long typically require additional route surveys and may need law enforcement escorts. In Texas, overweight permits are issued through the TXDMV and are valid for five days. Cowtown Logistics handles permit procurement across all 48 contiguous states.

How wide of a load can you haul without a permit in Texas?

In Texas, loads up to 8'6" wide can travel without an oversize permit. Anything wider requires a permit issued through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV). Loads wider than 10’ require a pilot car escort, and loads wider than 14’ typically require law enforcement escort and are restricted to daylight travel only. Cowtown Logistics manages TXDMV permit procurement and escort coordination for Texas freight shipping moves. For full size and weight guidelines, visit the TXDMV oversize and overweight permits page .

What is the difference between oversize and overweight freight?

Oversize freight exceeds legal dimension limits - width, height, or length. Overweight freight exceeds the 80,000 lb gross vehicle weight limit or axle weight limits, typically 20,000 lbs per single axle and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. A load can be oversize without being overweight, or both simultaneously. Each condition triggers separate permitting requirements, and some states treat them differently for routing and travel window restrictions.

What trailer types are used for heavy haul freight?

The trailer type is determined by load dimensions, weight, and how the freight needs to be loaded. RGN trailers are best for tall equipment that drives or rolls onto the trailer from the front via a detachable ramp. Double drop and lowboy trailers are used for extremely heavy or tall machinery where deck height needs to be as low as possible. Step decks provide additional height clearance for freight that exceeds standard flatbed limits but does not require a well deck. Flatbeds are used for oversize loads that are wide or long but within manageable height limits. Cowtown Logistics matches each load to the right trailer configuration based on your freight’s specific dimensions and weight.

Do heavy haul loads require escort vehicles?

Escort requirements depend on load dimensions and the states being traveled through. In most states, loads wider than 12’ require one pilot car, and loads wider than 14’ require front and rear escorts. Some states require law enforcement escorts for loads above certain thresholds. Loads traveling on interstate highways, bridges, or through tunnels may have additional escort requirements. Cowtown Logistics coordinates all escort arrangements as part of the move plan before dispatch.

How long does it take to get permits for a heavy haul move?

Standard oversize permits can typically be obtained within 24 to 72 hours for single-state moves. Multi-state moves with complex routing may take 3 to 7 business days. Superloads requiring engineering route surveys or bridge analysis can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer depending on state review timelines. Cowtown Logistics begins the permit process immediately after load details are confirmed to minimize scheduling delays.

What industries commonly use heavy haul trucking?

Heavy haul freight is most common in construction, energy, mining, manufacturing, and railroad infrastructure. Typical loads include excavators, bulldozers, cranes, wind turbine components, oil and gas processing equipment, industrial pumps, transformers, and large structural steel. Cowtown Logistics coordinates heavy haul moves for construction projects , energy installations, railroad equipment , and plant equipment relocations across the continental United States.

Can heavy haul freight travel at night or on weekends?

Travel restrictions depend on load dimensions and state regulations. In Texas, loads under 10’ wide and 100’ long can travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Loads exceeding those dimensions are typically restricted to daylight hours - from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset - and are prohibited on Sundays and holidays in many states. Cowtown Logistics builds all travel window restrictions into the route plan before dispatch.

What is a superload, and how is it handled differently?

A superload is a load that significantly exceeds standard oversize thresholds - typically over 200,000 lbs, over 16’ wide, or over 150’ long. Superloads require engineering route surveys to assess bridge load ratings, road surface conditions, and clearance points. They often require coordination with state DOTs, utility companies for wire lifts, and law enforcement escorts. Lead times are longer and costs are higher than standard heavy haul moves. Cowtown Logistics coordinates superload moves with the specialized planning and agency coordination they require.

How do I get a quote for a heavy haul shipment?

To provide an accurate heavy haul quote, Cowtown Logistics needs the following information: origin and destination, freight dimensions including length, width, and height, total weight, commodity type, and any known loading or site access constraints. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can assess trailer options, permit requirements, and routing. Contact our team directly or submit a freight quote request and a heavy haul specialist will follow up within one business day.

What is considered a heavy haul load?

A load is classified as heavy haul when it exceeds federal legal limits: 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53’ long. Loads that exceed any one of these thresholds require oversize or overweight permits before they can move on public roads. At Cowtown Logistics, we coordinate permitting and routing for loads that exceed one or all of these limits.

How much does heavy haul trucking cost?

Heavy haul rates typically range from $4.50 to $12.00 per mile depending on load dimensions, weight, trailer type, permit requirements, and route complexity. Superloads - those exceeding 200,000 lbs or requiring engineering studies - can run significantly higher. Factors like escort vehicle requirements, restricted travel windows, and multi-state permit fees all affect the final rate. Contact Cowtown Logistics for a load-specific quote.

What permits are required for heavy haul trucking?

Permit requirements vary by state and load dimensions. Most oversize loads require a single-trip or annual oversize permit from each state the route passes through. Loads over 10’ wide, 14'6" tall, or 120’ long typically require additional route surveys and may need law enforcement escorts. In Texas, overweight permits are issued through the TXDMV and are valid for five days. Cowtown Logistics handles permit procurement across all 48 contiguous states.

How wide of a load can you haul without a permit in Texas?

In Texas, loads up to 8'6" wide can travel without an oversize permit. Anything wider requires a permit issued through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV). Loads wider than 10’ require a pilot car escort, and loads wider than 14’ typically require law enforcement escort and are restricted to daylight travel only. Cowtown Logistics manages TXDMV permit procurement and escort coordination for Texas freight shipping moves. For full size and weight guidelines, visit the TXDMV oversize and overweight permits page .

What is the difference between oversize and overweight freight?

Oversize freight exceeds legal dimension limits - width, height, or length. Overweight freight exceeds the 80,000 lb gross vehicle weight limit or axle weight limits, typically 20,000 lbs per single axle and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. A load can be oversize without being overweight, or both simultaneously. Each condition triggers separate permitting requirements, and some states treat them differently for routing and travel window restrictions.

What trailer types are used for heavy haul freight?

The trailer type is determined by load dimensions, weight, and how the freight needs to be loaded. RGN trailers are best for tall equipment that drives or rolls onto the trailer from the front via a detachable ramp. Double drop and lowboy trailers are used for extremely heavy or tall machinery where deck height needs to be as low as possible. Step decks provide additional height clearance for freight that exceeds standard flatbed limits but does not require a well deck. Flatbeds are used for oversize loads that are wide or long but within manageable height limits. Cowtown Logistics matches each load to the right trailer configuration based on your freight’s specific dimensions and weight.

Do heavy haul loads require escort vehicles?

Escort requirements depend on load dimensions and the states being traveled through. In most states, loads wider than 12’ require one pilot car, and loads wider than 14’ require front and rear escorts. Some states require law enforcement escorts for loads above certain thresholds. Loads traveling on interstate highways, bridges, or through tunnels may have additional escort requirements. Cowtown Logistics coordinates all escort arrangements as part of the move plan before dispatch.

How long does it take to get permits for a heavy haul move?

Standard oversize permits can typically be obtained within 24 to 72 hours for single-state moves. Multi-state moves with complex routing may take 3 to 7 business days. Superloads requiring engineering route surveys or bridge analysis can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer depending on state review timelines. Cowtown Logistics begins the permit process immediately after load details are confirmed to minimize scheduling delays.

What industries commonly use heavy haul trucking?

Heavy haul freight is most common in construction, energy, mining, manufacturing, and railroad infrastructure. Typical loads include excavators, bulldozers, cranes, wind turbine components, oil and gas processing equipment, industrial pumps, transformers, and large structural steel. Cowtown Logistics coordinates heavy haul moves for construction projects , energy installations, railroad equipment , and plant equipment relocations across the continental United States.

Can heavy haul freight travel at night or on weekends?

Travel restrictions depend on load dimensions and state regulations. In Texas, loads under 10’ wide and 100’ long can travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Loads exceeding those dimensions are typically restricted to daylight hours - from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset - and are prohibited on Sundays and holidays in many states. Cowtown Logistics builds all travel window restrictions into the route plan before dispatch.

What is a superload, and how is it handled differently?

A superload is a load that significantly exceeds standard oversize thresholds - typically over 200,000 lbs, over 16’ wide, or over 150’ long. Superloads require engineering route surveys to assess bridge load ratings, road surface conditions, and clearance points. They often require coordination with state DOTs, utility companies for wire lifts, and law enforcement escorts. Lead times are longer and costs are higher than standard heavy haul moves. Cowtown Logistics coordinates superload moves with the specialized planning and agency coordination they require.

How do I get a quote for a heavy haul shipment?

To provide an accurate heavy haul quote, Cowtown Logistics needs the following information: origin and destination, freight dimensions including length, width, and height, total weight, commodity type, and any known loading or site access constraints. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can assess trailer options, permit requirements, and routing. Contact our team directly or submit a freight quote request and a heavy haul specialist will follow up within one business day.

Heavy Haul Trucking

Heavy Haul Trucking Services

Cowtown Logistics manages heavy haul freight with route planning, permit strategy, specialized trailer matching, and project coordination built for overweight and over-dimensional loads.

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Heavy Haul Focus

Planning Built for Oversized Complexity

We align trailer selection, routing, permits, and project oversight before heavy freight ever gets on the road.

Heavy Haul Control Points

Permit strategy and route planning completed before dispatch

Specialized trailer matching for weight, dimensions, and loading method

Overweight and oversized coordination with escorts and route constraints

Project oversight for complex site access and delivery sequencing

A photograph of a semi truck hauling large steel pipes.

Heavy Haul and Oversized solutions

We Handle the Complexity of Heavy Haul

Cowtown Logistics plans heavy-haul moves around route requirements, permitting, trailer fit, and delivery constraints before freight ever leaves the origin site.

Heavy-haul freight requires more than capacity. It takes route planning, permit coordination, trailer alignment, and a clear plan for loading, escorts, site access, and delivery sequencing.

Cowtown Logistics coordinates those details with specialized carriers and project teams so oversized and overweight freight can move compliantly, reduce avoidable delays, and arrive with fewer execution risks.

Heavy Haul Services

Heavy Hauling Services We Provide

Cowtown Logistics matches heavy freight with the right trailer configuration, loading approach, and specialized carrier support for oversized and overweight moves using equipment such as RGN trailers , double drop trailers , and step deck trailers .

Choosing The Right Heavy Haul Trailer Carrier: You need a truck with at least seven axles and potentially an extra-long trailer to transport heavy hauls. We’ll match the load to the right setup, whether that means RGN trailers , double drop trailers , or flatbed support.

Loading Freight On The Trailer: Our dolly system and crane solutions are designed to load oversized heavy-haul shipments safely and efficiently, especially for freight such as construction equipment shipping , railroad equipment shipping , and industrial pump shipping .

Acquiring Necessary Permits: We procure required permits and follow each state’s regulations to reduce delays and compliance risk.

Shipping Escort Service: Escort support is available for oversized and overweight loads that require additional in-transit safety controls.

Why Cowtown Logistics

Why Choose Cowtown Logistics For Your Heavy Freight Hauling?

Our team combines experienced heavy-haul coordination with practical planning to reduce delays and protect freight in transit.

From one-time project loads to recurring heavy lanes, our team builds reliable execution plans around your operating requirements.

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48 States

Nationwide Heavy-Haul Coordination

1 Team

Permit and Compliance Management

24/7

Operational Visibility and Updates

100%

Focus on Safe, Compliant Execution

Cargo Profiles

Types of Heavy Haul Cargo We Move

We support oversized, overweight, and specialized freight movements with trailer matching, route planning, and permit coordination.

Construction and Infrastructure Equipment: Move dozers, excavators, cranes, and related project equipment with compliant heavy-haul execution.

Industrial Machinery: Coordinate transport for large manufacturing systems and plant equipment requiring specialized handling.

Energy and Utility Components: Support wind, power, and utility shipments with route planning and permitting for oversized dimensions.

Over-Dimensional Project Freight: Handle one-off or recurring project cargo that exceeds standard legal size or weight thresholds.

Heavy Haul Capabilities

Heavy Haul Trucking Solutions We Offer

Cowtown Logistics matches heavy-haul shipments with the right trailer type based on dimensions, weight, loading method, and route requirements.

Flatbed Trailers: Flatbeds support oversized freight that loads from the side, top, or rear and does not require enclosed transport.

Step Decks: Step decks provide added height clearance for freight that exceeds standard flatbed deck limits.

Conestoga: Conestoga trailers protect sensitive freight while still allowing side and overhead loading access.

Lowboys: Lowboys are used for extremely heavy machinery and equipment that need a low deck height and stable center of gravity.

Double Drops: Double drops add well-deck clearance for tall freight that needs more vertical room than a standard trailer can provide.

Removable Goosenecks (RGN): RGN trailers make it easier to load heavy and oversized equipment using front-ramp access.

Common Questions

Heavy Haul Trucking FAQs

What is considered a heavy haul load?: A load is classified as heavy haul when it exceeds federal legal limits: 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight, 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 53’ long. Loads that exceed any one of these thresholds require oversize or overweight permits before they can move on public roads. At Cowtown Logistics, we coordinate permitting and routing for loads that exceed one or all of these limits.
How much does heavy haul trucking cost?: Heavy haul rates typically range from $4.50 to $12.00 per mile depending on load dimensions, weight, trailer type, permit requirements, and route complexity. Superloads - those exceeding 200,000 lbs or requiring engineering studies - can run significantly higher. Factors like escort vehicle requirements, restricted travel windows, and multi-state permit fees all affect the final rate. Contact Cowtown Logistics for a load-specific quote.
What permits are required for heavy haul trucking?: Permit requirements vary by state and load dimensions. Most oversize loads require a single-trip or annual oversize permit from each state the route passes through. Loads over 10’ wide, 14'6" tall, or 120’ long typically require additional route surveys and may need law enforcement escorts. In Texas, overweight permits are issued through the TXDMV and are valid for five days. Cowtown Logistics handles permit procurement across all 48 contiguous states.
How wide of a load can you haul without a permit in Texas?: In Texas, loads up to 8'6" wide can travel without an oversize permit. Anything wider requires a permit issued through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV). Loads wider than 10’ require a pilot car escort, and loads wider than 14’ typically require law enforcement escort and are restricted to daylight travel only. Cowtown Logistics manages TXDMV permit procurement and escort coordination for Texas freight shipping moves. For full size and weight guidelines, visit the TXDMV oversize and overweight permits page .
What is the difference between oversize and overweight freight?: Oversize freight exceeds legal dimension limits - width, height, or length. Overweight freight exceeds the 80,000 lb gross vehicle weight limit or axle weight limits, typically 20,000 lbs per single axle and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. A load can be oversize without being overweight, or both simultaneously. Each condition triggers separate permitting requirements, and some states treat them differently for routing and travel window restrictions.
What trailer types are used for heavy haul freight?: The trailer type is determined by load dimensions, weight, and how the freight needs to be loaded. RGN trailers are best for tall equipment that drives or rolls onto the trailer from the front via a detachable ramp. Double drop and lowboy trailers are used for extremely heavy or tall machinery where deck height needs to be as low as possible. Step decks provide additional height clearance for freight that exceeds standard flatbed limits but does not require a well deck. Flatbeds are used for oversize loads that are wide or long but within manageable height limits. Cowtown Logistics matches each load to the right trailer configuration based on your freight’s specific dimensions and weight.
Do heavy haul loads require escort vehicles?: Escort requirements depend on load dimensions and the states being traveled through. In most states, loads wider than 12’ require one pilot car, and loads wider than 14’ require front and rear escorts. Some states require law enforcement escorts for loads above certain thresholds. Loads traveling on interstate highways, bridges, or through tunnels may have additional escort requirements. Cowtown Logistics coordinates all escort arrangements as part of the move plan before dispatch.
How long does it take to get permits for a heavy haul move?: Standard oversize permits can typically be obtained within 24 to 72 hours for single-state moves. Multi-state moves with complex routing may take 3 to 7 business days. Superloads requiring engineering route surveys or bridge analysis can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer depending on state review timelines. Cowtown Logistics begins the permit process immediately after load details are confirmed to minimize scheduling delays.
What industries commonly use heavy haul trucking?: Heavy haul freight is most common in construction, energy, mining, manufacturing, and railroad infrastructure. Typical loads include excavators, bulldozers, cranes, wind turbine components, oil and gas processing equipment, industrial pumps, transformers, and large structural steel. Cowtown Logistics coordinates heavy haul moves for construction projects , energy installations, railroad equipment , and plant equipment relocations across the continental United States.
Can heavy haul freight travel at night or on weekends?: Travel restrictions depend on load dimensions and state regulations. In Texas, loads under 10’ wide and 100’ long can travel 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Loads exceeding those dimensions are typically restricted to daylight hours - from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset - and are prohibited on Sundays and holidays in many states. Cowtown Logistics builds all travel window restrictions into the route plan before dispatch.
What is a superload, and how is it handled differently?: A superload is a load that significantly exceeds standard oversize thresholds - typically over 200,000 lbs, over 16’ wide, or over 150’ long. Superloads require engineering route surveys to assess bridge load ratings, road surface conditions, and clearance points. They often require coordination with state DOTs, utility companies for wire lifts, and law enforcement escorts. Lead times are longer and costs are higher than standard heavy haul moves. Cowtown Logistics coordinates superload moves with the specialized planning and agency coordination they require.
How do I get a quote for a heavy haul shipment?: To provide an accurate heavy haul quote, Cowtown Logistics needs the following information: origin and destination, freight dimensions including length, width, and height, total weight, commodity type, and any known loading or site access constraints. The more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can assess trailer options, permit requirements, and routing. Contact our team directly or submit a freight quote request and a heavy haul specialist will follow up within one business day.