Specialized / Oversized / Overweight

Specialized Freight — Oversized / Overweight Services

Oversized, overweight, RGN and heavy-haul shipments require careful equipment, route and timing review. Logistics Worldwide coordinates specialized freight after evaluating the loaded dimensions, weight, loading method and delivery requirements.

For legal-size open-deck freight, see Flatbed / Step Deck service. Working against a deadline? Get an Expedited Freight Quote.

Why Ship Specialized With Us

Plan Complex Freight With the Right Details Up Front

Specialized loads succeed or stall on the details. We start with your verified dimensions, weight, route and site conditions, then review the equipment, permits and timing for the move.

Dimensions Drive the Plan

Legal limits, trailer selection, permits, escorts and route availability can change with small differences in size or weight.

See general legal limits →

Equipment Matched to the Load

RGN, lowboy, double drop, extendable, step deck or multi-axle heavy haul. Our team reviews which trailer fits your freight.

See trailer types →

A Team You Can Reach

We respond within one hour during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. After-hours requests are answered the next business day.

Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447) →
Legal Size and Weight

When Does a Load Become Oversized or Overweight?

Loads above typical legal limits generally need state permits, and some also need escorts or route surveys. Include packaging, pallets, supports and any part of the load that affects the final transported dimensions.

General guidelines. Limits vary by state and route, and your freight details decide the requirements.
MeasurementTypical legal limitAbove the limit
Width8 ft 6 inState permits are generally required; wider loads may need escorts and face travel restrictions.
HeightAbout 13 ft 6 in (varies by state), measured from the road to the top of the loadPermits and route planning around bridges, overpasses and utility lines may be required.
LengthRules vary by state, trailer and overhangLong loads or overhang beyond state limits may need permits and escorts.
Weight80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight on the interstate, with axle limits also applyingOverweight permits, additional axles and route review may be required.

Very heavy or large loads may need extra engineering and time. If your freight fits within legal limits on an open deck, see our Flatbed / Step Deck service.

Trailer Types

Equipment Commonly Reviewed for Specialized Freight

The right trailer depends on the complete loaded dimensions, weight, loading method and route. Our team reviews which trailer fits.

RGN / Removable Gooseneck

The front detaches so equipment can be driven or rolled onto a low deck. Often reviewed for machinery and construction equipment.

Specialized Freight quote form →

Lowboy and Double Drop

Very low deck heights for tall or heavy freight, with drops at the front and rear on a double-drop trailer.

Specialized Freight quote form →

Extendable / Stretch and Step Deck

Extendable trailers lengthen for long freight. Step deck trailers have a lower deck section that may suit taller legal loads.

Specialized Freight quote form →

Multi-Axle Heavy Haul

Additional axles spread the weight of very heavy loads. Configuration depends on the load, the route and permit requirements.

Specialized Freight quote form →

Freight Commonly Reviewed

  • Machinery, construction and industrial equipment
  • Oversized or overweight crated freight
  • RGN, lowboy, double-drop and extendable-trailer loads
  • Freight requiring permits, route surveys or escorts
  • Loads with crane, rigging or appointment requirements
Before You Request a Quote

What to Include in Your Quote Request

Complete, verified details help our team review equipment, permits and pricing faster and avoid surprises at pickup.

  • Exact loaded length, width and height
  • Total loaded weight and weight distribution, when known
  • Commodity description, value and photographs or drawings
  • Pickup and delivery addresses with site-access details
  • Loading and unloading method, including crane or forklift needs
  • Requested dates and any firm delivery deadline
  • Known permit, escort or route restrictions
What to confirm before pickup

Request Your Specialized Freight Quote

Share accurate dimensions, weight, route and loading details for equipment review. A quote request starts the review; you confirm the rate, equipment, permits and timing with our team before anything is booked.

Prefer to talk it through? Call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447) or email info@shiplw.com.

Get a Specialized Freight Quote
How It Works

From Quote Request to Delivery

Four steps to move your specialized freight.

Share Your Load

Send verified dimensions, weight, route, photos or drawings and loading details through the quote form.

We Review It

Our team reviews the trailer, route, permit, escort and timing requirements for your shipment.

Confirm and Book

Confirm the rate, equipment, permits, timing and booking details with our team.

Pickup to Delivery

Your freight moves on the reviewed equipment and route, and our team stays reachable until it delivers.

Plan Ahead

Why Complete Dimensions and Lead Time Matter

Legal limits, trailer selection, permits, escorts and route availability can change with small differences in size or weight. Permits take time to obtain, so give as much lead time as you can.

  • Measure the final transported dimensions, including packaging, pallets and supports
  • Describe how the freight will be loaded and unloaded: crane, rigging, forklift, ramps or drive-on
  • Note ground conditions, overhead clearance and turning room at both sites
  • Share site hours, contacts and any appointment or escort meeting points
  • Allow extra time for engineering on very heavy or large loads

Is Your Load Legal Size?

If the freight fits within legal limits on an open deck, our Flatbed / Step Deck service may be the better starting point. If you are unsure, use the Specialized form and describe the load.

Flatbed / Step Deck service
Four questions to ask before choosing a freight service

Shipper Resources

Guides for Planning Your Shipment

Practical help from our Resource Library and blog.

Resource Library

Quote checklists and planning tools to help you prepare your shipment details.

Visit the library →

Before Pickup Checklist

What to confirm before pickup so your shipment goes as planned.

Read the checklist →

Shipping Terms Glossary

Plain-English definitions for common freight and shipping terms.

Search the glossary →

All Freight Services

Compare our eight freight services and choose the right quote form.

View all services →
Specialized Freight FAQ

Common Questions

Can I request a quote before every detail is final?

Yes. Identify estimates clearly and explain what remains to be confirmed. Final pricing and equipment selection may change after verified dimensions and weight are provided.

Are permits included?

Permit and escort requirements depend on the route and load. Our team will review what is needed, and any permit or escort requirements are confirmed with you before booking.

What if the shipment is also urgent?

State the exact ready time and deadline in the specialized quote request so timing can be evaluated with routing and permit requirements.

How do I know if my load is oversized or overweight?

As a general guideline, loads wider than 8 ft 6 in, taller than about 13 ft 6 in (varies by state), longer than state length rules allow, or above 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight on the interstate usually need permits. Limits vary by state, so send your verified dimensions and weight for review.

How much lead time should I allow?

Permits, escorts and route surveys take time to arrange, and very heavy or large loads may need extra engineering. Share your ready date as early as you can so the timing can be reviewed.

Which trailer will my freight need?

It depends on the loaded dimensions, weight, loading method and route. Options may include RGN, lowboy, double drop, extendable, step deck or multi-axle heavy-haul equipment. Our team reviews which trailer fits. For legal-size open-deck freight, see our Flatbed / Step Deck service.

How quickly will I hear back?

We respond within one hour during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Requests received after hours are answered the next business day.

Start Your Specialized Freight Quote

Share accurate dimensions, weight, route and loading details for equipment review, or call 1-844-488-SHIP (7447).

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