Logistics companies all need to be aware of the Divisible Load Law. The intention of this law is to prevent potential overloading of cargo on to a trailer. Under the law, if the cargo or components that are to be shipped are able to be separated into multiple units of legal dimensions without affecting the load’s physical integrity, they must be divided in circumstances in which they do not fall within the state’s legal dimensions.
What is a non-divisible load in Flagstaff, AZ? For the purposes of this law, a non-divisible load is a single item or piece that cannot be separated into smaller units with less weight without affecting the physical integrity of the load. It should not exceed eight man-hours to disassemble a load for it to be considered divisible. If it would take less than eight hours (the number of persons working on this does not matter), then it must be separated. Non-divisible loads can still be transported, but will require special permitting from state offices.
There are four types of dimensions in which you can expect the Divisible Load Law to apply. Here’s a quick overview of each of these types, in order from most to least common. You must contact all states through which you will be transporting to verify the applicable state regulations:
- Very common: The most common situation in which the Divisible Load Law will apply is for total weights for tractors and trailers. The total weight of vehicle, trailer and load must not exceed 80,000 lbs. If there are two or more pieces that cause the total weight to exceed 80,000 lbs, they must be separated in some way.
- Somewhat common: The total width of the load should not be allowed to exceed 8’6”. If there are two or more pieces and one causes the width of the load to exceed 8’6”, these loads will need to be divided. Otherwise you will have a circumstance in which you’ll need to receive special permitting and follow the proper rules for a wide load. You likely have encountered this while traveling on a freeway or highway before.
- Uncommon: The total length of the load being hauled should not exceed the maximum limit for the state. If other pieces add to the length of the load, then they must be transported separately.
- Very uncommon: The total height of the load is not allowed to exceed state maximums. In most cases, these maximums will be somewhere around 13’6” east of the Mississippi and 14’ west of the Mississippi. This doesn’t happen extremely frequently, as most items are not stacked if shipped in multiple pieces—they’d be more likely to be side by side or split into different loads.
Again, it is crucial to check with each state through which you will be hauling your cargo to learn the maximums and regulations for each one of those states. For more information about the Divisible Load Law and for tips on non-divisible loads in Flagstaff, AZ, contact the team at Maclin Truck & Trailer today.