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The Daily Bale
Natasha Post, Author
TractorTransport.com
A farm tractor is a heavy piece of machinery used in a variety of agricultural tasks. Shipping tractors requires transport permits because it’s oversized equipment whose shipping can cause safety concerns to motorists and damage public property. If you’re wondering what permits you need to move a tractor, this post is here to provide the answer.
Permits You Needed to Haul a Tractor
While most shipping companies retrieve the necessary permits on their clients’ behalf, some situations warrant you to apply for the permit yourself. That’s why it’s critical to know the types of permits required for tractor hauling.
Oversize/Overweight Load Permits
Also referred to as oversized/overweight permits, single trips permits are needed when your tractor’s dimensions exceed the standard legal limits. The DOT laws in many states limit the load width to 8.5 feet, height (13.5 feet), weight (80,000 pounds), and length (65 feet). However, the overall length limits vary from state to state. It would be best if worked together with your local DOT offices to confirm the load and trailer length limits.
Oversized/Overweight City and County Permits
If the cargo is destined for delivery within a particular city or county, you’ll need to obtain an oversized/overweight city or county permit. Local transport authorities in various jurisdictions understand the legal policies governing heavy hauling and the liabilities the industry has on city roads and public property. To protect the infrastructure and promote safety, city and county DOT offices will require permits.
Applying for Heavy Haul Permits
If you plan on shipping your farm tractor by yourself, it’s critical to know the permit application process and the required documents. In the United States, you can obtain a heavy hauling permit in three ways:
Directly from the state
You can file for the permit directly from your state’s DOT office. That saves you money that a heavy hauler could’ve otherwise charged for offering the service.
Permit service
These are independent companies that assist in obtaining the transport permit. They understand the rules and regulations on permit issuance, and they charge a fee for the service.
Online applications
Many states provide heavy-freight carriers and the public opportunities to order permits on their websites. However, you’ll first need to fill an application form with details such as:
- Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
- Dimensions (Height, Length, And Width)
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Origin and Destination
- Number of Routes
- The Expected Dates for The Start to The End of Shipment
- The Distance
Biosecurity Concerns When Transporting a Tractor
Farm equipment usually comes in contact with livestock, pests, plants, and animal waste. Therefore, shipping a farm tractor from one agricultural region to another increases the risks of spreading animal diseases.
That being said, it’s critical to wash and clean the piece of machinery before transportation. Normal cleaning isn’t enough; you need to hire professional cleaning services. They invest in jet-cleaning equipment that efficiently rids the equipment of debris, grime, and organic waste lodged deep in the tractor’s undercarriage. However, ensure that your tractor cleaning service uses eco-friendly chemicals that kill pathogens.
It is also essential to have the equipment cleaned at high quarantine standards. It quickens the cleaning process and alleviates any delays if any blemishes or concerns arise. Sophisticated pieces of machinery, such as harvesters, can take up to a week to clean and ensure no traces of grain contamination. It’s an expensive affair. Hence, it’s essential to allocate ample time and enough money.
Finally, you may also be required to obtain documents like health certificates from the state of origin. The receiving area/jurisdiction wants to ensure that no potential disease or contamination enters their regions through a heavy hauling consignment. You risk hefty fines and penalties for failure to adhere to these rules.