Why Do Some Roads Have Weight Restriction?

Thanks to advances in technology, people can get their hands on goods from around the world. This means shipping is becoming increasingly popular. There are roughly 12 million locomotives, rail cars, trucks, and vessels that move goods over the transportation network.

There are several different kinds of shipments that these transportation vehicles see, including expedited freight, oversized freight, trade show freight, overweight freight, and even specialty freight. For overweight freight, specifically, these drivers have to deal with some restrictions on the road. They may seem burdensome due to rerouting, but they are certainly necessary. Here are three reasons that certain roads carry weight restrictions.

Aesthetic Reasons
There are many roads that are not suitable to hold some overweight freights. Applying a weight limit to a road is often done in an attempt to protect a roadway's appearance in particular. It also aims to protect the character and environment of rural areas, villages, and residential estates. Restricting overweight freights may just prevent damage like potholes and cracks in the road.

Structural Reasons
Structural restrictions typically apply on roads that have weaker structures, such as bridges. There are many roads and bridges that simply cannot carry the weight that an overweight freight may have on the truckload. There is a dangerous risk of bridge failure or collapse if more weight is on the bridge than it can handle, so the restriction needs to be taken very seriously. The restriction on the road is typically just in the small area where the structure is located.

Congestion Reasons
Sometimes when a huge shipping truck is on the road, it can cause a lot of congestion. They take up space and typically cannot go as fast as other vehicles. For this reason, they are restricted from many areas, typically smaller, minor streets. This helps aid with traffic congestion, as well as protects pedestrians and bikers. Overweight freights are also typically restricted from construction areas due to congestion.

These restrictions vary from state to state, and even sometimes from county to county. Before you send out overweight freight, remember to check the routes to make sure the freight is not being sent to a restricted area. For all your freight shipping needs, contact us today.