When the flatbed trailer is used for transportation and the goods cannot be divided, the goods may be too long, causing them to overhang.
This is a dangerous phenomenon, so most countries have laws governing the size of overhangs. But in each country, state, or province laws are different.
Before you get into other questions, you might want to know the dimensions of a flatbed trailer. Common sizes of flatbed trailers are 20 feet, 40 feet, 48 feet, and 53 feet. Height is usually less than 8 feet 6 inches.
Can I hang cargo on a flatbed trailer?
Whether it is possible to hang cargo on a flatbed trailer depends on the situation.
If the length of the flatbed trailer is 48 feet, then the cargo can be suspended. Most states limit overhangs to 4 feet or less.
But if the length of the flatbed trailer is 53 feet, then overhanging cargo is not legally allowed. Because typically, the combined length of the tractor, trailer, and load will exceed 65 feet. In this case, it is necessary to apply to the relevant authorities for permission to transport oversized cargo.
Can I front overhang on a flatbed trailer?
Yes, you can legally sling cargo from the front of a flatbed trailer, usually. But this rule also varies from state to state.
Aside from the law, there’s another factor limiting dangling cargo: headache racks. Some tractors have a headache rack on the rear or the front of a semi-trailer. Its purpose is to keep drivers safe from shifting cargo during transportation, while also providing the driver with more storage space. But it also creates a physical barrier to hanging cargo up front.
