*Note: This is an estimate based on industry averages. Regional permits, state-specific requirements, and market volatility may affect final pricing.
function calculateHeavyHaul() {
var distance = parseFloat(document.getElementById('distance').value) || 0;
var baseRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('baseRate').value) || 0;
var totalWeight = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalWeight').value) || 0;
var maxWidth = parseFloat(document.getElementById('maxWidth').value) || 0;
var escortCars = parseFloat(document.getElementById('escortCars').value) || 0;
var permitFees = parseFloat(document.getElementById('permitFees').value) || 0;
var fuelSurchargePercent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('fuelSurcharge').value) || 0;
var accessorials = parseFloat(document.getElementById('tarpFee').value) || 0;
// 1. Base Cost
var baseCost = distance * baseRate;
// 2. Overweight Surcharge (Industry average approx $0.05 per 1,000 lbs over 80k per mile)
var weightFee = 0;
if (totalWeight > 80000) {
var excessWeight = totalWeight – 80000;
weightFee = (excessWeight / 1000) * 0.05 * distance;
}
// 3. Oversize Width Fee (Approx $1.50 per mile if over 8.5ft legal limit)
var widthFee = 0;
if (maxWidth > 8.5) {
widthFee = (maxWidth – 8.5) * 1.50 * distance;
}
// 4. Escort Vehicle Fees (Average $1.75 per mile per car)
var escortFee = escortCars * distance * 1.75;
// 5. Fuel Surcharge (Applied to Base + Weight + Width + Escort)
var subtotalBeforeFuel = baseCost + weightFee + widthFee + escortFee;
var fuelFee = subtotalBeforeFuel * (fuelSurchargePercent / 100);
// 6. Final Total
var totalRate = subtotalBeforeFuel + fuelFee + permitFees + accessorials;
// Display results
document.getElementById('res-baseCost').innerText = '$' + baseCost.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res-weightFee').innerText = '$' + weightFee.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res-widthFee').innerText = '$' + widthFee.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res-escortFee').innerText = '$' + escortFee.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res-fuelFee').innerText = '$' + fuelFee.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('res-total').innerText = '$' + totalRate.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2});
document.getElementById('hh-results').style.display = 'block';
}
Understanding Heavy Haul Trucking Rates: A Detailed Guide
Shipping oversized or overweight equipment is a complex logistical challenge. Unlike standard dry van freight, heavy haul trucking involves specialized trailers, state-specific permits, and often escort vehicles. Calculating an accurate rate requires looking beyond just the mileage.
Primary Factors Influencing Heavy Haul Costs
When using our heavy haul rate calculator, it is important to understand the variables that move the needle on your final quote. Carriers consider the following dimensions and requirements:
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): Standard legal loads are up to 80,000 lbs. Anything exceeding this requires overweight permits. As the weight increases, so does the wear on the equipment and fuel consumption, leading to higher surcharges.
Load Dimensions: Legal width is typically 8.5 feet. Once a load exceeds this, it is classified as "Oversize." This requires specialized signage, amber lighting, and potentially escort vehicles (pilot cars).
Escort Vehicles (Pilot Cars): Depending on the width and height of the load, state laws may mandate one or more escort vehicles to ensure public safety. These vehicles charge per mile, adding significantly to the total cost.
Permit Fees: Every state the load passes through requires its own set of permits. These vary by state and are determined by how much the load exceeds legal limits.
How to Use the Heavy Haul Rate Calculator
To get a realistic estimate for your specialized transport, follow these steps:
Enter Distance: Use the total route mileage from origin to destination.
Specify Base Rate: Heavy haul linehaul rates typically range from $4.00 to $10.00+ per mile depending on the trailer type (RGN, Step Deck, etc.).
Input Dimensions: Be precise with your gross weight and maximum width. Even an extra 6 inches can trigger the requirement for a pilot car in many jurisdictions.
Factor in Fuel: Fuel surcharges are usually a percentage of the base freight charges and fluctuate with national diesel averages.
Example Calculation
Imagine you are moving an excavator weighing 95,000 lbs over 500 miles. The load is 10 feet wide.
Base Trip (500 miles @ $5/mile): $2,500
Overweight Surcharge: For 15,000 lbs over the limit, a surcharge of roughly $375 is added.
Oversize Width Surcharge: At 1.5 feet over legal, you might see a $1,125 adjustment.
Permits: Estimated at $200 for the route.
Total: Approximately $4,200 excluding fuel and escorts.
Why Do Rates Vary by Region?
The "Permit" component is the most volatile variable. Some states, like Pennsylvania or New York, have higher permit fees and stricter routing requirements than midwestern states. Furthermore, "superloads" (extremely heavy or large loads) require engineering surveys of bridges, which can add thousands of dollars to the initial estimate.