Measure before you quote
Provide length, width, height, weight, piece count and centre of gravity. Height is measured from the ground once the freight is on the deck — a 10-foot machine on a 5-foot deck is a permit conversation.
When a load becomes oversize
Thresholds vary by province and route, but these dimensions typically trigger permit review in British Columbia.
| Dimension | Typical review threshold |
|---|---|
| Width | Over 2.6 m |
| Height | Over 4.15 m loaded |
| Length | Over standard configuration limits |
| Weight | Over legal axle or gross limits |
Securement is planned, not improvised
Securement is matched to the commodity: chains and binders for steel and machinery, straps for packaged goods, edge protection where straps cross corners, and blocking or dunnage to stop movement. The driver is legally responsible for securement, so expect questions before loading.
Tarping decisions
Tarping protects freight from weather and road debris but adds time and cost, and it needs safe access. Decide before dispatch — a truck that arrives without tarps cannot create them on site.
- Confirm whether tarping is required at booking, not at pickup
- Allow additional time for tarping and untarping at both ends
- Check job-site ground conditions for equipment access