Combining Over-Dimensional and Cross-Border Shipping
Shipping over-dimensional loads domestically can be a challenge. When you need to move that same load across international borders, it can become even more complicated. From navigating regulatory requirements to overcoming operational hurdles, ensuring your freight arrives safely and on time requires expertise and attention to detail.
In this blog, we’ll answer common questions about OD shipping between the U.S. and Mexico and highlight important things a customer should keep in mind before getting a load on the books.
What is Considered OD in the U.S.?
In the U.S., a load is deemed over-dimensional if it exceeds standard legal size or weight limits. Freight like wind turbine components, large construction equipment, and prefabricated structures often fall into the OD category in the U.S. The standard thresholds (which can sometimes vary by state) are generally:
- Width: Over 8.5 feet
- Height: Over 13.5–14 feet
- Length: Over 48–53 feet (depending on the trailer type and state)
- Weight: Exceeding 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or more than 20,000 pounds per axle.
What is Considered OD in Mexico?
In Mexico, the criteria for OD freight is similar but has slight variations to its U.S. counterparts. Differences in road infrastructure and safety regulations mean that certain dimensions and weights require different considerations while transporting in Mexico, including stricter axle weight limits on many highways and the overall vehicle length:
- Width: Over 12 feet
- Height: Over 15.6 feet
- Length: Exceeds 110 feet long (this accounts for load and vehicle length in total)
- Weight: Over 125,000 pounds or max axle load, whichever is lower
What Kind of Freight is Commonly Shipped OD Internationally?
Some examples of OD freight commonly shipped across the border can include:
- Heavy machinery for construction, agriculture, or mining uses
- Oil drilling and natural gas equipment
- Aerospace components such as turbines, pre-built wings, or landing gears
- Prefabricated buildings, modular homes, or storage containers
- Large-scale industrial parts, such as wind turbine blades or large-scale generators
These loads often support industries that are critical to both economies, often even helping to build up major parts of infrastructure, meaning a reliable supply chain is essential.
What Permits Do I Need for OD Shipping Cross-Border?
Shipping OD freight across the U.S.-Mexico border requires permits for both countries. Here’s a quick look at permits you’ll normally need:
In the U.S.:
- State-specific OD permits for each state the freight travels through before reaching the border.
- Special permits for escorts or pilot cars if required in the U.S.
In Mexico:
- Permisos de carga sobredimensionada (An over dimensional permit) issued by the office of Mexico’s Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT).
- Proof of compliance with local axle weight regulations and transport documentation.
Cross-border coordination also involves ensuring proper documentation, such as a NAFTA certificate of origin, documents of operations for customs clearance, and U.S. Customs declaration forms, all while complying with both countries’ safety regulations both at the border and beyond.
What Other Challenges Can You Encounter with International OD Shipments?
Shipping OD freight internationally poses unique challenges, such as:
- Border Delays: Customs inspections and paperwork errors can lead to delays ranging from hours to days.
- Infrastructure Limitations: Narrower roads, low-clearance bridges, and inadequate loading facilities in parts of Mexico can complicate transit and potentially cause further delays or longer delivery times.
- Permitting Complexities: Variances in rules between states in the U.S. and regions in Mexico can make permit management intricate.
- Security Risks: OD loads are more visible and may require additional security measures in certain areas. Over 20,000 cases of cargo theft were reported in 2022, raising major concerns for carriers looking to keep loads and drivers safe.
- Language and Cultural Barriers: Miscommunication between U.S. and Mexican transport teams could lead to shipping or delivery mistakes, or overall operation slowdowns.
How Can Melton Help with Managing OD Cross-Border Shipments?
Melton Truck Lines is a leader in both over-dimensional and cross-border shipments, offering a range of services to simplify your needs:
- Specialized Equipment: We provide flatbeds, step decks, and other specialized trailer solutions to handle a variety of OD freight both safely and efficiently.
- Route Optimization: Our logistics team accounts for road infrastructure, height clearances, and load limits to create the safest and most efficient routes for your freight.
- Permitting Expertise and Cross-Border Coordination: Our team handles the complex permitting process for both U.S. and Mexican regulations, saving you time and ensuring compliance with a bilingual staff and multiple years of experience in customs procedures. We always aim to streamline cross-border transitions to minimize delays.
With over 40 years of international shipping experience, Melton’s comprehensive approach ensures that your over-dimensional freight crosses the border safely and arrives at its destination intact and on time. Learn more about the international shipping services we offer here, or view our over-dimensional shipping page for more information on oversized loads.