If you’re new to transporting large equipment or industrial cargo, you may be wondering: what’s the difference between standard freight and heavy haul trucking?
The answer can have a big impact on your budget, timeline, and legal requirements—especially in Ontario, where transport regulations are strict, and oversize loads require careful planning.
At DFS Projects, we help Ontario businesses safely move everything from standard palletized goods to oversized generators, bulldozers, and industrial tanks. In this article, we break down the core differences between standard freight and heavy haul transport, and help you determine which service your project needs.
What Is Standard Freight?
Standard freight refers to cargo that can be transported using a typical transport truck and trailer without requiring any special permits, escorts, or route planning.
Key Characteristics of Standard Freight:
- Fits within legal weight and size limits
- No additional provincial permits required
- Transported on flatbeds, dry vans, or refrigerated trailers
- Lower complexity and cost
Standard Legal Limits in Ontario:
- Width: up to 2.6 metres (8 feet 6 inches)
- Height: up to 4.15 metres (13 feet 6 inches)
- Length: up to 23 metres (75 feet) for truck + trailer
- Weight: up to 63,500 kg (based on axle configuration)
Examples of Standard Freight:
- Pallets of packaged goods
- Machinery components that are broken down
- Crated tools or equipment
- Bulk raw materials
What Is Heavy Haul Transport?
Heavy haul (or oversize load) transport is required when cargo exceeds the legal size or weight limits for road travel in Ontario. These loads require:
- Special trailers (e.g. lowboys, multi-axle, step decks)
- Provincial permits (MTO and sometimes municipal)
- Escort or pilot vehicles for safety
- Strategic route planning for bridge clearance and turns
- Trained heavy haul drivers with specialized experience
Examples of Heavy Haul Freight:
- Excavators and bulldozers
- Transformers or generators
- Wind turbine blades or towers
- Steel beams or tanks
- Prefabricated buildings or modules
- Mining and aggregate equipment
Heavy Haul vs. Standard Freight: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Standard Freight | Heavy Haul Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Size Limits | Within legal dimensions | Exceeds legal limits |
| Weight Limits | Up to 63,500 kg | Over 63,500 kg |
| Permits Required | No | Yes (MTO + others) |
| Route Planning | Minimal | Required |
| Escort Vehicles | Not required | Often required |
| Trailer Types | Flatbeds, vans, reefers | Lowboys, multi-axle, extendables |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (due to complexity) |
Why Route Planning Is Critical for Heavy Haul
Unlike standard freight, heavy haul loads can’t take just any road. In Ontario, factors like bridge clearances, overhead wires, tight turns, and weight-restricted bridges must be considered.
At DFS Projects, we use advanced routing tools and local knowledge to:
- Avoid low-clearance overpasses
- Check for seasonal road restrictions (e.g. spring thaw bans)
- Work with municipalities for road approvals
- Plan detours around construction zones
Permits, Escorts, and Compliance
One of the biggest differences between standard freight and heavy haul is the amount of regulatory compliance involved.
Heavy haul moves in Ontario may require:
- MTO Oversize/Overweight permits
- Municipal approvals for local road access
- Escort or pilot vehicles for wide or long loads
- Police escorts for extreme superloads
- Insurance documentation and liability planning
DFS Projects handles all permitting and coordination for you—removing the burden and ensuring your move is 100% legal and compliant.
Trailer Selection: Why It Matters
While standard freight typically uses a dry van or flatbed, heavy haul trucking relies on specialized trailers built to carry:
- Higher weight
- Taller equipment
- Longer or wider configurations
DFS Projects operates a range of trailers including:
- Lowboys / double drop trailers for tall loads
- Step decks for mid-size equipment
- Multi-axle trailers for weight distribution
- Extendable trailers for long cargo like beams or turbine blades
When to Call a Heavy Haul Specialist
If your load is:
- Wider than 8.5 feet
- Heavier than 63,500 kg
- Taller than 13.6 feet
- Longer than a standard flatbed trailer
- Can’t be broken down into smaller parts
Then you likely need a heavy haul partner like DFS Projects. Trying to move oversize equipment without proper permits or planning can result in:
- Fines and citations
- Load damage
- Insurance complications
- Delays to your project
Why Choose DFS Projects?
At DFS Projects, we specialize in both standard freight and complex heavy haul moves across Southern Ontario and beyond.
What sets us apart:
- Full-service heavy haul logistics
- Permit and escort coordination
- Specialized trailer fleet
- Experienced Ontario truck drivers
- Cross-border capabilities (U.S. and Mexico)
- Transparent quoting and communication
From Hamilton to Windsor, Guelph to Mississauga, we deliver solutions—not surprises.
Request a Quote Today
Not sure if your load is heavy haul or standard freight? Let’s figure it out together.
DFS Projects will assess your shipment and provide the right equipment, permits, and team to move it safely and legally.
Contact DFS Projects today:
Phone: (519) 621-0111