If you’re driving down the highway and see a lumber truck, you may wonder how far the lumber can hang out of the back. Believe it or not, some laws dictate how much lumber can protrude. This is because lumber that hangs out too far can pose a danger to other drivers on the road. So, how much can lumber hang out of a truck?
In most states, the law stipulates that no more than four feet of lumber can hang out of the back of a truck. Therefore, the driver breaks the law if the truck has lumber hanging out more than four feet. Of course, this does not mean it never happens. If you see a truck with lumber hanging out more than four feet, you should be cautious when passing.
It’s also important to note that if the lumber is protruding from the back of the truck, the driver must attach a flag to the end of it. This flag is usually red and helps to alert other drivers to the potential danger.
Contents
Can You Haul 16FT lumber in a Pickup?
If you plan to transport lumber, you must know what size truck you’ll need. While a standard pickup truck can typically haul up to eight feet of lumber, anything beyond that will require a longer bed. If you’re hauling 16-foot lumber in a pickup, you’ll need to rent or purchase a truck with a bed length of at least eight feet. But how can you carry 16-ft lumber in a pickup truck?
With a longer bed, you’ll be able to fit the lumber without worrying about it overhanging the sides of the truck. Remember that the lumber’s width will also affect how much you can fit in the bed. If you’re hauling particularly wide boards, you may need to stack them to fit them all in the truck. Moving 16 feet of lumber is possible with a standard pickup truck, but you may need to get creative loading the lumber into the bed.
What Is the Maximum Distance Allowed to Extend Beyond a Truck’s Bed?
If you’re driving a truck in California, laws govern how much your cargo can protrude beyond the truck’s bed. Beyond the vehicle’s rear, your load can overhang by four feet. Beyond the front of the vehicle, it can overhang by three feet. And beyond the side of the vehicle, it can overhang by four inches. If your load extends one foot or more to the left or extends more than four feet to the rear of any vehicle, you must use markings. These laws help ensure the safety of other motorists on the roadways. Keeping cargo within these parameters can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
How Do You Haul 14-Foot Lumber?
You’re at the lumber store and need 14-foot boards for your latest project. How will you get them home? Here are a few options:
If you have a pickup truck, you can load the lumber into the bed and secure it with straps or ropes. You can rent a pickup truck from a local rental company if you don’t have one.
Another option is to use a trailer. If you have a vehicle that can tow a trailer, you can attach it to your vehicle and load the lumber onto it. Once again, be sure to secure the lumber so that it doesn’t shift during transit.
If you need access to a truck or trailer, you can always ask the staff at the lumber store to deliver the lumber to your home or job site. Delivery fees will vary depending on the store, but it’s worth checking if you need 14-foot boards and a way to transport them yourself.
How to Haul 12-Foot lumber Safely in a Truck
When it comes to hauling 12-foot lumber, safety should be your top priority. Follow these guidelines to ensure secure transport.
Lay out two or more ratchet straps along the bottom of the truck bed to support the weight of the lumber.
Load the longest and heaviest pieces of lumber first, stacking them neatly.
Secure the lumber’s cab end, middle, and trailing end with straps to keep everything in place.
Anchor the bundle to the truck bed with two ratchet straps to prevent shifting during transit.
Following these steps, you can safely transport your lumber from point A to point B.
Is it Legal to Drive with Something Sticking Out of Your Trunk?
It’s essential to know the regulations governing cargo overhang on your vehicle. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces rules allowing up to 3 feet in front, 4 feet in the rear, and 4 inches on each side. While all states permit this amount of overhang, many allow even greater overhangs.
Before hitting the road, check your state’s regulations to avoid violating the law.
Conclusion
When hauling lumber, remember the maximum distance your cargo can extend beyond the bed of your truck. Follow the proper steps to transport 12-foot lumber safely. And if you need clarification on the regulations in your state, check with the DOT before heading out. By doing so, you can ensure a safe and legal journey.
