Hauling a 246-Foot Propane Tank Through a 90-Degree Turn

[MikePhua]

The Challenge of Ultra-Heavy Haul Logistics
Transporting oversized industrial cargo is a feat of engineering, coordination, and patience. One of the most striking examples involved a 246-foot-long rig with 20 axles hauling a massive propane tank through a tight 90-degree corner in a small town. This type of move falls under the category of superload transport, which typically includes cargo exceeding 160,000 pounds, 120 feet in length, or 14 feet in width. These moves require months of planning, route surveys, structural analysis, and coordination with multiple agencies.
Rig Configuration and Escort Requirements
The rig in question included:

• A main tractor unit
  
• A steerable trailer with 20 axles
  
• A rear push truck (disconnected during the turn)
  
• Two state troopers for traffic control
  
• Two civilian escort vehicles
  
• Two support trucks for equipment and crew
  

The trailer’s steerable jeeps allowed lateral movement, essential for navigating tight urban intersections. To clear a hump caused by old railroad tracks, crews placed stacked planks under the jeep tires—a common trick to prevent grounding and maintain clearance.
Executing the 90-Degree Turn
Negotiating a 90-degree corner with a 246-foot rig is not a simple pivot. It involves:

• Unhooking the push truck to reduce length and improve maneuverability
  
• Performing multiple back-and-forth movements to “walk” the trailer around the corner
  
• Steering the trailer axles independently to avoid curbs, traffic lights, and utility poles
  
• Reconnecting the push truck after the turn for continued propulsion
  

This maneuver can take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic, terrain, and crew experience. In this case, the team succeeded without damage or delay, a testament to their skill and preparation.
Cost Estimates and Rate Structures
While some might guess the cost of such a move at $50 per mile, industry veterans suggest that’s far too low. Realistic pricing includes:

• Day rates for equipment and crew, often exceeding $10,000 per day
  
• Law enforcement and civilian escort fees
  
• Cargo insurance, especially for hazardous materials like propane
  
• Route surveys and structural analysis, including bridge load ratings and turning radii
  
• Bucket trucks to lift overhead wires
  
• Bonding and permitting fees
  

A single move like this can easily exceed $100,000, especially when multiple tanks are involved. In this case, eight tanks were being moved from Cambridge, Minnesota to Detroit, Michigan.
Why the Route Matters
Routing decisions are often dictated by:

• Bridge weight limits
  
• Overpass clearance
  
• Road width and turning geometry
  
• Municipal restrictions
  
• Utility coordination
  

In this instance, the route took the convoy north 40 miles before heading south again—a seemingly illogical path likely chosen to avoid structural constraints or traffic bottlenecks. As one crew member noted, “We don’t get to pick the route, and we have no idea what it costs to move one of these.”
Lessons from the Field
Veteran haulers emphasize:

• Never bid by the mile—use day rates based on crew, equipment, and risk
  
• Always conduct route surveys before quoting
  
• Expect delays and build contingency time into the schedule
  
• Maintain clear communication with law enforcement and utility crews
  

One mechanic recalled a similar move where a miscalculated turn led to a trailer clipping a traffic light, resulting in hours of delay and thousands in repair costs. Precision matters.
Conclusion
Transporting a 246-foot propane tank through a 90-degree turn is more than a spectacle—it’s a masterclass in logistics, engineering, and teamwork. From axle steering to route planning, every detail must align to ensure safety and success. These moves remind us that behind every massive load is a crew of professionals navigating complexity with quiet precision.