Transporting a flagpole in the United States: rules for long loads
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
A flagpole is often longer than the vehicle that carries it: according to Concord American Flagpole, even a standard 25 ft pole is 26 ft 6 in long, and commercial poles are longer still. That makes transport a question of load rules, marking and, for the longest poles, oversize permits. This guide describes the rules that apply in the United States; installation at the site is covered in the guide to installing a flagpole.
Private vehicles: state rules
Rules for loads on private vehicles are set by the states, so they differ. An example is California Vehicle Code § 24604:
| Load | Marking in California |
|---|---|
| Extends 4 ft or more beyond the rear (measured from the taillamps), in daylight | A solid red or fluorescent orange flag or cloth, at least 18 inches square, at the extreme end |
| The same, during darkness | Two red lights, visible from at least 500 ft to the sides and rear, in addition to the taillamps |
| Projecting load 2 ft wide or less | One flag or cloth at the extreme rear |
| Projecting load wider than 2 ft | Two flags or cloths, placed to show the maximum width |
Other states have similar rules with their own distances and sizes, and the maximum overhang allowed without a permit varies.
Trucks: federal rules
For commercial motor vehicles, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations apply. Under 49 C.F.R. § 393.87, a load that extends more than 4 inches beyond the sides or more than 4 ft beyond the rear has its extremities marked with red or orange fluorescent warning flags, each at least 18 inches square: a single flag at the extreme rear if the projecting load is 2 ft wide or less, and two flags if it is wider, placed to show the maximum width.
Oversize loads
Loads that exceed the legal length or width limits travel under an oversize permit issued by each state, often with conditions on routes, times and escort vehicles. The Federal Highway Administration collects information on the states’ size and weight rules and permits.
How poles are shipped
Flagpole makers design their poles with freight in mind. According to Concord American Flagpole:
- its standard 25 ft ground-set pole is made in one piece of 26 ft 6 in, an industry standard that allows shipping in a pup trailer at a significant freight saving
- 30 to 40 ft poles are also available in two pieces when freight costs or site access are deciding factors
- poles of 45 ft and more are made in sections that are assembled in the field, leaving only a hairline joint
Residential telescoping poles collapse into their bottom section, which makes them easier to carry. The types are described in the guide to types of flagpoles.
Protecting the pole in transport
A flagpole’s finish is its protection against corrosion, and scratches from straps or the truck bed can damage it. How finishes and materials differ is covered in the guide to flagpole materials, and what freight means for the price in the guide to buying a flagpole.
Frequently asked questions
How far can a flagpole stick out behind a vehicle?
Limits and marking rules are set by each state. In California, for example, a load that extends 4 ft or more beyond the rear of the vehicle carries a solid red or fluorescent orange flag or cloth of at least 18 inches square at its end in daylight, and two red lights visible from 500 ft during darkness (Vehicle Code § 24604). Longer loads can need an oversize permit from the state.
What are the federal rules for trucks carrying long loads?
For commercial motor vehicles, 49 C.F.R. § 393.87 requires red or orange fluorescent warning flags at least 18 inches square on a load that extends more than 4 inches beyond the sides or more than 4 ft beyond the rear: one flag at the extreme rear if the projecting load is 2 ft wide or less, and two if it is wider.
Why are many 25 ft flagpoles 26 ft 6 in long?
According to Concord American Flagpole, its standard 25 ft ground-set pole is made in one piece of 26 ft 6 in, with 2 ft 6 in below grade, an industry standard that allows shipping in a pup trailer at a significant freight saving.
Can a flagpole be split for transport?
Many can. According to Concord American Flagpole, 30 to 40 ft poles are available in two pieces when freight costs or site access are deciding factors, and poles of 45 ft and more are made in sections that are assembled in the field. Telescoping residential poles collapse as their sections slide down into each other.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources:
- 49 C.F.R. § 393.87 Warning flags on projecting loads – Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
- California Vehicle Code § 24604 – California Legislative Information
- Truck Size and Weight – Federal Highway Administration
- Flagpole Descriptions – Concord American Flagpole
- Telescoping flagpoles – Flagsource
Related guides
- Installing a flagpoleWhat applies when a flagpole is installed in the United States: building permits and zoning, HOA rules, calling 811 before digging, foundations and wind speeds.
- Types of flagpolesThe main types of US flagpoles: house-mounted poles, telescoping poles, in-ground poles with external or internal halyards, and wall and roof poles.
- Flagpole materialsUS flagpole materials compared: aluminum alloys and finishes, fiberglass, steel and bronze-clad poles, wall thickness, taper and coastal sites.
- Buying a flagpoleWhat affects the price of a flagpole in the US – height, wall thickness, finish, halyard, foundation, freight and installation – and the buyer’s rights.