Safety Tips for Hauling Industrial Equipment
Your business relies on heavy-duty equipment for construction jobs, roadwork, manufacturing efforts and beyond. It’s often necessary to transport machinery and vehicles from point A to point B, so hauling procedures come into play for smooth operations.
Driving safe with heavy loads can be the difference between remaining efficient and causing a fatal accident. This is why it’s crucial to follow the tips below for safety and industry compliance:
1. Choose the Appropriate Trailer Style
Companies across the United States spend thousands of dollars on industry-leading machines, and protecting these investments involves choosing an appropriate trailer. Always check the weight capacities of a trailer before loading, and ensure the condition of your platform is sufficient. Below are some common trailer types used with industrial equipment:
- Removable gooseneck trailers: Select models support five tons of weight and allow you to drive vehicles directly onto the bed for fastening. Gooseneck trailers attach to a truck’s rear axle.
- Step deck trailers: These models have two separate platforms for loading multiple pieces of equipment.
- Enclosed trailers: Add an outer layer of protection against the elements and thieves.
- Flatbed trailers: Contain a flat surface that is open on all sides. A crane is used to lift investments onto the truck.
2. Balance the Weight of Equipment
One of the most important safety tips for driving heavy loads is learning how to position machinery. Before driving vehicles or machines on a trailer platform, consider the length, shape and weight of your load. Make sure that your cargo sits between the trailer wheels and is centered to prevent tipping.
Additionally, perform frequent inspections before and during your trip. Tie-downs and chains should be free from deterioration to limit movement. Get rid of any slack across connections.
3. Hire Qualified Drivers
Equipment operators should not be the ones driving the heavy-load trailer. You require personnel with the level of experience and training necessary to fasten equipment, unload deliveries and follow correct protocols. The individual driving the truck must know what they are looking for and should participate in ongoing training to stay up-to-date on the latest regulations of the industry.
4. Plan Out Your Delivery Route
It is proactive to use mobile apps and online resources to draw up a navigation route. Bumps, uneven terrain and sudden stops put stress on trucks and trailers, so monitor traffic reports and roadway details for the following:
- Unfinished pavement
- Construction sites and road work
- Narrow bridges
- Underpasses
- Fallen trees
- Toll roads
5. Acquire State Permits
Commercial towing limits change based on state. Investigate state requirements to see how much weight is permitted on major highways and backroads before departing. Driving safe with heavy loads means applying for any travel permits you might need to cross between county and state borders.
If your load exceeds 10,000 pounds, pay attention to requirements at the federal level to avoid serious fines.
6. Clean Your Heavy-Duty Equipment
Industrial equipment should be free from dirt, dust, mud and debris throughout transit. This safety tip for large truckloads is frequently overlooked, but it makes unloading at a final destination much easier. Keeping trailer platforms and machine wheels clean gives you extra traction when moving down ramps.
Contact Equip Trucking & Warehousing for Heavy-Load Trucking Services
Does your company operate out of Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland or Pennsylvania? Equip Trucking & Warehousing can move, store and transport your heavy loads within a three-hour radius of Philadelphia. We’re a family-owned business channeling over 30 years of industry experience to take care of your equipment relocation needs.
Complete our contact form with us online for further information about our trucking services.