The heavy haul is an industry that specializes in shipping oversized and overweight freight like large machinery or equipment. Hauling scrap cars for cash or any other cargo of heavy equipment is a difficult job requiring trained professionals and the right vehicle to carry them. There should be no mistake while transporting deliverables as it can cost millions to the massive haul company. One slight slip-up by a heavy haul driver can get their license cancelled and can even cause a fatality. Hauling cars and heavy equipment is a task that requires careful planning and coordination to transport them to their destination with minimal collision or damage. The driver should be trained well to avoid accidents at sharp turns and sudden stops.

Here are five safety tips for hauling heavy equipment before you set off on the open road:

Not all equipment can be transported on the same trailers and this gets even more critical when it comes to cross-border transport. Therefore, many trailers with varied specifications and load capacities are available with the over-dimensional carriers. Different equipment and machinery have different weights and measurements. And each hauling truck has a special license and permits to transport the machinery. Before loading the equipment on the trailer, check its design and load configurations to see if it can carry the equipment. Some commonly used trailers are RGN (Removable Gooseneck, Lowboy), Step Deck (Drop Deck), Double Drop Trailer, Flatbed Trucking, Stretch Trailer. Campers are selected based on the weight and size of the machinery that is to be transported. Pick the right trailer according to the size of the load to carry it with safety. Does the trailer's safety check before and after loading the equipment by checking the brakes, lights, tires, etc. and ensuring that everything is in place before the final departure.

After choosing the trailer, the next safety tip is to find the best distribution of the freight on it. Place the load in such a way that the weight is evenly balanced on the trailer. Hauling cars have a different technique to load. Most cars are hauled on open trailers, holding up to 10 vehicles, while the expensive ones are hauled in closed car carriers. The truckers should be well-trained and learn how to pack and strap vehicles securely to keep them safe while on the road. Uneven placement of load can increase the risk of tipping, and the driver can lose control of the vehicle, especially on curves. Inspect the distribution of burden on the trailer and ensure the vehicles or equipment are well strapped and hooked to minimize shifting in transit.

Never think of substituting your construction worker for your driver for heavy haul trucking. Driving a heavy haul truck needs special training, and only a trained and licensed driver can move it safely without putting the risk of damaging the equipment. Accidents involving heavy hauling trailers and trucks are mostly due to rash driving. That is why you should hire only experienced operators who have an excellent record of operating large trucks and hauling heavy loads. Provide them training on securing the load, handling the equipment, and train them to drive under a specified speed limit.

The biggest mistake one makes when he set out on the road without even knowing your routes. There is a possibility that the course picked by the driver has an ongoing road construction or has heavy traffic. Take a smaller vehicle to check the route and identify the areas of concern in transporting the heavy load. In case of any interruptions, take out time to redesign the course that does not include areas of construction or congestion. Make sure that the road can handle the size of the trailer and free from sharp curves.

Are you aware of the road rules where you are hauling? Every state has a different set of rules that transport freight companies should be mindful of. Most companies face challenges in transporting heavy equipment due to the lack of uniformity in oversized vehicle permits. Regulations include gross vehicle weight, bridge restrictions, the number of axles needed, or driving timings. Some states restrict driving a heavy vehicle at night. It is better to check the road laws where you are hauling the load before hitting on it.

Safety should be the top priority for transport freight companies. The safe haul is a combination of finding the right trailer, securing the load, trained driving, and knowing the road rules. These safety tips should be practiced every time whether you are hauling a car or oversized machinery. Adhering to our suggestions will ensure the safe transportation of the load with maximum efficiency and earn you a reputation in the heavy haul trucking industry.