5 Ways to Safely Transport Heavy Equipment

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Every year, vehicle accidents involving large trucks and cargo transport result in injuries and fatalities. It only emphasizes the importance of following proper loading and unloading procedures, as well as properly hauling equipment on the road.

In this blog, we’ll provide you with some crucial ways to transport heavy equipment. So, let’s take a look at them to get better insights. 

1. Determine the Best Route

Before transferring your heavy equipment, map your route to prevent accidents, such as attempting to pass under a bridge that is too short for your transport vehicle. You can also do a run-through of your route to confirm that there are no obstacles. 

Consider the width of the road and bridge analysis to determine the safest transit route for your big equipment. 

The fewer curves, starts, interruptions, stops, bridges, or difficult terrain, the more seamless the travel and the safer your driver, equipment, and passersby will be. So, find a service provider whose truck driving jobs offer will make your transit smoother and safer. 

2. Do Apply for a Transit Permit

It is especially crucial if your load qualifies as enormous or overwidth, as most big construction equipment will. Cranes, excavators, dump trucks, graders, dozers, and scrapers are just a few examples of heavy equipment that require extra liabilities. 

Prepare accordingly, whether that involves implementing deconstructed transportation tactics to prevent overwidth or overweight designations or applying for the necessary state permit from the start.

3. Secure the Wheel Components of Equipment

It takes a little longer, but the security is worth it. Make use of the equipment’s parking brake. Consider utilizing wedges, chocks, or cradles to secure equipment wheels and prevent them from rolling on deck. On the contrary, you can get assistance from a heavy haulage specialist to be free from such responsibilities while in transit. 

They will also strengthen your defenses against the potential natural weight-distribution forces that take place during transportation. It is also an excellent moment to double-check any additional machine-specific loading and transportation requirements.

4. Equip Transport Vehicles Using Safety Signs, Labels, & Lights

If you’ve ever encountered an enormous load on the highway, it’s likely been identified by multiple lights, signs, and banners. These safety features alert other drivers to proceed with caution when approaching or passing. 

Transporting large cargo may necessitate one or more escort vehicles that inform other drivers to keep themselves and the driver safe. If transport trucks are serving alongside escort vehicles, they communicate using CB or two-way radios to ensure timely and safe communication. 

Equipping your transport vehicles with appropriate signage, labels, and lighting allows you to haul equipment to and from your location safely.

5. Perform and Document Inspections

When you start the ignition, the safe and legal transportation of heavy items continues. While your heavy equipment is on its way to your site, conduct regular inspections and check-ins, especially if you’re hauling it over long distances.

Industry guidelines specify when you should do check-ins or inspections while your heavy equipment is on its way to its target location.