Transporting oversize and heavyweight equipment is not a walk in the park. There is the need for proper planning and the use of the right hauling equipment to get the machinery safely to its destination. Heavyweight loads are determined by their weight while oversize equipment is determined by its height, width, and length. The following is the ultimate checklist of hauling heavy equipment safely.
Double Checking Equipment
Before anything else, it is vital to check if the equipment is in good condition. One of the main reasons is to ensure no further damages will occur when loading or offloading. There must also be confirmation that the equipment is in good shape for hauling. Hence, condition monitoring is a crucial step before the equipment gets on the site. After checking the safety and security of the load, it is advisable to check all over again. you can have several people check its condition and any other safety measure that should be applied.
Choosing the Hauling Vehicle or Trailer
Selecting the right hauler is an important step. This is not only to ensure it has the capacity to transport the equipment but also the fact that it follows the regulations set by the government. Therefore, you must verify the weight of the vehicle to ensure that both the vehicle and equipment will not surpass the weight required. It is advisable to choose a trailer with less wait to decrease the chances of exceeding the weight limit. The upending equipment is heavy machinery and if you are transporting it, you would require a trailer with less weight to avoid load weight exceeding.
Checking the Driver’s Experience
Giving an amateur the task of hauling the big and heavy load could be a costly move. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure the driver assigned the task has sufficient experience and suitable training to handle the trailer and ensure the load gets to its destinations safely. The person must also be able to observe the safety protocols on the road. The rule of the thumb is to drive at low speed since high speed puts strain on the vehicle and this could be a later disaster.
Checking the Laws and Regulation Requirements
Following the rules set is one of the vital aspects that you must follow. Therefore, check the regulations of your area and where the load will be hauled. In some situations, you might have to obtain a permit for transporting oversize or heavy loads. There is nothing to worry about. The only thing you should avoid is making assumptions. The rules in your destination may be different from those in your departure. Hence, confirm first and fulfill the requirements before the hauling.
Planning the Route
Before the load leaves for its destination, make sure you have a plan on the route it will take. It could be a mistake to transport the equipment during the rush hours when the traffic is congested. Set the right time for the transportation. Another important thing is planning the route your trailer will take. Some roads are not suitable for certain types of loads. For instance, some have tunnels and bridges that can only accommodate a specific height limit. Hence, proper route planning is recommended.
Conclusion
Hauling oversize and heavy equipment requires proper coordination and planning. Determining the right transportation vehicle and route survey are important concepts. Therefore, in your next transportation project, consider using the above checklist.
