Heavy equipment transport is a very challenging task and can turn out to be very dangerous if not performed correctly. It’s not only transportation that you should take care of, loading and unloading for the process of oversize trucking is a very important task too.
Preparation is key. When nearly half of all injuries occur during loading and unloading heavy equipment, safety measures need to be taken from the beginning for mitigating liabilities and avoiding construction accidents. Let's review the proper ways to prepare heavy equipment for transport.
If you have not loaded and secured the load according to the state and federal regulations, it would be risky no matter how much precautions you take while heavy haul trucking
- Check and work in accordance with the service manual
Not sure of transporting your equipment? Go through the service manual. The service manual contains information about things to consider before and during loading the load. It may include turning on the lock to prevent sliding or disconnecting the battery.
So, prepare and transport your equipment according to the service manual.
- Check & inspect the capacities and capabilities of your trailer
Before heavy equipment loading, check your trailer considering all aspects that are used. Check the capacity of load it can carry, the load should not be more than the limit assigned to the trailer. If heavy haulers attempt to load it beyond the capacity, they can damage the trailer or the vehicle you are using.
- Prepare & clean your trailer
Make the trailer and vehicle clean and clear by removing any waste or debris that comes its way. Remove the excess oil or lubricant if any.
A clear and open path makes the loading smooth, easy, and secure.
- Cover the areas
Weather also plays a crucial role while loading the oversize load for heavy equipment transport. Prevent the vulnerable parts by covering them according to the climate.
In summers, protect it from overheating while in winters go for insulations to prevent freezing.
If you are in doubt, check the service manual for instructions for the same.
- Time to load and secure
Once everything is set according to the given criteria, start loading and secure your loads. Use the locking mechanism to secure your load for oversize trucking.
Things to consider in case of traveling from one state to another
- A proper survey of the load as well as the route
- Route survey to ascertain that overhead signals, lines, railroad crossings, and bridges don’t cause a hazard
• Bridge analysis deciding the burden limit and shaft configuration
• Analysis of traffic patterns and emergency vehicle routes
• Drawing of shipment
• Shipper’s letter
• Explanation of why alternative transportation isn’t accessible
• Practice run of the route
• Assignment of state-vetted escort support
• A schedule that accommodates day and/or time restrictions in numerous states. (In some states, super hundreds travel solely throughout sunlight hours on weekdays. In others, they move solely at nighttime or on a Sunday. Some jurisdictions disallow travel throughout the spring thaw.)
• Surety bond
If you have selected a leading heavy haul company, you will get an opportunity to work with a trained staff involved in oversized load trucking.
These things require experience and you should always hire a heavy haul company for carrying out the whole process of oversized load trucking.