Simply put, sloppy, negligent and unsafe heavy haulers typically don’t stay in business very long. The heavy haul companies that survive the test of time are those that take every possible safety precaution to preserve the integrity of their cargo, which also protects other drivers on the road. They have an elevated commitment to safety.

Safety

A safe and successful heavy haul requires accountability in every action taken, from the experience of drivers to investment in the latest technology that includes logistics and GPS tracking to ensure the safe delivery of cargo and drivers. Those measures also reduce costs for operations, insurance and equipment.

One of the most important aspects of safe heavy hauling are drivers that are highly trained, well-qualified, and safety oriented. They’re cognizant of the checks that must be performed before leaving any job. While Florida drivers typically don’t have to deal with icy conditions, those that do drive to colder climates have the necessary equipment to significantly reduce the potential for accidents to themselves, their trucks and cargo.

Safety also encompasses selecting the right trailer for any job, whether it’s hauling mining equipment, construction materials or agricultural machinery. The correct trailer for the specific heavy haul protects cargo and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. The correct trailer will have the capacity to haul the weight without incident, while making the loading and unloading process as easy as possible.

Loads will be centered with an eye to the center of gravity and secured according to all pertinent specifications. The cargo will be able to travel safely over a myriad of terrains and through multiple types of weather conditions. Loads will be checked at every stop to ensure there’s been no shifting of the cargo, no inadvertent snafus in securement, and no tampering has been done to the load.

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Safety is always a priority when performing a heavy haul. Drivers know and understand the many things that can potentially occur. It’s a process that no heavy haul driver takes lightly. The following are four tips for drivers to ensure that every heavy haul project is safe and arrives on time.

Heavy Haul Export

Know the Load

Heavy haul drivers know every detail of their load. A critical aspect of every heavy haul is the dimensions and weight of the equipment, machinery or object they’re delivering. It means the difference between a heavy haul load and a super load. Those elements will affect the trailer that’s used to haul the cargo to the logistics of the route taken.

The Right Trailer

There are different types of trailers for a reason. The right trailer for the job ensures the safety of the cargo, other motorists, the ease with which it’s transported, and accommodates different heights, weights, lengths and widths of the object to be moved.

Permitting

There are some standard federal permits that are required, but each state also has specific permits that are needed. The scope of permitting increases when shipping overseas or across country borders. Some documentation must be presented in a paper form, while other permits are created digitally. Drivers may need escort drivers or special signage. Even the type of safety equipment a driver must carry can vary widely, depending upon the state.

Routing

The route that heavy haul drivers take must be planned carefully to ensure the load arrives on time and meets other types of deadlines. There are also bridges, overpasses, toll roads, high traffic areas, rough roads, and construction zones to consider. Depending on the load, drivers may only be allowed to travel during certain times of the day. The route that’s taken will affect the safety, time and cost of transporting the load.

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The trailers used for hauling construction equipment are highly specialized to accommodate the various sizes, shapes and weights involved. Having the right trailer for the cargo is essential to ensure the safe delivery of the load and other motorists on the road. Generally, the higher the profile and weight of the equipment, the more specialized the trailer requirements. The range of construction equipment is extensive and includes excavators, backhoes and pavers to trucks, loaders and track machines.

Construction Equipment Trailers

Hotshot

These trailers are used for smaller loads that are less than an entire truckload and when the cargo is time sensitive. They often have gooseneck hookups and are available in styles encompassing multi-level and low boy designs.

Step-Deck

A type of flatbed trailer, a step-deck has two levels. The upper deck is typically used for hauling detachable accessories such as plows and buckets. They’re often utilized to transport equipment such as cranes or bulldozers that won’t fit on a standard flatbed. They have built-in ramps to provide versatility and easy loading of the cargo. The trailers are also available in single stretch and double stretch configurations.

RGN

A removable gooseneck trailer (RGN) is used to transport freight with dimensions that are tall or long. The front portion is detachable, while the bottom can be lowered.to create a ramp for loading. Cargo can be driven, pushed or rolled onto the trailer.

Double Drop

Double drop trailers are sometimes called a lowboy. The deck dips in the middle to accommodate high profile equipment and bring taller equipment lower to the ground. The trailers are often used to transport different types of earth moving equipment. Cargo can be loaded from the back or sides. They’re available in fixed neck, fixed gooseneck and removable gooseneck to accommodate different deck lengths and weights. They have drop ramps for easy cargo loading and are available in extended configurations.

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Established in 1966 by an act of Congress, the Department of Transportation (DOT) became operational in April 1967. The stated purpose was to ensure “…a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people,” according to President Lyndon B. Johnson.

DOT

It was first under the pursue of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Transportation. It’s now headed by the Secretary of Transportation and encompasses a variety of agencies and departments that includes the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, Urban Mass Transportation Administration, and Federal Railroad. The DOT is responsible for aiding in the development and maintenance of the nation’s transportation system and the infrastructure to support it.

Former President Woodrow Wilson was the first to propose such an agency in 1921. The DOT grew out of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1944. The Act was designed to improve highway systems across the nation to facilitate and expedite the transportation of defense materials and resources during World War II. However, no funding for the initiative was approved. It wasn’t until the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1952 that funds were allocated specifically for construction of the interstate highway system.

The importance of the highway system received new attention by former President Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Cold War. Routes of primary importance to the nation were identified, along with those connecting the U.S. to Canada and Mexico. The highway system was seen as an essential element in urban planning and contributed largely to social and economic change.

Today, the DOT is responsible for planning transportation projects, providing funding for them, and maintaining transportation infrastructure. It sets safety standards for all modes of transportation and regulates mobility and transportation along interstate highways. It also oversees and sets rules for air and rail traffic.

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Some heavy haul truckers are union members and some are not. Those that choose to do so are members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT). Some of the largest trucking companies are unionized, along with smaller trucking businesses. Truck drivers who are classified as independent contractors can’t join the union.

Truck Drivers

Labor unions in the U.S. date back to the 18^th century. They’ve been a driving force for better wages, benefits and working conditions. The IBT was officially formed in 1903 to represent horse-drawn team drivers, along with stable hands.

The history and nature of unions has been a rollercoaster ride since Congress passed the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. It deregulated the trucking industry and allowed more low-cost, non-union carriers to enter the industry, which decreased the power of unions.

Combined with that have been the union busting efforts of state governors to strip power from unions and private sector workers, along with bans against deducting union dues from paychecks, and prohibiting unions from participating in collective bargaining.

Current estimates are that only 2 percent of 3.6 million truckers are unionized, excluding government workers. Some trucking executives see unionization as the gateway to higher wages for truckers and lower profits for the company. Management of trucking companies say they’d rather take a “relationship building” approach with truckers.

For unionized long-haul drivers, the benefits can be worth the dues they pay. They include medical, vision and dental coverage, along with life insurance and long-term and short-term disability. Other heavy haul drivers prefer to negotiate for jobs and terms on their own.

Labor unions have been a topic of continuing contention in all industry sectors. There are some unionized individuals that have given away benefits, while others turned down unionization. Their rationale is that if they don’t have access to those benefits, other drivers shouldn’t either.

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The answer is complicated, depends on where the load is bound, and the size of the load. It can be confusing due to the different rules and regulations within each state. In general, a permit will be required anywhere across the U.S. if the load exceeds 8.5 ft. in width, 12.5 to 14.5 ft. in height, or 48 to 53 ft. in length.

Drivers can expect to need a permit for loads encompassing industrial equipment, cranes, and tractors. Permits will also be required for pre-fabricated homes and a variety of specialty items. Depending on the state, special flags or banners, lights and escort vehicles may also be a requirement.

Move Heavy Loads

There are federal rules that drivers must adhere to in addition to local laws. The first step is to determine the states, counties, and cities the load will be passing through. There may also be weight limit differences from state to state. All of those variables are extremely important, when drivers must cross bridges, go under overpasses, and drive on certain roads. The way the weight is distributed on the trailer will also affect the load.

In today’s modernized heavy hauler industry, drivers typically don’t have to pull their own permits – the trucking company will do it. The company will have a logistics department that’s knowledgeable in those issues and rules in different states. Different states may also have different guidelines as to how drivers obtain the needed permits, employ banners and lights, the number of escort vehicles, and even the hours of the day that drivers can legally operate the rig.

The wide range of state laws, combined with those of the Federal Department of Transportation, can be extremely confusing. All the laws are designed to facilitate efficient movement of all types of cargo, preserve roadways, and ensure safety for trucks and the thousands of passenger vehicles that share the road with heavy haulers.

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One of the most important tasks for drivers is ensuring their load is safely secured for transport. Even if the driver isn’t the person that actually secured the load, the responsibility ultimately rests with them. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific requirements for securing loads to which everyone must adhere.

Load Securement

According to the FMCSA, before a load leaves, the tailgate, doors, spare tires, any tarps, and cargo must be secured by chains or rachet straps to prevent cargo from moving or shifting during transport or spilling out on the road.

FMCSA rules also require drivers to inspect those chains or rachet straps during transport to ensure they’re still holding appropriately and adjust them accordingly if they’re loose. However, inspection isn’t required if it would be impractical. An example would be if the driver has specific orders to leave the load sealed. Specific types of tie-downs must be employed in very specific locations.

Cargo that’s improperly loaded or secured is unstable. It has the potential for causing an accident that can result in severe injury or death if a driver needs to stop suddenly. Unstable loads make it more difficult to control the truck at higher speeds and in high winds which can result in a rollover accident. Trucks with particularly heavy loads are at additional risk.

Drivers must consider the weight, height, shape, and wind resistance of their load when securing it, along with how stopping and accelerating will affect it. Drivers should inspect the tie-downs and the tie-down points. Make sure the weight is distributed as equally as possible on the trailer.

If someone helps a driver secure the load, they should double-check the other person’s work. Some loads may require some type of padding between the cargo and the tie-downs to protect it from damage. Don’t forget a general walk-around of the truck and trailer before leaving.

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The height maximums vary among states. Some allow heights of 13.6 ft., while others will allow heights up to 14 ft. Drivers have to be very careful about height. Even an inch over the legal limit in a specific state can place the truck and cargo in the category of a super load. A super load has a myriad of very special permits.

Load Height

The variable limits on height limits for tractor and trailer loads is one of the reasons that companies specializing in hauling heavy equipment and similar items use trailers with low beds that can be slung just inches off the ground to ensure the load doesn’t exceed height limits. When applicable, buckets and similar attachments can be detached and carried on the same trailer.

These types of trailers are typically referred to as a lowboy or RGN, but there are several types of trailers used to transport taller than average loads. For example, a drop deck trailer can bring the bottom of the trailer to within 18 inches off the ground. That can translate to an extra 3 ft. of clearance levels for cargo. That can eliminate requirements for specialized permits and save money for clients. The trailers are also a safer choice, as they have a lower center of gravity making them less likely to tip or sway.

Double drop trailers are another option for loads that are very large, heavy, or wide. The trailers are an excellent choice for awkwardly-shaped items, machinery, equipment, or cargo that needs to be loaded with a crane.

It’s essential that drivers know what the height requirements are in each state they’re traveling through, since the limits can vary widely. It will ensure drivers don’t cross over into the super load classification. Even the smallest of variations can result in fines and a load that gets sidelined at a weigh station or the DOT.

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Everyone wants to make more money in their profession and truck drivers can accomplish that with CDL endorsements. It will require extra training, but the effort is well worth the time with the potential money to be made. They provide truck drivers with greater experience and more potential jobs.

Endorsements

A professional truck driver with a CDL can transport ordinary freight. However, there are certain types of freight and specialized material that requires a higher level of knowledge and experience. They require specialized CDL endorsements and some types of cargo may fall into more than one category.

N Endorsement

This is often referred to as a tanker endorsement. Truck drivers with a Class A and Class B CDL are allowed to operate vehicles with a permanent or temporary tank attached. Tankers are typically used to transport liquid freight including milk, water, juice, alcohol, chemicals, or gas. However, tankers are also used to haul some types of dry loads such as grain, flour, cement or sand, and plastic pellets.

H Endorsement

As the “H” implies, the endorsement is for hazardous materials and is often called a HazMat endorsement. Hazardous materials run the gamut from gas and oil to chemicals. It also encompasses materials that are corrosive, poisonous, explosive, or flammable. The endorsement can be obtained by those holding a Class A, B or C CDL.

X Endorsement

This is a combination endorsement that allows drivers to transport tankers and haul HazMat materials. It’s important to note that even though a driver has the ability to haul hazardous materials, they only do so if they want to. Drivers must have a Class A or Class B CDL.

T Endorsement

Often called the “doubles and triples endorsement,” it allows drivers with a Class A CDL to haul more than one trailer at the same time. It’s important to know that some states prohibit the hauling of more than a single trailer at a time.

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Large vessels are commonly transported from dry dock to their slip for ocean-going fun or to large lakes, waterways, and foreign countries. Maritime transport requires very specialized trailers and precautions. If a craft has its own trailer, it can often be left on the trailer and loaded onto a transport trailer.

Maritime Transport

However, transporting a large boat or luxury yacht is different than other types of cargo. Relocating a large vessel come with some constraints, depending upon the destination for which its bound.

No matter where a vessel is bound, at some point it will have to travel overland. Boats traveling over roadways can’t be any wider than 12 ft. or no taller than 13 ft. 6 in. before requiring the services of a heavy hauler. In some instances, the craft can be made to conform to regulations by removing the masts, bridges or towers prior to transport. The destination for unloading must have a least a 14 ft. overhang.

The cost for shipping a boat will be dependent upon its size, destination and its value. Large boats and yachts may be transported on their own bottom and secured to a specialized trailer. If bound for a foreign country, a container may be required while on board a transport ship.

Very large boats and luxury vessels that are oversize are typically limited to traveling from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset. On Saturdays, those same vessels can be moved until 12 noon with an appropriate permit.

Boat haulers must conform to Department of Transportation (DOT) laws and regulations. A boat that exceeds the 12 ft. limit must have an escort vehicle. Boats that exceed 14 ft. wide must have two escort vehicles. Escort vehicles are required for any boat over 10 ft. wide in the keys.

Any boat over 8.5 ft. wide or 13.5 tall must have a permit. Professional heavy hauler companies know what permits are required. They have the high-tech logistics to plan the best route to eliminate low overheat passes and bridges, map the best routes, and ensure that vessels arrive safety at their destination – no matter where that is or the special accommodations it requires.

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