Most people are aware that the trucking industry is responsible for transporting the ordinary goods and products they purchase. Many would be surprised to learn how many dangerous loads are also handled by truckers. Drivers do far more than “enjoy the countryside” as they transport large, heavy and hazardous loads. They’re constantly on high alert, are highly trained, experienced, and drivers must acquire specialized certifications to haul the most dangerous cargo on the road.

Hazardous Materials

No job for the faint of heart, drivers must have nerves of steel to transport these loads, it’s a dangerous job that not everyone is suited to perform. Drivers may be called upon to transport chemicals, pesticides and corrosive materials to dynamite, grenades and commercial fireworks. The potential for an explosion exists and the danger level is high.

Heavy Haul Loads

These encompass a wide variety of cargo. Drivers may be required to transport components for power plants. blades for wind generators and construction equipment, along with agricultural machinery and equipment for the military and mining industry. They must be familiar with multiple types of specialized trailers. Drivers must have steady hands and experience to keep their loads secure and other motorists safe.

Gas and Oil

Cargo can include fuel to gas stations, natural gas for heating homes and businesses, or oil to refineries. There is no margin for error when the cargo is flammable or explosive. The danger is high and ever present.

An Entire House

Whole houses and other structures are regularly moved every day from one location to another. They present a significant amount of danger to drivers, the load and infrastructure. They’re oversized loads in many respects, but these types of projects are routinely handled by those that specialize in moving entire structures. They must be moved very slowly, roads are often closed off, and it typically requires electric lines to be disconnected at some point in the journey. Structures must be properly balanced and secured to the trailer.

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The pandemic amply demonstrated that truckers are essential workers. Limited selections and empty shelves attested to the importance of the trucking industry to deliver food, medical supplies and other products to stores. The pandemic was also the impetus for many women and younger people to dive into the industry, while many established drivers began contemplating striking out on their own as independents.

Women and Young People

Women of the nation saw an increased opportunity. They could earn a living, even when other industries were shut down. A number of trucking companies also recognized the advantages in hiring women and have opened schools targeting women drivers.

The average age of a male truck driver is 35. A range of younger individuals also saw an opportunity for long-term employment in the trucking industry. They’re signing up for training at accredited driving schools in record numbers, but there’s still a shortage of drivers.

Established Truckers

Those who already had an established career within the industry began to think about hauling independently. For experienced drivers, the motivation was different. They wanted more control over their routes, the jobs they took and their profits.

Becoming an independent driver isn’t easy. As an independent, they’re responsible for finding their own customers, obtaining permits and all the other expenses associated with the business.

Economy Drivers

As essential workers, truck drivers do more than deliver goods to stores and warehouses that customers want and need. Truck drivers in all capacities are critical for driving the economy. They’re critical infrastructure workers and support every sector in one way or another. Truck drivers are needed just as much now as they were during the pandemic and remain a central feature of the economy.

The trucking industry offers steady employment and incomes. It’s especially open to women and younger men that want a career. Truck drivers are an important element for the health, safety and well-being of the nation.

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Almost everything that consumers purchase has been transported by truck drivers at some point in its journey. The industry is facing 3 major problems now – a driver shortage, driver retention and high gas prices.

Driver Shortages

The shortage of drivers is a multi-faced issue. Many drivers have reached an age when they want to retire. Meanwhile, the demand for drivers continues to increase as more goods need to be transported.

Fewer new drivers are entering the field. They cite low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of benefits as the primary reasons. Those problems are also issues for long-time drivers.

Some employers are thinking “creatively” and actively recruiting women drivers to ease the shortage. The average age of a truck driver is 35 and employers are also looking at training programs to bring younger drivers onboard – yet carriers worry about increased insurance rates for younger drivers.

Driver Retention

There’s a disconnect between drivers, employers and industry experts as to how to solve the problem of retaining existing drivers. Industry experts are advocating for mental health resources, along with smoking cessation and weight loss programs. The reasoning is that it will foster better driver-employer relationships. However, drivers say they want pay increases, more time at home, and greater control over their routes.

Gas Prices

The cost of fuel is stressing everyone and that’s particularly evident in the trucking industry. Everyone is playing the blame game as to why fuel prices have escalated. Some blame cutbacks in production and climate change. Still others believe it’s a plan by oil companies to make up lost revenues during the pandemic.

Escalating gas prices are placing more pressure on employers and truckers to complete jobs faster to remain profitable.

Everyone Feels the Effects

The issues facing independent operators to employers is one that’s being felt by everyone throughout the supply chain. Without drivers, products don’t get delivered. High gas prices mean it costs more to deliver and costs are being passed on to consumers across the nation. It’s all part of a complex problem that doesn’t look to be solved anytime in the near future.

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Heavy haulers are in high demand, especially during the summer, and deliveries are often scheduled months in advance. Heavy hauling is a highly complex process.

If you know you have construction equipment, agricultural machinery or any other type of cargo that requires a heavy hauler, you need to schedule it as far in advance as possible to ensure safety, on-time delivery, trailers and other equipment is available, and to manage costs.

Safety

The safety of every load is paramount. It requires the right tractor-trailer combination and following appropriate safety precautions. It also requires an eye for detail and planning of the best travel route, since all infrastructure can’t handle heavy haul loads.

On Time Delivery

Heavy haul companies use sophisticated logistics software to plan the most effective and time-efficient routes. Each route is designed to minimize a variety of hazards and obstacles that can potentially affect delivery times, many of which are more prevalent at certain times of the year. Those elements are particularly important when loads are being transported to foreign countries. There must also be someone available to take charge of the load when it arrives.

Special Accommodations

Highly specialized trailers are utilized for heavy hauling and the right trailer for your load nay not be available if you wait until the last minute to schedule.

Other considerations also come into play. Depending on the cargo, its destination and the states through which it must pass. Specialized documentation may be needed that can take several weeks to obtain. Special accommodations may also be required. Those may include signage, lighting and 1 or more escort vehicles. Some states place restrictions on the days and hours of the day that certain heavy haul loads can be transported.

Costs

The transport of heavy haul loads peak during the summer months and costs are higher – it’s all reliant on supply and demand. Scheduling your transport during the off season can save a significant amount of money and ensure the proper trailer is available.

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A heavy haul load presents a variety of potential dangers and hazards. North American Heavy Haul pioneered many of the safety precautions that have become industry standards and have been incorporated into industry guidelines. It’s important for clients to know their equipment or machinery will be well taken care of throughout its journey, whether its within the state or across international borders. The primary objective in any heavy haul project is the safety of the load and mitigating any potential risk to other drivers.

Heavy Haul Specifications

In Florida, a heavy haul load is one that exceeds13 ft. 6 in. in height, 80,000 lbs., 75 ft. in length, and 8 ft. 6 in. in width. Special permitting will be required and specialized trailers utilized.

Center of Gravity

It’s essential that loads be situated on a trailer in an optimal position relative to the center of gravity. Weight must be distributed evenly. This presents a lower profile and significantly reduces the potential for tipping while navigating corners and highway ramps. Specialized trailers are available that facilitate lowering the center of gravity.

Clean and Clear

Bumps and humps on highways can lead to the dislodging of any dirt or debris on equipment or machinery. All types of cargo should be cleaned before loading to eliminate dirt and other forms of debris that could become dislodged during transit. If not removed, they can fall off the cargo and create a hazard for other drivers.

Securing the Load

Properly securing the load is a critical practice. Specific guidelines govern the type of tie-down to be used and where it’s placed for optimal safety. Chocks may also be needed to prevent equipment or machinery from moving during acceleration or in the event of a sudden stop. Chains are the preferred method. Straps may be used in some situations, but size and strength of the tie downs are carefully calculated.

Moveable Parts

The trucking company will lower all attachments and moveable parts prior to beginning the transport. In many instances, attachments may be removed and hauled along with the equipment to minimize height or length. Attachments that have been removed are secured separately. Any doors or steering wheels on equipment must be secured so they don’t move.

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The first time you have to hire a heavy haul transport company, you’re likely to be taken aback by the cost. There are number of factors that you need to take into consideration when estimating the cost of shipping your freight. A heavy haul load is far different than any other type of cargo.

Time of Year

Heavy hauling is a specialty and companies are in high demand, especially during summer months. The time of year has an impact on shipping costs. This is true if the shipment will be moved entirely by truck or whether part of the cargo’s journey will be via rail or ocean-going vessel. If you must ship during peak times, it’s going to cost more and you need to schedule early to ensure availability.

The Direct Route Isn’t Always Best

The distance is another factor in cost. The shortest route may not be the optimal one for arriving at a specific dock. The advanced logistics utilized by heavy haul companies will plan the route that presents as few potential hazards and impediments as possible to ensure the safety of the load.

Special Accommodations

Depending on the item to be hauled, attachments such as plows or crane masts may need to be removed before shipping. In other instances, the cargo may require a shipping container to prevent road grime, inclement weather, or ocean spray from coming in contact with the load. The same is true when transporting large boats. If specialized loading equipment is required, it will affect costs.

Some heavy haul loads require special lights, signage and one or more escort vehicles. Depending on the freight dimensions, travel may only be allowed during certain times of the day. If police intervention is required to direct traffic or infrastructure such as electrical lines must temporarily disrupted, that also adds to the overall cost.

Fuel Costs

An often-overlooked expense is the fuel required. The engines in semi-tractors used to haul loads are optimized for power and efficiency. It still requires a significant amount of fuel to provide the power needed to move a heavy haul load.
 

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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines heavy equipment as heavy-
duty vehicles that are specifically designed to assist with construction. It encompasses
backhoes, bulldozers, cranes, forklifts and farm equipment, to name a few.
Those types of equipment present a significant danger to individuals that operate them, along
with anyone in their vicinity. Created by an act of Congress in 1970, OSHA is responsible for
ensuring safe and healthy workplaces for employees in a wide range of environments. OSHA
sets and enforces standards, provides education, and performs outreach services.
Heavy Equipment Specs
OSHA classifies self-powered, self-propelled, or pull-type equipment weighing at least 1,500
pounds as heavy equipment. That includes machinery and equipment used for agriculture,
construction, industrial, maritime, mining or forestry endeavors.
Common Hazards
One of the most common heavy equipment dangers is being “caught in between” a piece of
equipment and other object. It accounts for the majority of workplace deaths around heavy
equipment. Those types of accidents can occur on job sites or when hauling heavy equipment.
Other dangers include electrical shock, exceeding speed limits, obstructed driver view, and
ignored capacity maximums.
The potential dangers associated with heavy equipment are legion. When transporting a heavy
load, there are a multitude of safety checks and precautions that are taken. Drivers routinely
check the safety chains or straps that secure the load to the trailer throughout the
transportation process. Loads must be balanced appropriately and only highly trained and
experienced drivers are allowed to perform transports.
Safety First
OSHA recognizes the many dangers associated with transporting or working around heavy
equipment. The organization prioritizes safety for workers whether they’re operating the
equipment or moving it. They’ve set forth specific standards for heavy equipment to minimize
the potential for injury and death.
Monetary penalties are imposed by OSHA for violating its rules. The maximum fine is $16,525
for serious and less than serious violations, per incident. The maximum penalty, per incident,
for willful or repeated violations is $156, 259.

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Equipment and machinery are regularly moved around the country from manufacturers to
dealers and from dealers to buyers. There are multiple ways in which that equipment reaches
destinations throughout the nation and to destinations around the world.
Heavy Haul
Within the heavy haul industry, flatbeds may be used, but the most common method is with
highly specialized trailers. They make loading and unloading easier and are designed to handle
the weights involved with heavy equipment. In some instances, a piece of equipment may be
towed, but it will depend on the distance and type of equipment being moved.
When shipping by air, rail or ship, a heavy haul trucking company was involved at some point.
Heavy haul trucking accounts for 72 percent of all freight that’s transported, including heavy
equipment.
Railroad
Statistics show that approximately 28 percent of freight is hauled by rail, typically on flatbed
cars. It’s the second most popular way to transport heavy equipment across land. While rail is
an affordable option, it’s slower than by truck and typically requires several transfers during the
transport process.
Maritime
Ships account for 10.6 percent of all cargo shipped overseas. A significant amount of heavy
equipment is transported by truck to docks on both coasts where it’s loaded onto vessels for
delivery abroad. A trucking company can arrange for a shipping container on an ocean-going
vessel to protect it from sea spray. Ocean-bound shipments are slower and must be planned
carefully to ensure there’s a vessel that can handle the equipment.
Air
Fright shipments by air account for a mere 4.4 percent. While it’s possible to ship some types of
heavy equipment via air transport, it’s a method that’s seldom employed due to very costly
shipping rates and weight limits.

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The first step in transporting an oversized load is contacting a heavy haul company. The
professionals have the equipment, knowledge and experience to transport a variety of
equipment, machinery and unique loads safety and on time. Sophisticated logistics are utilized
to track the load at every stage of its journey. Before engaging the services of a heavy haul
company, there are some things to consider.
Licensing
Before working with any heavy haul company, ensure they’re licensed to perform the task for
which they’re being hired. They must also be insured. It provides you with legal recourse if
something goes awry.
Time of Year
Like any industry, there are some times of the year that are busier than others. That means
rates will be more expensive and there may not be a tractor-trailer combination appropriate for
the load. Whenever possible, schedule your heavy haul project for the off season.
Destination
The destination of your load is important and will affect the timeline of the delivery. Drivers can
encounter a wide range of weather conditions ranging from torrential rain to blizzards that can
close roads. Wildfires are another hazard. When shipping overseas, oceanic conditions are
another concern.
Permits
A mountain of physical paperwork and digital documents are required. The volume increases if
your load is leaving South Florida to cross county and state lines, along with national borders.
Each state has its own unique list of permissions. A professional trucking company is familiar
with the permits needed and special requirements for things as simple as emergency
equipment mandated by each state.
Shipping and Pickup
Working with a licensed and insured heavy haul company has a variety of benefits. One of those
is being able to arrange for an appropriate vessel if shipping abroad. Depending on what’s being
delivered, they can also arrange for a shipping container to protect your cargo from ocean salt
water and spray. Transportation can also be arranged at the freight’s destination.

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From food and pharmaceuticals to electronics, fuel and livestock, the trucking industry keeps
products and raw materials flowing to destinations across the U.S. and beyond. A full 72
percent of all the freight moved across the U.S. is transported by truck. There are currently 3.36
million truck drivers in the U.S. that move 11.5 billion tons of freight per year.
Safe Arrivals
Virtually every industry depends on truck drivers in some way. Drivers work behind the scenes
to ensure refrigerated products to heating fuel for homes arrive safely and on time. Truck
drivers are professionals that undergo stringent training. They meet deadlines, spend a
significant amount of time away from family and friends, and navigate through an array of
weather conditions.
Connecting Communities
The trucking industry connects communities, allowing businesses to sell their products locally
and around the globe. Those connections enable businesses to employ millions of workers. The
dollars spent by those workers go to local economies. Commercial truckers paid billions in state
and federal taxes in 2022.
Emergencies
Whether it’s a wildfire or a hurricane, truck drivers are some of the first individuals on the
scene when a disaster strikes. They deliver supplies for first responders, hospitals and other
essential services. Truck drivers are considered essential workers. Approximately 10 percent of
drivers are veterans and 6 percent are women.
Infrastructure
Most people don’t think about infrastructure in connection with the trucking industry.
Thousands of roads and bridges have been constructed to facilitate truck deliveries and that
infrastructure is used by millions of ordinary motorists every day.
Supply Chain
Truckers are an integral part of the supply chain in the U.S. Drivers transport goods across the
nation, to ports for export to other countries, and across international borders. The trucking
industry contributes to the economy through multiple types of taxes. The delivery of goods by
truckers enables communities to grow and for people to live more convenient lives.

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