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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Transporting heavy equipment is a highly complex process. It’s made more difficult as there are no uniform rules and requirements across all states. Regulations often change from county to county within the same state The specialists at North American Heavy Haul are cognizant of the regulations across the U.S. and beyond that governs heavy haul loads. The company also innovated many of the safety standards that are best practice within the industry.

High Demand

Construction equipment is one of the most often transported of heavy haul loads. Construction equipment encompasses an extensive variety of machines for building new structures to creating infrastructure. It includes dump trucks, bulldozers and trenchers to cranes, asphalt pavers and road graders.

Cross County or Foreign Country

North American Heavy Haul provides transportation for equipment anywhere within the U.S. The company transports to Canada and Mexico, along with docks for shipping abroad. The advanced logistics and tracking provided by the company ensures timely and cost-effective transport and delivery. Arrangements for shipping containers are available when needed for aboard a ship or if part of the equipment’s journey is by rail.

Routes and Permits

There are many roads that can lead to the same destination, but they’re not all equal. The professionals at North American Heavy Haul map out the best route for each individual load, mindful of any bridges, underpasses and road construction that could cause disruptions or delays.

Every equipment delivery will require permits, some of which will be digital. The specialists are knowledgeable about all applicable permits and obtains them to ensure a smooth transport whether locally or across country boundaries.

Smart Decision

For the safest transport of multiple types of equipment, it makes good financial sense to schedule with a leader in the industry. North American Heavy Haul has the experienced drivers, technological systems, and specialized trailers to ensure loads arrive at their destination on time, every time.
 

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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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There are numerous checks that drivers must make before they hit the road with their heavy haul load. They’re designed to ensure your cargo arrives at its destination safely and securely. According to the American Automobile Association, more than 200,000 crashes were the result of loose loads or debris. Those accidents resulted in 39,000 injuries and 500 fatalities.

5 Safety Checks

Trailers

There are multiple types of trailers for hauling heavy loads and choosing the right trailer for the job is imperative. It has to be able to haul the weight of the cargo safely. Always ensure that the trailer has been properly secured to the tractor and is right for the load being transported.

Rules and Regulations

Each state has its own set of rules and regulations that must be met, along with Department of Transportation mandates. Depending on those and other variables, you may require an escort vehicle to accompany the load. You may also need special signage, lights, and emergency equipment, and be limited in the time you can drive – such as sunup to sundown.

Size Matters

Be sure to measure the width, height and length to ensure its within specified parameters. Never make assumptions. You may have hauled similar loads in the past, but even simple differences such as tracks or tire size can create complications that must be remedied before embarking on the delivery.

Clean and Secure

Every load should be washed down and be clear of debris before leaving to ensure dirt clods or other items don’t fall off the trailer. A secured load is a safe load. There are specific rules for tying down different types of loads to which drivers must conform. Those regulations ensure that the load doesn’t become loose, roll off the trailer, or tip. If a machine must be partially disassembled to fit dimension requirements, it must also be secured.

Maintaining Contact

Always maintain communication with your home base. Road construction, storms or natural disasters can require taking an alternate route. The company needs to know that so they can accurately map an appropriate alternative course that doesn’t place you or the load in jeopardy.

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The simplest answer is that diesel fuel produces more power. It requires a significant amount of energy to move a heavy haul load and traditional gas engines just aren’t up to the task. It all comes down to a matter of torque, not horsepower.

Diesel

Compression and Torque

An ordinary passenger vehicle relies on a spark plug to ignite a fuel and air mixture in the engine’s cylinders. Diesel engines are different. They take in air and compress it until it reaches a high temperature. When the air is hot enough, its injected into the cylinder and the fuel ignites.

The energy from diesel fuel is measured by twisting force, known as torque, that’s exerted on the engine. Torque provides more power than simple horsepower. It’s torque that’s required for diesel engines to be able to move the tractor, trailer and load. It also enables trucks to attain a normal driving speed and maintain it while hauling cargo.

Heavy haulers may be required to traverse a wide range of road conditions, including mountainous terrain. The torque and energy provided by diesel fuel enable drivers to climb any hills and mountains they may encounter on their route, even while fully loaded. Low-end torque is a critical factor in the heavy haul industry.

Cost Effective

Diesel fuel is more expensive than traditional gas even at the best of times. It also produces more energy for the money. It’s more cost effective, despite the higher pricing, to produce the energy needed for hauling heavy loads.

Fuel Efficiency

Diesel engines are more fuel efficient than their gas-powered counterparts. The engines are designed for power, which they produce in abundance. They may take longer to get up to speed than the average passenger vehicle, but they’re well able to pull the heavy loads that are required of them. Diesel engines have a higher thermal efficiency rating than cars and they also produce fewer emissions than a traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Less Maintenance

The specifications to which diesel engines are designed and built are different than a gas engine. They’re more durable, reliable, and therefore require less maintenance and upkeep.

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Numerous rules and regulations govern heavy haulers. One of those is the use of flags. You’ll need overload flags – and possibly signage and warning lights – if your trailer exceeds 75 ft. in length, 8 ft. 6 in. in width, and/or 14 ft. 4 in. in height.

Heavy Haul

Each state has its own set of rules governing oversize loads and you may also be limited in regard to when you can actively drive. There are some states that prohibit movement on state and federal holidays and rules vary according to state highways and interstate roadways.

Flags of orange or red are typically required during the daytime. Amber or red lights are required at night or when visibility is limited. Your best solution is to display the flags and run the warning lights, just to be safe. Flags can be secured to the load by the corner or displayed with the use of a flag staff and must be either a 12×12 inch square or an 18×18 inch square.

Usually, it’s just the trailer that needs flags, but some states require that flags be placed on the front of the tractor. Flags are normally placed on the extreme outside corners of the load. Warning lights serve the same purpose and must be visible for 500 ft. Depending on the load, an escort driver may also be required.

The requirements are designed to warn other drivers and keep everyone safe on the road. As a heavy haul driver, you need more space for stopping, turning corners and maneuvering in traffic. Those factors are often forgotten or ignored by the drivers of passenger vehicles when driving near heavy haulers. Flags, in combination with rotating warning lights, are an excellent way to remind other drivers and mark the parameters of your rig. It’s also a requirement.

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Trucking companies use a variety of methods to secure loads to the trailer, which are known collectively as rigging. Knowing and understanding the working load limit of the rigging is imperative to ensure a load doesn’t break loose. A failure in the rigging would be extremely dangerous and expensive. Individuals can also be cited by the Department of Transportation (DOT) for failure to adequately secure the load.

However, there’s often some confusion between working load limit (WLL) and breaking strength. WWL is the maximum weight allowance that a piece of rigging, such as wires, straps or chains, will handle under normal conditions. They shouldn’t be used to secure anything over their individual breaking limit. On the other hand, WLL is 1/3 of the breaking strength rating. For instance, a breaking strength limit of 30,000 pounds equals a WLL of 10,000 pounds.

Working Load Limit

In the trucking industry, breaking strength refers to the point at which rigging will fail at its weakest point. That area may be the strap, wire or chain itself, or the fittings or device used to apply tension. Riggers, responsible for securing loads, aggregate working load limits to determine how many tiedowns are required for a specific load.

To determine the aggregate load limit, riggers use 50 percent of the WLL for each tiedown attached to an anchor point on the trailer. That’s combined with 50 percent of the WLL of tiedowns that go over, through or around the cargo. There must be a minimum amount of tiedowns in conjunction with WLL. When rolling vehicles are involved, they must also be chocked to prevent them from rolling.

The rules according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are slightly different due to the nature of the cargo. The minimum tiedown rule doesn’t apply to the transport of items such as equipment, trusses, girders or crane booms due to their structural shape, weight, design or size. Those types of cargo must be secured by special methods, but the tiedowns must still meet performance and WLL requirements.

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There’s a lot more going on when a company is moving machinery to a new warehouse than simply having it arrive. That’s true whether the machinery is simply being stored or it will be set up at the new site for production purposes. There may also be inventory to move and few companies have the luxury of completely shutting down production for an extended length of time.

Logistics

You’re going to need to work with a logistics company if you plan on moving machinery – usually a third-party logistics (3PL) agency. However, an increasing number of heavy haul companies are providing their own logistics service as a one-stop resource for clients. A large-scale warehouse move can require considerable resources and specialized equipment so you’ll need plenty of time to shop around, review contracts, and perform other necessary actions. Plan and schedule as far in advance as possible.

Moving Machinery Plan

You don’t want your equipment or machinery simply jammed into the warehouse space. Create a floor plan of where you want everything placed and the order in which each piece should be installed. You should also have a schedule/timetable for each task to ensure the entire process is completed in a timely manner.

That includes a plan for your supply chain. You may not be able to handle regular deliveries or shipments during this time. It’s essential that stakeholders be aware of the type of disruptions and challenges the relocation will entail.

Organization

Part of that plan in moving machinery will include having power and other services turned on at the new site and ready to go the minute the first machinery arrives. There may be occupancy permits required, and inspections by various health and safety officials. Don’t forget to have the mail changed.

If forklifts and other equipment will be needed from day one, ensure it arrives first and that it’s fueled and ready to work. Whenever possible, eliminate as much inventory as possible. It will be less to move and aid in providing space for machinery to be installed.

Labor

Every employee should know what their specific tasks and responsibilities will be before and during the move. That’s particularly important if production will continue to run during the move. You may find those extra employees may be needed for packing and handling inventory. Make sure intricate parts of the production process are allocated to experienced employees and managers that are familiar with the business.

Communication

The need for clear and concise communication can’t be overstated. Relocating machinery and/or operations to a new warehouse can be a nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved. Communication is the key to a smooth and successful move.

Be Prepared

The potential for snafus, accidents and emergencies always exists. Emergency preparedness should be part of your overall plan. A relocation is stressful and employees will be working outside their normal roles. Working with a heavy haul company that provides as many services as possible will help ease the process.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Heavy equipment transport is required for most of the heavy manufacturing industries. The transport modes include road, rail and air to deliver the goods to the final destination. However, there are certain countries, which are not able to use the land transportation due to terrain challenges. Therefore, these countries have to export their goods using any of the means available like cargo ships, container ships, tankers, dredges, airplanes, cargo ships, etc. These export-related issues also need a good logistics system to streamline the freight transportation process.

For the purposes of facilitating the shipping of goods overseas, it is very important that the shipping methodologies are sound and efficient. The logistics manager should ensure that port and airport services are in perfect order and the shipment reaches the right place. He should use advanced analytics to track the shipment progress every step of the way. If there are any problems along the way, then there will be delays in delivery.

When the shipping vessel docks at a port, there are several things that have to be arranged in order to make sure that the shipment reaches its destination safely. If the logistics manager does not have adequate knowledge and information on these aspects, then he cannot ensure the safe delivery of the heavy manufactured goods. Every shipping company has a team of efficient and trained logistics experts. These experts will take care of all the logistics aspects of the shipping process. This includes planning the route, preparing the vessel, arranging for the crew, getting the goods shipped, load balancing and many more.

Heavy Equipment Export Objectives

One of the main objectives of logistics is to ensure that the cargo reaches its destined place. Therefore, the management of the shipping industry should allocate enough funding and resources to properly manage the logistics aspect of the shipping business. One of the easiest ways to do so is to hire a logistics expert. A logistics expert will help you efficiently plan your routes, prepare the cargo, get the goods delivered safely and optimize the freight costs. Some of the services offered by logistics experts include customizing shipping options, warehousing and supply chain solutions, as well as the development of logistics strategies.

If you are a small-scale importer or exporter, then you may not have the required financial resources to hire a logistics expert. If this is the case, then you should consider hiring shipping brokers to transport your heavy equipment. Brokers have extensive experience in the shipping industry and know how to best use their contacts, experience and expertise to offer the best transportation services to their clients. The transportation of heavy equipment is an important aspect of any trade transaction. Therefore, it is imperative for a company to properly organize transportation of their goods.

Many shipping companies offer transportation services to small and medium-sized businesses. However, it is also important for you to choose the right company to properly transport your goods. It would be preferable to hire a Heavy Equipment Export and transport company that can offer you comprehensive transport solutions. Hire a transport company that is fully committed to your needs and will always work closely with you. One of the most effective ways to hire the services of a professional heavy equipment export company is to go online and search for transport companies.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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