The first thing that heavy haul drivers need to know to reduce accident risk is that few people piloting a passenger vehicle view a heavy hauler truck any differently than another consumer vehicle. They don’t understand the distances that heavy haulers require to stop or the need to make wider turns. Heavy haulers can reduce accident risk by driving alert and

Conversely, maneuvering in close quarters, through traffic and on worksites, and in inclement weather presents heavy hauler drivers with an increased risk for an accident. There are some basic things for every long hauler to keep in mind to reduce the potential for an accident.

Secure the Load

Always ensure that every load is appropriately secured before pulling out to prevent the cargo from moving or shifting. A significant number of accidents are the result of debris/items falling from a truck when it has to make a sudden stop or the load isn’t properly secured. Securing your load is the law and will reduce accident risk.

Safe Driving Habits

Safe driving requires vigilance at all times and developing driving habits that aid in reducing accidents before they occur. Safe habits include no drowsy driving or distracted driving. One of the leading causes of accidents is distracted driving due to mobile devices. Letting the mind wander is equally dangerous.

If a load requires a spotter or escort, listen to them, but drivers should use their best judgement based on their driving experience. That goes for overpass clearances, driving routes, and similar areas of potential problems. If a driver needs to pull over and survey the surroundings visually, don’t hesitate to do so.

Close Quarters & Blind Spots

Drivers need to use extra caution when pulling onto ramps, into traffic, or making turns. Leave extra space between the heavy hauler and other vehicles. Navigating in close quarters on job sites or drop-off points can be extremely difficult, especially when backing up. Always be aware of where the truck’s blind spots are.

Weather Conditions

The weather can change with little warning in any location. It pays to keep abreast of local weather conditions, which enables drivers to anticipate situations that could prove dangerous. Depending upon the time of year and locale, drivers can encounter snow and freezing rain, tornadoes, flooding from hurricanes, and even problems due to wildfires. Staying advised provides drivers with the information needed to make informed decisions to reduce accident risk.

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 haul drivers transport heavy haul loads with a wide range of objects and materials during their careers. They ensure that items that exceed standard weight, height, length or width dimensions arrive at destinations far and wide. The following are some of the most common loads that heavy haul truckers will encounter.

Equipment

Vehicles and equipment used in the mining and construction industry, along with harvesting equipment, are among the most common types of heavy haul loads that heavy haulers will typically find themselves transporting. The huge cookers, boilers and other types of equipment utilized in the food production industry are also transported by heavy haulers. The truckers may also be tasked with delivery of such unusual items as “mini” submarines for underwater exploration.

Construction Materials

This can encompass wood, metal and cement materials. An example would be metal support beams for the building industry or prefabricated concrete elements for construction projects. Heavy haulers can also be called upon to deliver items such as roof joists for homes or materials for the construction of bridges. In some instances, heavy haulers are responsible for transporting entire structures and historical buildings.

Energy

The enormous turbines, transformers, and the giant propellers of wind generators used in the energy creation and distribution industry are just some of the types of freight that require the specialized knowledge of a heavy hauler. That also includes the giant-sized pipes used for oil pipelines and oversize equipment delivered to docks and ferried to offshore oil rigs.

Liquid Loads

From milk to gas, special training is required for transporting liquid heavy haul loads. Liquid moves in ways that solid freight doesn’t and the center of gravity continually changes as the liquid moves and sloshes.

Military Heavy Haul Loads

When tanks and other pieces of equipment are decommissioned, a heavy hauler is often called upon to transport the equipment to surplus stores or military auctions. In many instances, those items are sold to veteran’s organizations and heavy haulers are required to transport them to their new destination.

When it comes to distracted drivers, truckers must be vigilant against the errors of others at all times and be prepared for anything. However, they must also be careful not to develop careless habits of their own and not allow outside influences from a myriad of sources that steal their attention away from the road.

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Transporting heavy equipment requires specialized handling, preparation and trailers. Equipment that exceeds a certain height, weight, width or length limits can require escort services, specific permits and signage, or a specialized trailer for it to be legally and safely conveyed.

Bulldozers, loaders, cranes and cement mixers are just some of the types of equipment that can be hauled. It’s even possible to transport decommissioned tanks and similar types of military equipment for display at a variety of venues for a myriad of organizations. An oversize load is usually anything less than 80,000 pounds, 13.5 ft. high, 8.5 ft. wide, and 53 ft. long.

Paperwork

There will be permits to transport an oversize load and even through multiple states if applicable. Fuel permits and trip permits will be needed, along with signage and an escort vehicle. An approved route will also have to be established that takes into account overpasses, tunnels, bridges and other features that could have an impact on the load.

There will typically be restrictions on when the specialized trailer can operate, under what types of weather conditions, and on certain roads due to their rating or traffic congestion. A professional heavy hauler will be able to ascertain the type of trailer needed and arrange for permits and logistics.

Specialized Trailers

A removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer is the preferred method for transporting machinery that’s taller or longer than usual. RGN trailers can be lowered to the ground to create a ramp, enabling wheeled and track vehicles to be driven onto the specialized trailer for ease of loading and off-loading.

Other options exist, such as step-deck and stretch double drop deck trailers, depending on the item to be hauled. Outriggers are beneficial for large pieces of equipment when a large separation exists between the wheels or tracks. Outriggers swing out to expand the trailer’s surface area.

Super Loads

There are also specialized trailers for what’s considered super loads. These are items that exceed 150,000 pounds, 16 ft. high, 10 ft. wide, and 75 ft. in length. Some examples of a super load would be HVAC equipment, industrial boilers, mining equipment, power generators and power plant transformers, and turbines. Beam trailers, platform trailers and steerable dollies are all trailer options for super loads.

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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Hauling a normal load can be difficult enough. When hauling an oversize load, there are specific dangers that drivers can encounter – not least of which are other motorists that ignore signage and treat trucks like ordinary vehicles. Oversize loads come in a variety of forms. The following are the primary dangers that drivers need to be aware of when hauling oversize loads.

Stopping Distances

A loaded tractor-trailer will require about 200 feet to come to a complete stop, compared to an ordinary passenger vehicle that needs about 135 feet. Stopping distance is a simple matter of physics and the laws of physics can’t be ignored. The more weight and mass a truck is hauling, the longer it will take to stop. For every 20,000 pounds added after the first 80,000 pounds, stopping distances will increase by a little over 25 percent.

Approved Routes

The surface upon which trucks travel can create substantial difficulties in the form of potholes and other existing damage that can unsettle a load. The route taken should be pre-planned carefully and an escort vehicle should accompany the load.

Height

When an oversize load is due to height, it’s imperative that drivers travel on approved routes to avoid bridges, overpasses and other obstacles that are lower than the height of the load. Failure to do so can result in a load that’s jammed under an overpass and significant damage to infrastructure.

Weight

Just as height is a factor in oversized loads, so is the weight the tractor will be hauling. Again, only travel on approved routes that avoid bridges that can’t handle the weight, along with roads that are unable to accommodate the load without damage. It’s critical that the weight of the load be distributed properly to minimize danger.

Length

The length of the load will also be a factor. It will require wider turns and extra care if the driver will need to back up.

Securing Loads

It’s critical that extra care and diligence be utilized when properly securing oversize loads. Drivers should never assume load security throughout the haul. Every load should be inspected at every stop to ensure safety.

Crashes and Accidents

An oversize load won’t be able to navigate sharp curves and turns the way other haulers can. Rollovers and jackknife crashes are a very real danger if a driver must brake quickly. There’s also the potential for a load to shift or break loose. Driver fatigue and distractions, blown tires and speeding are all elements that can result in an accident or rollover.

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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The lack of truck drivers has been well-published through traditional media outlets and online. However, there’s a very substantial difference in a traditional over-the-road truck driving job and being a heavy haul driver.

Licensing

It all begins with obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Individuals will need a regular driver’s license, good driving record, and there will be a driving and written knowledge test geared specifically for the CDL. There are also different classes of CDLs, each with its own endorsement that’s required.

Potential drivers will need to meet age and citizenship requirements and be able to produce documentation to prove those requirements. Individuals must be able to speak and read English and be able to pass the mandatory background check.

Drivers will need to know rules and requirements that are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There are companies that teach courses in driving tractor-trailers. Individuals that successfully complete the training will typically be issued a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) that enables them to practice driving a semi.

The Physical

Good hand-eye coordination isn’t just a skill for video gamers. It’s also needed to be an effective heavy haul driver. Individuals that aspire to be a heavy hauler will need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and provide a DOT medical card.

Heavy haulers don’t just sit behind the wheel of their big rig. They must be physically able to secure the loads they’ll be hauling and may be required to perform other duties related to heavy hauling in different types of situations. They need to pass stringent hearing and vision tests, and meet blood pressure standards. There are specific health conditions that will automatically disqualify an individual from being a heavy hauler.

Written Test

Potential drivers will be tested on their general knowledge and that of air brakes and vehicle systems. Individuals may also be tested on any endorsements they may be seeking.

Road Test

Every new driver must take a road test in the type of vehicle they will be licensed to drive. Individuals will be tested on their vehicle inspection skills, control of the truck-trailer, and overall driving habits.

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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Most people think of heavy haulers as a trailer assembly that delivers goods to supermarkets and similar retail outlets. The truth is far different. Heavy haulers specialize in transporting cargo that exceeds the limits of ordinary tractor-trailer combinations.

Heavy haulers transport items ranging from mining equipment and bulldozers to combines and harvesters, along with items such as personal submersibles, military vehicles, fire trucks and SWAT vehicles. The cargo encompasses loads that exceed specific weight, width, height and length standards.

The trailers available for heavy hauling have been specifically designed and refined over time to accommodate the greatest range of needs. The differences and advantages in some trailers may not be immediately obvious to the inexperienced. A professional heavy hauler is able to select the best trailer for the job based on the cargo to be transported.

Double Drop Deck

Sometimes referred to as a lowboy, a double drop is a multi-level trailer with the center – or well – built lower than the front and back end. It’s typically used for hauling tall objects that exceed height standards and is often used to ship items that include boats, earth moving equipment and farming equipment.

Extendable Drop Deck

These are used for loads that are extra long that won’t fit on a standard flatbed trailer. The stretchable beds are utilized for hauling objects such as lumber and pipes. The well can be elongated to carry longer pieces of freight.

Removable Gooseneck

Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers can be lowered to the ground for easy loading off-track or wheeled vehicles. The trailers provide a ramp that enables vehicles to be driven onto the trailer. RGNs are available as standard and extendable models.

Step Deck

They’re similar to a double drop deck trailer and are utilized for heavy or tall freight. They’re comprised of an upper deck, along with a lower deck where the freight sets. The upper level can be used for detachable accessories such as plows. They’re one of the most often utilized trailers for heavy equipment and many models include ramps for easy loading.

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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Hauling heavy equipment is no easy matter and it can be downright dangerous if the proper safety procedures aren’t addressed. Unfortunately, despite paying thousands of dollars for a single piece of equipment, many individuals don’t take safety seriously enough.

The following are considerations for a safe haul of your heavy equipment.

Height, Length, Weight and Width

Knowing the height, length, weight and width of the load is essential. It will play a major role in the type of trailer required to move the equipment and whether special permitting is required. For instance, it’s entirely possible to haul a 30-ton piece of equipment on a 15 ft. trailer, or a 10 ft. trailer, depending on its rating.

The Right Trailer

Selecting the right trailer for the job is critical. It will affect the loading and unloading of the equipment, along with the safety of the haul itself. A stretch bed refers to all of the different types of trailers that have the ability to extend their deck and includes:

• A removable gooseneck, also known as a lowboy, is common. They’re able to haul massive loads.
• A step deck, also called a drop deck, are similar to lowboys and can handle loads that exceed maximum heights.
• Double drop trailers are for equipment taller than 10 ft. 6 in. The trailer can be identified by its construction in which the center is lower than the front and rear.
• Flatbeds are utilized for typical loads that are 48 to 53 feet by 8×8 ft. in size.

Secure and Inspect

Falling debris and loose cargo account for approximately 180 accidents per day according to research performed by AAA. It doesn’t need to be something large flying off a trailer or left lying on the equipment, to result in a dangerous accident. Even a forgotten wrench coming off a trailer can be catastrophic if it hits a windshield or as motorists try to dodge it. Never depart without performing a final security inspectionto ensure a safe haul.

Hire a Professional

It can be tempting for individuals to utilize one of their crew to drive equipment to its next destination. Resist the temptation. Transporting heavy equipment requires specialized knowledge and licensing in some instances. Lack of experience, speeding, and inattention to safety standards isn’t worth the ultimate cost in damage. Hire a professional and deliver a safe haul.

Run the Route

Road conditions can change quickly and it’s a good idea to have someone in a pilot car run the route ahead of the heavy hauler – even if the law doesn’t require it. This would add to a safe haul. Downed trees, accidents, and construction work will impact the route taken and the delivery time.

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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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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Exporting equipment and machinery overseas is completely different than shipping it across the U.S. There are dozens of details, permits and paperwork that must be completed. There will be specific rules, legal requirements, and licensing rules to which companies will need to adhere. There are many important steps for successful heavy hauling export. Whenever possible, contract with a full-service heavy hauler for a turnkey solution.

The salient point for exporters to understand is that cheaper doesn’t mean better. The knowledge and experience needed for successful heavy hauling export is extensive. Be sure to shop around and compare services before entering into any contract.

Logistics

The logistics of exporting involves more than simply showing up at the dock. A logistics company can be engaged to handle the details or shippers and hire a full-service heavy hauler. The company will be able to determine what type of transport is needed depending on the length, height, weight and width of the freight to be moved and the states through which it will travel.

Paperwork

The sheer volume of paperwork needed for exporting is prodigious and it’s just one of the many advantages of contracting with a heavy hauler that’s familiar with the export process. If the cargo is shipping by air, an air waybill will be needed, though the vast majority of exports are shipped by water.

For exporting by ship, there will be a bill of lading and a certificate of conformity may be required depending on the item being exported. A certificate of origin will typically be needed for customs, along with a commercial invoice. A dock/warehouse receipt ensuring proper labeling and accountability is needed at the point of embarkation. There will also be an insurance certificate, export license, export packing list, and inspection certification.

Heavy Hauling Export Pickup

One of the many benefits of contracting with a heavy hauler is that the company will be experienced and knowledgeable about the correct trailer or truck that will best serve the transport process. The heavy hauler will know if a container or any specialized equipment will be needed for the load and be well-versed in safely securing loads.

Delivery

The company will be able to calculate the best route to take to ensure any item is delivered in a safe and timely manner, and if an escort vehicle or mandated signage will be required for the load. The closest port to the exporter isn’t always the best option. Part of the logistics of delivery is knowing the best port to use to expedite shipping.

Ports for Heavy Hauling Export

Each port has specific documents that will be required upon delivery of the cargo and a heavy haul company will know what those are and can facilitate deliveries through pre-registration. A pre-registered operator typically makes it through the process quicker, thereby eliminating long wait times for authorization to send items swiftly on their way.

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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The term disaster hauling is used to denote transporting FEMA loads after a catastrophic event. It can encompass the transport of a wide variety of items ranging from heavy equipment to clear areas of debris, modular units for temporary housing, generators to supply power, and other types of relief supplies.

The most often encountered disaster in Florida is a hurricane. The hurricane season typically runs June 1 through Nov. 30. Scientists believe that global warming may extend that season and storms may become more severe. Any company planning on participating in disaster hauling should be aware of several things.

Budget Strains

Heavy haulers are essential during disaster recovery, but FEMA isn’t known for being a quick payer. It can place a strain on cash flow and there are often delays in payment. Disaster hauling will typically be contracted through a broker. In the chaos following a disaster, combined with the sheer number of loads going in, there will be delays in payments.

Keep a Record for Disaster Hauling

Maintaining clear and comprehensive records is essential in the trucking industry. Nowhere is that more important than during disaster hauling. Get a copy of all agreements in writing and keep them on hand to ensure there’s no misunderstanding, nothing slips through the cracks, and correct compensation is collected. Haulers will be able to charge more for FEMA loads and individuals shouldn’t undersell their time.

Keep detailed records of wait times, along with mileage in and out. Be sure to include detention and layover pay in any agreement since there could be significant wait times to get unloaded. Be aware that detention pay is one of the most often disputed by FEMA. Always review every contract carefully to ensure standard terms and information is included.

Be Prepared

A heavy hauler working on disaster relief will need to be ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Time is of the essence for people without power and basic necessities. Prepare the truck or trailer in advance and try to carry supplies to make minor repairs for any contingency.

Haulers may encounter numerous challenges such as road damage and closed truck stops that will limit the availability to obtain fuel. It can also limit the availability of meals and grocery stores may be shut down.

Always carry some snacks that won’t spoil, water, and fill the tank just before heading into the disaster area. Cell service will probably be spotty at best. There will be flooding. Don’t drive into high water – stay safe. Above all, exercise patience when working disaster hauls.

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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