Sharing the road with heavy hauling transport carriers can be dangerous for both, truck drivers as well those driving around them. Transporting heavy equipment is a risky profession and haulers who do not employ correct safety measures can lead to road accidents.
Here are 7 safety tips for flatbed heavy haulers to ensure safe transportation and minimize road accidents.
1. Choose the Right Trailer for the Cargo
Having a large vehicle to transport heavy items is not all-important, using the right kind of vehicle is what matters the most. There is a fair bit of variety when it comes to heavy hauling trucks – trucking companies need to make sure they are using the right trailer for the transport of specific oversized items.
Heavy Hauling Transport 7 Safety Tips
2. Stay Within the Load Capacity
Every oversized transport vehicle comes with a specific range of capacity it can carry. Make sure you are not exceeding that capacity. This can lead to accidents such as the load falling off the truck, or the entire truck toppling over other cars.
3. Send an Escort Car
Pilot cars or escort cars are vehicles that help and guide heavy hauling transport throughout their route. Even though their requirement in every US state is different, their purpose is the same. It is recommended for flatbed heavy haulers to accompany an escort, especially when transporting goods at night, to ensure a safe commute.
4. Double-check the Load
Securing and double-checking the load is extremely important. As mentioned earlier, in worst cases, not securing the load properly can lead to the items falling off the truck. Make sure the tarps, chains, and ropes are in the correct places to keep the shipment safe
5. Run Routes Beforehand
This is a precautionary step that massively helps in avoiding road accidents. Flatbed heavy haulers are advised to run routes in the open before taking off to the planned route. This allows truck drivers and heavy equipment operators to make sure the shipment is secure and the truck is driving okay.
6. Invest in Proper Communication Systems
Communication is extremely important in the heavy hauling transport business. Invest in providing truck drivers and site workers with two-way radio systems. This helps in keeping track of the vehicle, ensuring the driver is safe and not in trouble, and helps in finding a vehicle that goes off-path or off-radar.
7. Provide Truck Drivers with Special Instructions
Truck drivers play the most crucial role in ensuring the safe transport of heavy hauling vehicles. They must be given special instructions to keep themselves and those around them safe. Some instructions can be:
- Wear a seatbelt at all times
- Avoid using drugs and other intoxicants 24 hours before a commute
- Get a good night’s sleep
- In case of an issue, communicate to your supervisors during, as well as before the commute
- Do not try to cramp in your vehicle on the road
Ensuring safe travels for flatbed heavy haulers is a priority for flatbed service companies. It is important to keep the drivers and those sharing the road with them feel safe. To ensure that, heavy hauling companies must follow the above-mentioned tips.