7 Tips for Heavy Haul Trucking

Tags: For Drivers, Heavy Haul

Many industries rely on heavy haul trucking to transport important commodities, products, or equipment that exceed legal size or weight limitations. Heavy haul trucking requires skill, knowledge, and a good deal of preparation. Whether you’re transporting cargo across town or state lines, oversized hauling can present challenges to any driver.

With proper preparation, however, you can avoid setbacks. Use our 7 tips for heavy haul trucking to help make every haul a successful one.

1. Understand the Scope of Your Heavy Haul Load

Understanding the entirety of your heavy haul trucking load means knowing even the smallest details to plan accordingly. For heavy haul jobs, get these specific details beforehand:

• Precise load dimensions
• Heavy haul load weight
• Travel distance

With this information, you can plan project logistics such as determining the type of equipment you’ll need. From there you’ll be prepared to budget and schedule accordingly. Having a firm grasp on your project requirements leads to safer, more successful heavy haul transports.

2. Select the Proper Trailer for the Job

One of the most important aspects of heavy haul trucking is selecting the right trailer for the job. Semi-trailers are suited for specific jobs and load types so you’ll want to ensure you’re choosing the best trailer for a successful haul. Operators must consider the type of cargo, specifications of the load, road conditions, and other factors including safety and efficiency.

Semi-trailer manufacturers and dealers are always available to help you determine the right trailer for your oversized hauling needs. Most offer semi-trailers for rent so that you won’t need to purchase an expensive semi-trailer for a one-off job. Each haul is unique and what benefits one job may not have the same advantages for another. Choosing the semi-trailer that satisfies your heavy haul transport needs is essential for completing the haul and avoiding challenges.

3. Map Out Your Route

Mapping out your heavy haul trucking route is vital to the success of your haul. Both timing and route selection can affect how quickly and easily you arrive at your destination. When researching and mapping out your route, consider these key factors:

• High traffic times
• Congested traffic areas
• Traffic restrictions
• Possible road construction occurrences
• Toll roads
• Inclement weather
• Local restrictions that may inhibit travel on certain roads, at certain times, or without proper permits

All of the above can impact your trip time and cost. In addition, there is always a chance of an unexpected event so it’s advisable to have backup route plans in case your original route is no longer the best option.

Another idea that may be useful depending on the job and budget, is to take a test run of the route before the actual heavy haul transport. Any conflicts that arise on the practice run will allow you to adjust your route to improve results.

4. Plan Your Pickup and Drop Off

While many people only think about the journey from pickup to drop-off, the pickup and drop-off locations are equally important in heavy haul trucking because getting heavy haul loads on and off semi-trucks is affected by the type of location. Researching the pickup and drop-off locations will help you plan for the loading and unloading process.

Proper planning will improve the efficiency of your oversized hauling job and usually help to mitigate problems. Heavy haul trucking tends to require the use of cranes, forklifts, or specialized rigging equipment to load and unload the haul. When you plan your pickup and drop off you can select lifting equipment that works for each location and is compatible with your budget and schedule.

Certain locations may have a loading dock. Others, such as construction sites, may have limited days or hours when they accept deliveries. There is also the chance you’ll need more people to assist with the loading and unloading.

Things to consider when planning your pickup and drop off:

• Lifting equipment needs
• Additional labor needs
• Delivery location access
• Loading zone type

5. Be Aware of Rules and Heavy Haul Regulations

One thing is certain in heavy haul trucking and that’s the fact that rules and heavy haul regulations vary from place to place. Crossing county and even state lines is often a must for heavy haul trucking which means you’ll need to be aware of the rules and regulations for each location you transport the haul through.

Keep in mind that rules and regulatory requirements are not only determined by local and state agencies, but commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR are also subject to federal regulations when hauling interstate commerce.

Adhering to rules and regulations not only helps you avoid unwanted fines and fees but also ensures safe and successful heavy hauling.

6. Obtain the Appropriate Heavy Haul Permits

Once you’ve evaluated load dimensions, weight, and chosen the right semi-trailer for the job, you’ll want to obtain all required heavy haul permits. Heavy haul trucking equipment can reach over 102” wide and this width requires an oversize trucking permit to travel on state highways or roads.

When your heavy haul trucking route takes you through multiple counties or states, more than one permit may be necessary. Allow adequate time to obtain permits to avoid delays and keep projects on schedule.

7. Work with a Trusted Heavy Haul Trucking Company

Successful heavy haul transports require a thorough understanding of project requirements and extensive planning. From choosing the right equipment and route to obtaining proper permits, it helps to have knowledge and experience from experts in the field. Partnering with a reputable heavy haul trucking company can help you achieve your project goals while saving you time and stress.

Look for heavy haul trucking companies that have the following traits:

• A commitment to safety
• Quality service
• Honesty and integrity

Choose Hale Trailer for All Your Heavy Haul Trucking Needs

At Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel, Inc., our friendly team has been helping owner/operators and fleet managers find the right heavy haul trucking equipment for decades. We carry an extensive inventory of semi-trailers for sale so you can be sure to find the semi-trailer perfect for your oversized hauling project.

We are known in the industry for dependability and excellence in service. View our locations to swing by one of our 14 convenient shops or give us a call today: 800-232-6535!