7 Safety Tips for Transporting Oversized Loads
Transporting Oversized Loads7 Safety Tips for Transporting Oversized Loads. Get the best advice how to heavy equipments nationwide & overseas. Many roads and highways were not built for trucking, making shipping oversized loads challenging for a number of reasons. Consequently, hauling oversized loads can be dangerous, resulting in accidents, traffic jams, and even delays. Fortunately, there are precautions that can be taken to significantly reduce these risks.
First, when transporting oversized loads, you should only drive a vehicle that is up to the task. It should be in good working condition and able to handle the weight of the load.
Next, you should always drive slowly and carefully to avoid accidents. You must also obey stop signs and traffic lights, even if there are no other cars around. Depending on the state you’re driving through, there may be limits on the speed of oversized loads on certain highways. Always slow down when turning and be aware that your load may extend into the other lane. Remember, too, when shipping an oversized load, you will need more time to accelerate, brake, and turn.
Finally, follow all posted signs and regulations regarding weight limits and width restrictions. In addition, you should indicate that you are carrying an oversized load with flags or signs. These flags and signs may include “Unattended Load,” “Oversize Load,” “Slow Moving Vehicle,” or other appropriate wording.
Besides these basic guidelines, here are seven safety tips that you should always reference before carrying an oversized load:
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Understand The Rules And Regulations
When driving, obey the speed limit. Speed limits are set for a reason and exceeding them can cause disaster. Never forget that driving over the speed limit when hauling an oversized load could result in a deadly accident because it’s more difficult to stop if there should be an unexpected event up ahead, like a wild animal crossing if you’re on a country road.
Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations governing oversized shipments before transporting an oversized load. Check the requirements for obtaining a permit in the state you plan to visit.
You could be fined if you do not follow the proper procedures, drive a vehicle that is not equipped to handle the load, or do not take sufficient measures to ensure that the load is secure during transportation.
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Secure The Cargo Properly
By properly securing your load, you can prevent accidents. Make sure that you distribute the weight evenly when loading your vehicle. It is essential to use ropes, straps, and chains during transport to prevent the load from shifting. Unevenly distributed loads can cause your vehicle to tip over.
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Avoid Driving In Poor Weather Conditions
In bad weather, your load can shift, making it difficult to maintain control while driving an oversized load. Driving a poorly maintained vehicle in adverse weather conditions can also be dangerous. So, you should avoid driving in bad weather whenever possible.
You should take extra precautions if the weather changes and you find yourself driving in poor weather or high winds, particularly when turning corners and driving on poorly paved roads.
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Plan Your Route In Advance
Make sure you map out your route and anticipate any potential problems before you begin your journey. Avoid congested areas and scenic views if possible. By familiarizing yourself with the area, you can anticipate potential hazards and avoid delays and damage caused by construction, weight restrictions, low bridges, tight turns, and steep grades.
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Distribute The Weight Evenly
Ensure your vehicle’s load is distributed evenly when packing it for a long trip. If the load is uneven, it may throw the vehicle off balance and make steering harder. It is also more likely for your vehicle to roll over if it is uneven. If you carry an uneven load, put heavier items at the center of the vehicle so the vehicle will stay balanced and you will have fewer problems while driving.
A second way to ensure the weight is distributed evenly is to avoid over-dimensional loads. Over-dimensional loads are vehicles, loads, or combinations of vehicles and loads wider than 8 feet 6 inches in diameter in the United States. Most states require a minimum height of 13 feet 6 inches, and there is no maximum weight limit.
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Complete All Inspections Before A Trip
Inspect your vehicle carefully before your journey. Tires should be checked to prevent blowouts, brakes should be checked to ensure that they are functioning properly, and lights should also be checked to ensure that they are working properly. Chains should be replaced if they are damaged or worn rather than running the risk of snapping.
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Do Not Drive If You Are Unfit To Do So
You should pull over and rest if you are feeling ill or tired. Driving while tired is as dangerous as driving drunk. Drowsy driving is one of the biggest safety concerns on our nation’s roads. Each year, thousands of accidents and hundreds of deaths are caused by drowsy driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
If you are driving while tired, your judgment is impaired, your reaction time is slowed, and you are unable to pay attention to your surroundings. When you’re hauling a heavy load, those effects are magnified. If you feel even slightly sleepy, you should pull over and take a break. Those who drive large vehicles often need to stop frequently, so plan in additional stops. Make sure you don’t put yourself or others at risk to get to your destination.
Following these seven safety tips will ensure the load is transported safely and efficiently to its destination.
Do You Need to Transport Oversized Loads?
Heavy Equipment Shipper has years of experience moving clients’ goods safely and securely, and we specialize in shipping oversized loads. As every move is different, we offer customized quotes and solutions. So, no matter what your needs are, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable solution.
Whether you need to move an oversized load across town or the country, you can rely on Heavy Equipment Shipper for hassle-free transportation. Get a quote from us today for more information. Please call 1-877-880-5991 or email orders@heavyequipmentshipper.com. You can also contact our team online at Heavy Equipment Shipper.