INTERSTATE HEAVY EQUIPMENT - CHESAPEAKE

Heavy equipment can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to well over $500,000. So it is no surprise that you want to protect your investment until it pays for itself. But, for it to happen, safety standards and best practices must extend beyond the building site; you must assure safety even when transporting your pricey heavy equipment on the road. So here are the safety tips when hauling heavy equipment.

Pick the Right Trailer Type

RGN (Removable Gooseneck, Lowboy)

RGN trailers, or detachable gooseneck trailers, are the most common form of a trailer for heavier loads. Because of their vast load capabilities, which allow them to load even the heaviest and largest heavy equipment. The loading process is also simple because you may drive your equipment over the trailer bed if your equipment enables it. On RGN, heavy haul loads can weigh up to 75 tons.

Double Drop Trailer

You may require a twin drop trailer if your machinery is taller than 10’6′′. They are easily distinguished by their “well of the trailer.” It refers to the central section of the trailer, which is lower than the front and back.

Stretch Trailer

Stretch trailers are any of the following trailers, including flatbed trailers, step deck trailers, double drop trailers, and RGN trailers that can extend their deck to accommodate loads longer than 53 feet.

Pay Attention to the Load Capacity

You might think that if your heavy equipment weighs 30 tons, you should just get a trailer certified for 30 tons, but there’s another factor to consider: the length of the load. For example, some trailers may be certified for 30 tons over 15 feet, while others may be certified for the same weight in just 10 feet. So before transporting your heavy equipment into the trailer, ensure it’s rated for it. It’s one of the most effective safety tips when hauling heavy equipment.

Hire Knowledgeable Operators Only

You might be eager to load the heavy equipment or even drive the truck with people from your building site but don’t even if the heavy machinery isn’t worth five figures. Driver error (speeding) continues to be the leading cause of heavy-duty trucking accidents. That’s why you should only hire operators that have trainings and have a lot of expertise.

Run Routes Before the Final Trip

Before you leave on your specified trip, make sure you take another car to double-check the routes. A recent accident, fallen tree, or construction activity could cause additional delays. A pilot car may be a good idea, perhaps essential, if the heavy equipment is huge or necessary.