If you’re planning to use your truck for hauling heavy loads, either for commercial or personal purposes, you’ll need to prepare accordingly. Transporting heavy goods, especially oversized goods, can put a lot of strain on your vehicle. Whether you’re a new truck driver or an experienced professional, follow these tips for trucks hauling heavy loads to make your next haul easier.
Video Overview
Use the Right Trailer for Hauling Heavy Loads
To transport heavy or oversized loads successfully, you’ll need the right equipment. There are different types of oversized trailers, including gooseneck, lowboy, and other specialty trailers. A popular option among truck drivers is the drop deck trailer. The upper part of this trailer’s deck will automatically drop after it clears the back unit. You can also use an extendable drop deck trailer, which has features similar to the drop deck but with a body that can extend or retract according to the size of the load.
Hauling Heavy Loads: Secure the Cargo
You want to keep what you’re hauling safe, so package and wrap everything securely and correctly and make sure to distribute the load evenly across the trailer. If you’re transporting products, shrink- or stretch-wrapping them can protect against moisture and other types of damage—just make sure to wrap them properly. Adding packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or another kind of padding is another way to protect delicate cargo. Once you distribute your load evenly, you’ll want to tie it down or pack it in securely. This prevents individual items or boxes from shifting around, tipping over, or bumping into each other—all things that can lead to severe freight damage. As an extra precaution against freight damage, you might want to consider getting haulage insurance.
Drive Safely
Another tip for trucks hauling heavy loads is to plan ahead and stay safe. You might want to map out your route ahead of time to steer clear of heavy-traffic roads, toll roads, roads under construction, and even rush hour. Before you start driving, make sure your taillights and tires are in good condition. Your taillights help other drivers see what you’re doing, especially after dark, so broken lights are a safety hazard. Checking your tires is essential regardless of your load’s weight. If their inflation rate is too high or low, your engine will have to work harder, burning more fuel and potentially leading to a blowout. You should also adjust your mirrors as necessary. Once you’re on the road, drive safely. When you’re hauling a heavy load, speeding or ignoring traffic signals is more dangerous than usual.
