Your Heavy Hauling Checklist

Sitting behind the wheel when you’re driving on the road means you’ve got plenty of responsibilities strapped for the ride, but hauling heavy things like trucks or pieces of equipment is a whole different ballpark. One misstep when handling the cargo can lead to a costly catastrophe, one that definitely goes beyond your usual fender benders.

With over 200,000 crashes due to heavy hauling mishaps, it’s safe to say that heavy haulers need to practice full alertness to steer clear from any more bumps on the road. Beyond training, creating a checklist for safe hauling can do wonders for your productivity flow since it ensures you can move forward with little-to-no risks before, during, and after loading.

Essential Checklist for Heavy Hauling: Before Loading

1. Ensure that the weight rating and gross combination will not go beyond the transport vehicle’s gross weight rating;

2. Know and prepare for all the possible permits for hauling oversized loads;

3. Know your state’s loading guidelines, such as the need to use locking pins, brakes, outriggers, deck wideners, and more;

4. Ensure the weight distribution of the heavy load is balanced throughout the transport vehicle, so the equipment stays securely in place;

5. Ensure there is no wear-and-tear with the load securement;

6. Ensure the tire pressure for rubber tires are at an ideal level to withstand heavy equipment;

7. Identify if the load will create friction with the transport vehicle so you can check if it needs some friction devices during transit;

Essential Checklist for Heavy Hauling: During Loading

1. Never load equipment that you are unfamiliar with;

2. When the situation allows it, it’s best to set the heavy equipment against a durable structure to prevent slippage;

3. Always practice caution when securing equipment use brakes, hydraulic hoses, or cylinders;

4. Safeguard securement devices or tie downs by using edge protection;

5. Utilize the equipment manufacturer’s attachment points whenever possible;

6. Don’t forget to secure wheeled vehicles in place by locking them using chocks, cradles, or wedges.

Essential Checklist for Heavy Hauling: After Loading

1. When loading vehicles with wheels or crawler tracks, it’s best to use four tie-downs to prevent movement that can put the transport vehicle out of balance;

2. Remember that the total amount of the working load limit of the tie-downs should be at least 50 percent of the cargo’s weight.

The Bottom Line: Ticking Off All the Essentials for Heavy Hauling in Dallas, TX

Now that you know what to consider before, during, and after loading, it’s also critical to evaluate whether you’re utilizing the ideal trailer suitable for the job. The right choice can make or break your hauling experience, so avoid running into roadblocks ahead by taking the time to determine what you currently need.

Why Choose Massey’s Towing & Truck Service?

Do you need help hauling your vehicle or equipment out of a pinch? Don’t worry about the size because we’re a heavy hauling company in Dallas, TX, that handles all the legwork of moving your machinery from one job site to the next.

Our company offers the best heavy-duty towing for semi-trucks, box trucks, buses, RVs, and more. We also provide heavy hauling services for construction equipment and heavy machinery, along with maintenance perks.

Learn more about our services and call 214-393-6487 for a free quote today!