Safety Measures When Conducting Interstate Machinery Transport

For an observer, interstate machinery transport would seem like a fun activity. However, haulage transport companies have a nerve-wracking time planning and executing heavy machinery transport. This excerpt discusses the safety measures that haulage companies make when transporting oversized machinery.

Choosing The Right Vehicle

Using the wrong truck is a recipe for accidents on the road. Besides, you risk severe fines. Below are some considerations that haulage companies make when choosing a truck: 

• The weight of the load determines the GVM of the truck. For instance, multi-combination trucks such as B-doubles would be ideal for loads exceeding nine tonnes.
• In some cases, loads with unusual dimensions will need specialised trailers such as modular transporters.
• The mechanical condition of the truck is a critical consideration. Therefore, the haulage company must conduct a thorough mechanical inspection to ensure the transmission, engine, braking and electrical systems are in excellent condition.
• Sometimes, the company could need more than one truck to haul the load. For example, towing trucks could help reduce the pressure on the engine and transmission as the haulage truck ascends steep slopes. 

Establishing The Height Of The Load

The height of the load could significantly affect the haulage process. For instance, the haulage truck could damage overhead power lines, bridges and street lights if the load is too high. If this is the case, the haulage company may opt to use a route without these hazards. If this is not possible, they will communicate with utility companies and may ask them to disconnect the affected powerlines or street lights during haulage. 

Choosing An Appropriate Route

Other than safety, there are many other considerations that the company makes when choosing an appropriate route. For instance, some routes restrict the movement of heavy haulage trucks during the day. Besides, the company will also examine whether the preferred roads allow heavy haulage. The company must also check the road conditions to establish whether the route is passable. For instance, heavy rains or untarmacked stretches could delay transport. 

Traffic Control

The haulage company must decide how they will prevent traffic snarl-ups when moving the heavy machinery. Typically, they are legally required to have pilot vehicles to alert motorists of an oversized load. Other measures could include moving the load when there is little traffic, engaging local police when moving through towns, avoiding busy roads and strategically choosing the stops. 

Interstate machinery transport safety measures include choosing the right vehicle, establishing the height of the load, choosing an appropriate route and preventing traffic snarl-ups. Contact a company that provides interstate machinery transport for more information. 

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