Transportation and Medical Tourism

Posted on: 9 April 2021

Heavy haulage can be nerve-wracking. Other than rigorous preparation, drivers and the haulage team must be cautious to avoid accidents during transportation. Below is a heavy haulage checklist to ensure smooth operations as you plan for haulage and transport your load. 

Choose The Right Truck

The weight and dimensions of the load will significantly influence the truck you will use. Typically, you need a wide trailer if you will intend to transport oversized cargo. If the load is too wide, consider dismantling it and transporting it in different trucks. The weight of the load will determine the engine capacity of the haulage truck and the number of axles on the trailer. As a rule, the haulage truck must be well maintained. Preferably, it should be serviced before the haulage date. 

Choose A Safe Route

Choosing a haulage route can seem like a straightforward affair. However, this is not always the case. You will need to consider the following: 

• What is the gross vehicle mass (GVM) of the loaded trailer? Each road has its maximum weight limits. You risk prosecution if you exceed these limits.
• What are the traffic conditions on each route? You may want to avoid areas with heavy traffic since the haulage convoy could cause severe traffic snarl-ups.
• What is the width of your load? Typically, you should avoid narrow routes when transporting oversized loads.
• Conduct a road inspection to identify risks such as narrow bridges, untarmacked patches, and low-lying bridges.  

Work With An Experienced Team

The haulage team should comprise experienced haulage professionals. The primary advantage of working with professionals is that they can help you overcome haulage challenges. For instance, they will find a suitable method of loading the cargo to ensure minimal damage. In some cases, plant equipment such as cranes and forklifts might have to be used. The professionals will also find an appropriate method of securing the load to ensure that it does not topple as the truck navigates sharp corners and steep inclines. 

Make Safety A Priority

Below are some heavy haulage safety tips you should consider: 

• The haulage truck should be escorted by pilot vehicles. These vehicles will warn road users of an oversized load.
• The haulage team should share contacts with emergency service providers such as local police and firefighters. They will come in handy in case of an accident.
• The haulage team should comprise experienced mechanics and engineers to inspect the load, service the truck, and repair the truck if need be.
• For long-distance haulage, the truck should have two drivers. 

When conducting heavy haulage, choose the right truck, select a safe route, work with an experienced team and observe the recommended safety tips. For more information about heavy haulage services, contact a local service provider.