How Truckers Should Handle Oversized Loads
As a trucker, you may be tasked with handling oversized loads from time to time. It comes with being a full-time trucker, but you don't have to let extra weight and dimensions throw you off or expose you to problems. You just need to review this oversize trucking protocol before taking off.
Understand What Makes a Load Oversized
So that you know when to change up your driving techniques and permit search process as a trucker dealing with oversized loads, you want to know what actually makes these loads oversized. You can then act appropriately moving forward to account for the extra weight and size.
There are strict categories that dictate oversized loads. You just need to find out what these are based on the areas that you'll be traveling in. With this knowledge, the rest of the steps you perform for your loads will be pretty straightforward.
Select an Appropriate Trailer
Some oversize loads are so big that the standard trailer you use in your trucking career won't be able to support them. In this situation, you need to select another trailer that can provide safe travel. You have a couple of options for these larger loads, including drop deck, gooseneck, and lowboy trailers.
Review their properties and go with the trailer that has the best features for the specific oversized load you'll be hauling. If these oversized loads won't be frequent, then renting one of these trailers is the best option from an economic standpoint.
Take Time to Refine Your Routes
Driving with an oversized load may require you to change up where you travel to. For example, you may be hauling a large structure that simply can't fit under a certain overpass. You want to know about these restrictions before you get on the road so that you don't run into issues in real-time.
Well before you haul oversized loads, refine your routes as carefully as you can. Identify all relevant obstacles and then plan around them with different routes that allow for safe travel. Being meticulous in this way will ultimately help you have smoother hauls.
Being a trucker sometimes involves moving oversized loads, be it houses or construction materials. If you're dealing with these bigger materials that weigh more, taking a thoughtful approach to how you drive and what equipment to use can set you up for smooth and stress-free trucking experiences consistently and safely.
Share