Heavy haul trucking is in many ways the Holy Grail of transportation services. It requires years of experience and/or specialized training to become a heavy haul trucker, due to the additional regulations that are required. However, with this added responsibility comes added prestige and of course, higher pay – which is why so many truckers gravitate towards heavy haul trucking. But there are three important things to keep in mind before you make the leap.
Know the Regulations
It would be much simpler if every state had the same laws governing heavy haul trucking, but that isn’t the case. Some states require additional permits or even an escort, while others don’t. And it will be your job to research the heavy haul regulations in every state you will be traveling through on the way to your destination. Always be sure you know exactly what you can and can’t do before you begin your journey.
Plan Thoroughly
Of course it’s always important to plan your trip, but this goes double for heavy hauling. You’ll need to map out your trip in order to know the regulations in each state, and to avoid problematic areas such as toll roads. You might want to take a route that’s a few miles longer but goes through fewer states, so you have fewer regulations to research. You also need to plan what kind of rig you will use for your freight. Trailer and axle configurations will make a big difference regarding which roads you will be legally permitted to use, so be sure to choose the best one for the job.
Safety First
Safety is always first priority but especially with a heavy haul. Not properly signalling or exceeding the speed limit can easily lead to a multi-car accident when you’re hauling 50,000+ pounds. Get there efficiently, but get there safely.
At Great Western Transportation, we have the skill and experience to help you with planning and carrying out your next – or first – heavy haul. Email or call us today at 1-800-972-8484 to find out more!
