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Three Things You Should Know About Heavy Haul Trucking

Shipments that exceed the legal dimensions and/or weight restrictions established for traveling on local, state and federal highways and roads are considered heavy haul trucking shipments. Because of their size, many heavy haul loads cannot fit within a conventional closed trailer. Likewise, loads that are extremely heavy require special trailers designed to carry the weight safely. When either one, or both of these circumstances arise, it is often necessary to obtain special permits and to plan a specific route before the load can be transported.

Shipment Dimensions

The largest enclosed trailers measure 53 feet long, 99 inches wide and 110 1/4 inches tall on the inside. The height of the exterior of the trailer is typically around 13 1/2 to 14 feet, which allows them room to move under bridges and overpasses without colliding with them. In some cases, however, loads exceed the maximum height and width restrictions, and special trailers must be employed. So called low-boys help to accommodate taller loads by dipping in the center, allowing for taller loads. Other times, loads may exceed the length and width of a standard trailer, meaning they require additional specialized equipment. B5E3U6YCcAAE0xU

Shipment Weight

As their name implies, heavy haul shipments often weigh incredible amounts. Very large pieces of equipment used in the construction industry are a prime example of the types of things heavy haul truckers carry. In order to protect the integrity of federal, state, and local bridges, roadways and highways, the amount of weight an individual trailer may carry is heavily restricted. Federal regulations state that loads cannot exceed 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, 20,000 pound single axle weight, or 34,000 pound tandem axle weight. In addition, seasonal weight restrictions may be implemented by local and state governments as needed.

Special Permits and Routes

Unlike conventional cargo, heavy haul loads often require special permits before they can be shipped. This requires a great deal of planning since permits must be presented before crossing state lines, or entering certain jurisdictions. Special routes may also be required to avoid low-hanging power lines, trees, bridges, signs and other obstructions. In some cases, utility crews and other professionals may have to prepare the route in order to assure safe passage. Failure to secure either of these important factors will lead to delayed delivery and potential fines.

In order to accomplish big things, you need big equipment. But, moving a huge crane, or massive earth mover is no easy task. It requires a great deal of knowledge and experience as well as a thorough understanding of the laws regarding over-sized and heavy loads. Heavy haul trucking companies specialize in moving these loads, assuring regulatory compliance and safe and expedient delivery.

August 11, 2016 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Issues Refrigerated Trucking Companies Face in the Summer Months

From frozen treats to dairy products and meats, refrigerated trucking companies transport millions of pounds of perishable products every day. Controlling the temperature inside of the trailer is of the utmost importance. That is why they are constructed with a heavy layer of insulation and outfitted with high-powered refrigeration units. Reefer trucks, as they are called, do not freeze, or chill product, what they do is to keep the cargo at the temperature it was upon loading. The summer season, however, presents a unique set of problems for refrigerated trailers.

Refrigerated Freight and LTL Trucking

Ambient Heat

When outdoor temperatures soar and the sun is high and bright in the sky, it has a major impact on the interior temperature of a standard trailer. That’s not much of a problem, but for reefer trucks, it could spell disaster. If the temperature rises by just a few degrees, product could begin to spoil, or become inedible. Refrigeration units must be continuously operated, and the interior temperature monitored while in transit. What’s more, when loading and unloading it is important to do so quickly, so as to minimize the amount of heat that enters the trailer.

High Humidity

When humidity levels are too high within a refrigerated trailer, condensation accumulates on the ceiling, walls and cargo. Once the condensation forms, it either remains in liquid form, or freezes over. In either instance, the additional moisture and ice crystals have the potential to cause food items to become inedible. Safeguarding cargo against this type of damage begins at the loading dock. Trailer doors should be opened for short periods, especially in high humidity situations. Constant monitoring of interior humidity levels allows the driver to adjust the cooling system accordingly.

Increased Demand

It’s no surprise that when it’s hot out, there is an increase in demand for produce, frozen treats and ice cold beverages. Some private fleets find themselves overwhelmed and unable to keep up, so they seek outside help. That means the demand for refrigerated trucks also increases, which is great for trucking company owners. However, the best companies know how to manage their fleet so that their customers always have options. That may mean partnering with other companies, or brokering loads, or simply keeping the potential needs of their current customers in the forefront.

If you’re shipping temperature sensitive cargo, either using your own fleet of reefer trucks, or an outsourced fleet, keep these issues in mind. High heat and humidity can cause a huge amount of damage to your product, and your reputation. Choose a logistics partner that’s experienced dealing with refrigerated trucks, and whose drivers are well-trained in their proper care, maintenance and operation.

August 4, 2016 | | Category: Refrigerated Trucking

The Process of Transporting Equipment Bought at an Auction

When you buy equipment, whether light or huge, at an auction, you will always face the challenge of how to carry the equipment to your yard or factory. Described below is a process you can follow to transport equipment bought at an auction.

Heavy Machinery Equipment Shipping for Auctions

The first step in the course of moving any equipment is understanding the recommendations of the equipment’s manufacturer towards how to transport it – you can get this information by reading their manual or looking it up on their website. From the manufacturer’s manual, you will also be able to understand the equipment you just bought better. The producer may advise you to do several things, such as securing some loose parts, disconnecting batteries, etc.
The next step involves determining whether the machine you bought requires any permit for transportation. For instance, overweight and oversize equipment require a permit for transport on the road. We would be able to help you determine if you will need a permit to move your machine.
For the large equipment, which are hauled in the open air, it is important to protect the parts that are vulnerable to rain, sunshine, wind or other elements. At this point, you need to refer to the equipment manufacturer’s manual for any instructions.
You need to determine the means of transporting the equipment. The size of the machine dictates the transport means appropriate. The transport means can, therefore, vary from a pick up to a semi truck and trailer. Ensure that before the transportation day or the time, the means is ready.
Finally, you need to prepare the necessary machinery for picking up the equipment as well as dropping them off at the loading and off-loading points. For medium-sized equipment, you may hire a forklift but for large and cumbersome equipment, you require appropriate consideration since you need extra equipment such as loading dock, cranes, etc. to load the machinery. Once you have the pick-up and the drop-off stations ready, you are set to transport the equipment.

July 28, 2016 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

WMBE Clearinghouse Certified

Great Western Transportation is pleased to announce that as of July 22, 2016 we have been officially certified with the Supplier Clearinghouse as a Women / Minority Business Enterprise. wmbe

July 26, 2016 | | Category: Uncategorized

Flatbed Trucking Companies Keep Summer Construction Projects On Track

You’ve noticed an increase in the amount of road construction that is happening in your city. You’ve probably also seen large scale commercial construction projects and backyard projects being executed in and around your neighborhood. All of the work that you see happening depends, in part, on flatbed trucking. Without these specialized trailers, moving building materials, landscaping supplies, and heavy equipment is difficult, if not impossible.

Building Materials

Construction materials such as lumber, pre-built frames and drywall are heavy, awkward and difficult for the average homeowner to manage. This is why lumber supply companies offer delivery services, using their flatbed truck. Likewise, larger building materials such as steel beams, and large volumes of lumber and other materials have to be transported to commercial sites. When demand increases, it strains the companies that manufacture and supply these materials. To ease the load and keep the supply chain moving, they often rely on the services of a logistics company with flatbed capabilities. flatbed-trucking-ca-or-ny-al-wa-mi-ne-az

Landscaping Supplies

Nothing makes a bigger impact on a home, or commercial property than beautifully landscaped grounds. However, one cannot simply go out and dig holes, plop a plant in and expect it to grow properly. The gardens have to be defined, the soil amended, the perfect plants chosen, and the appropriate irrigation system installed. For contrast, some large boulders and a few ornamental trees will do the trick. Everything that a landscaper needs to make their garden dreams come true arrives safe and sound on the bed of a flatbed truck. Because there is no enclosure, materials are also easy to load, and unload.

Heavy Equipment

Brute strength and determination may well accomplish some things, but it’s not going to move a large rock or tree stump. The contractor certainly is not going to manually dig and grade the pad for your new garage, it’s simply too difficult and time concerning. For the heaviest jobs, contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike, rely on heavy equipment like backhoes, bulldozers and trenchers. Transporting them safely to, and from, the job site is of paramount importance. Not only are they extremely expensive, but a mishap on the road could cause serious damage and injury or death. A flatbed service provider with experience moving equipment assures the safety of both people and equipment.

All of those summer projects, intended to improve the homes, businesses and cities this summer share another important tie. They all depend upon the reliable, safe, and efficient delivery of the materials and tools necessary to get the job done. Logistics companies with fleets of flatbed trucks help assure that builders stay on track to complete construction projects before the summer fades away.

July 19, 2016 | | Category: Flatbed

What Will Guarantee You Success in Transporting Heavy Machinery?

When your construction machinery is at a different location from where your construction project is, you always face the challenge of ensuring that this machinery arrives at the required point successfully. With the various logistics involved in the machines’ transportation, it has never been without challenges.

Below are ways of ensuring that the process is successful.

Plan – This is the essential step. With the help of a transport specialist, you do the analyses of what your heavy machinery haulage requires. It is also at this point that you check the machinery manufacturer’s manual to know their recommendation on their machines’ transportation.

Obtaining the necessary permit – since heavy machinery are too heavy to travel on certain roads or too high to go under bridges and power lines, their transportation requires special permits. If you are hiring the services, then you can work with your transporter to obtain the permit on your behalf.

Select the appropriate transportation company and carrier – by considering the characteristics of the huge machine you want to carry; you can know which type of trailer to use.

Prepare pick-up and drop-off points – these are the point of loading and off-loading your equipment. You may need some other equipment at these points, and it is at this stage that you ensure that you have them ready.

Load and properly secure your machine – once you have successfully selected a transportation company and the carrier, and you have the loading and off-loading zones set, it is time to load the equipment. Ensure you secure the machine properly. If the manufacturer has any recommendations on the how to fasten the machine, make sure you follow it.

Seek help from a large transportation company – it is always advisable for one to consult companies like Great Western Transportation when carrying out such an activity. We are experts in it, and we know the minor mistakes that may cost you more than you expect.

July 11, 2016 | | Category: Uncategorized

Three Times Shippers Should Rely on Power Only Trucking Services

Owning and operating a fleet of trucks and trailers to transport products from production facilities to distributors and retailers is a common practice. However, there are times when there is a need for an increase in the number of trucks available to haul trailers. During times of increased demand, periods of fast growth and when unexpected mechanical failures occur, shippers are faced with a dilemma. Either they can purchase new equipment to meet demand, or they can partner with a logistics company that offers power only trucking services.

Increased Demand

Most every business faces times when there is an increase in the amount of demand for their products. For some, this may be during the warm summer months, while others see higher levels of demand during the holiday season. In both cases, the trucks within the fleet may not be able to keep up. During these times, a logistics provider that offers power only solutions is a great ally. Rather than investing in new equipment, shippers take advantage of the resources already owned by the trucking company. Trucks are dispatched to a warehouse, dock or production facility where they pick up a trailer and deliver it to the destination, thus keeping up with demand.

Growth Spurts

One of the main goals of any business is to grow profits by increasing the amount of sales that are made. When this happens, profits soar and companies are able to expand. It’s imperative that the logistical aspect of the supply chain is capable of keeping up with the company’s growth, otherwise, growth will be stunted. While it may be tempting to add more vehicles to an existing fleet, the capital outlay that is required may not be justified. Rather than investing in new fleet vehicles, many shippers choose to outsource part of their needs to a power only logistics provider through growth periods.

Mechanical Failures

Even the most well maintained trucks can experience mechanical failures, it’s just the nature of the beast. When this happens, especially in a smaller fleet, the ability to deliver shipments on time is greatly diminished. Waiting days, or weeks for a truck to be repaired is simply unacceptable, and alternative solutions must be considered. Power only service providers are commonly called upon to step in when these situations arise. The benefit is that the truck repairs will not have a negative impact on the supply chain, and the company can continue to provide excellent service and fast deliveries.

If you own your own fleet of trucks and trailers, you already know how difficult it can be to keep up with your customer’s needs. When you experience periods of increased demand, growth, or mechanical failures it’s even tougher. Partnering with a power only service provider in these instances will keep your supply chain working properly, while at the same time keeping your budget intact.

July 5, 2016 | | Category: Power Only Trucking

Flatbed Trucking: Trailer & Service Options

Do you need to move a large supply of building materials, construction equipment, machinery, or other large freight and can’t transport it yourself? A professional transportation service can help you relocate over length, over width, and/or overweight loads using flatbed trucking.

Not sure what you need?

A standard flatbed trailer is the most common type of trucking trailer and can handle almost any type of freight. The ability to load from all sides makes it extremely versatile and easy to load from the ground with a forklift. There’s no need to worry about safety either, because chains or straps secure your load for transport. If a standard flatbed won’t accommodate your needs, consider one of the following:

For over height loads — A step deck trailer is similar to a standard flatbed trailer except that it has a lower deck which is closer to the ground and is able to handle freight too high for a standard flatbed. Some step deck trailers also include a ramp for conveniently driving equipment on to the trailer.

For extra long loads — A stretch trailer has the same advantages of a standard flatbed trailer, but comes with an extendable cargo bed. It’s used to transport loads having dimensions that exceed what a standard trailer can handle and solves any overhang problems.

For loads needing cover – You can either have the truck supply tarps to go cover the load or there are Conestoga trailers that have a rolling tarp system that is perfect to protect your freight from the elements. It’s similar to a standard flatbed, but the sides, mounted on rails, retract for flexibility and convenience. No more worries about your load being damaged from rain, wind, dust, or flying debris.

For more information about flatbed trucking, contact Great Western Transportation. We will advise you on the best solutions for transporting your cargo and we will be able to serve your specialized needs.

June 24, 2016 | | Category: Flatbed