With the evolving supply chain challenges facing a broad range of marketplaces, there’s never been a better time to hone your heavy haul trucking processes.
Our team at Bobcat Contracting has decades of experience in managing, coordinating, and completing heavy haul trucking work for clients across North America. Today, we’ll present our expert tips for successful heavy haul trucking projects.
Set Clear Parameters for the Project
Beginning the heavy haul trucking project with concrete specifications will help to ensure each member of the team works optimally. Specific details you’ll need to know before planning the rest of the process include:
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Travel distance
What’s the total distance and expected time required to travel to the delivery destination?
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Load weight
The load weight will be a determining factor in how you plan the trip. It will also determine the vehicle your team uses and the requirements for loading and unloading the trailer.
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Load dimensions
Load dimensions play a role in determining the style of vehicle cabin and the size of the vehicle. Dimensions will also be a vital factor when assessing travel safety for your heavy haul trip.
Select the Best Trailer for the Job
Trailer selection is the priority when planning heavy haul travel across the country. To choose the optimal trailer for the process, review the following:
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Load specifications
Review the size and weight of the materials.
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Road conditions
Do you require a smaller vehicle that can turn quickly on challenging terrain?
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Type of cargo
Can the cargo be easily stored within the trailer?
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Driving safety
What is the total weight of the cargo? Is there a potential for load-balance issues? Has the driver been trained in the vehicle?
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Cost-efficiency
How much does it cost to operate the vehicle, given the project restrictions? Is the return-on-investment clear?
Map the Route
Ensure you have a clear route planned for your trip. Both the timing of the trip and route selection play roles in the overall success of your hauling project. When mapping the trip, consider the following:
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Toll roads
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Weather conditions
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Road construction
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Local restrictions at specific times of the day
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Traffic volume
Each of these elements can impact the time the trip takes and the total cost of your overall hauling project. You should also take into consideration unexpected events. When planning your route, make sure you have several alternatives planned to navigate delays on your previously planned route.
Review Your Pick-Up and Drop Off Points
When planning a heavy haul project, it’s equally important to consider how you’re going to move the load on and off the trailer as it is how you’re going to travel the route.
Review the loading and unloading process. How many people will be involved? Does each member of the team have the resources they need to complete their task? You might need to rent equipment to load and unload the trailer. For example, many projects involve the use of cranes and other equipment to move the cargo.
Consider your range of rental equipment requirements for a successful project.
Analyze the Rules and Regulations
Does your team have a comprehensive understanding of the rules and regulations for heavy haul trucking work?
While you might be following all the rules and regulations in your state, these regulations can change when you cross state lines. So, make sure you take into consideration the rules and regulations at each stage on your travel route.
You should note federal regulations govern vehicles weighing over 10,000 lbs that cross state lines for commercial travel. To avoid fines and additional fees, ensure you review the local, state, and federal regulations governing the hauling process.
Obtain the Required Permits
Legally using heavy haul trucking equipment requires that you obtain an oversize trucking permit to travel on state roadways. You’ll likely also need several other local and state permits for the planning stages of the project. Speak with a local official about the permits required before moving forward with the rest of the transit plan.
Choose a Qualified Heavy Haul Trucking Specialist
Many business owners don’t have the time, the expertise, or the resources, to carry out heavy haul trucking projects using their in-house team. That’s why it is so important to choose a qualified company to complete the process for you.
The trucking company you select should have the following:
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Experience in heavy haul projects
Experience is fundamental with heavy-haul projects.
Experienced leaders will understand each of the safety considerations. They will also know the permits required for the project. And they’ll also have the resources and expertise to complete complex projects according to your unique specifications.
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Honesty in their working process
Ensure that you assess their honesty by having a conversation with their project management staff and analyzing the reviews of their services. Can the company answer your questions? Are you comfortable with their team handling a challenging project?
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Quick response capabilities
The company you select should be able to respond quickly and adeptly to your demands. Ensure they can provide you the resources you need on your schedule. Ask the company’s team directly whether they can meet your timetable. That way, you can prevent wasted time and rule out companies that will cause costly project delays.
Turn to Bobcat Contracting for Decades of Heavy Haul Experience
Our team at Bobcat Contracting can help guide your heavy haul trucking project and ensure that each element of the process is a complete success. Our heavy haul trucking operators are highly skilled and fully compliant with NCCCO, OSHA, and ANSI standards.
From handling the regulatory paperwork to managing the travel process, we’ll take care of it all. Give our team a call today for your free project quote.
