Hauling heavy construction equipment is a big responsibility. Their cost ranges from tens of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands. For the higher end equipment, you’re hauling something with the same value as a medium-sized house. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to make safety mistakes. Avoid costly cargo damage and a Texas commercial or owner operator truck insurance claim by following these four safety tips:
Use the Right Trailer
The trailer must meet the requirements of the areas through which you transport the equipment. The trailer’s size and load rating should accommodate the equipment’s size and weight. Trailers commonly used include the flatbed, towing, drop deck, lowboy, and flat rack trailers.
Use the Right Loading Procedure
Trailer loading is a critical time when mistakes can have big consequences. Park the trailer on level ground that is firm and stable enough to handle the load. The trailer ramp should have sufficient strength, and have sufficient length to ensure that the angle isn’t too steep. Secure the ramp to prevent its movement and clear off grease, mud, and anything making its surface slippery. Ride the equipment up the ramp as slow as possible.
Properly Secure the Equipment
Set the parking brake, lower and secure hydraulic buckets, shovels, booms, etc, and immobilize articulation pivot points. Place chocks in front and behind the wheels to prevent rolling, and use at least four tie downs to secure the equipment to the trailer. Some equipment will require more.
Drive Carefully
Drive defensively, and when in doubt, slow down. Allow lots of following space, look farther down the road for possible problems, and take corners slowly. Plan your routes carefully and make regular weather forecast checks.
As mentioned previously, heavy construction equipment is costly. That’s why insurance coverage is so important. If you are looking for commercial or owner operator truck insurance in Texas that provides affordable rates for commercial vehicles and cargo of all sizes, contact us at J.E.B. Insurance Services. We provide commercial truck insurance in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa and Nebraska.
