5 Key Considerations For Heavy Haulage

Things To Know Before Transporting a Heavy Load

Heavy haulage transportation has unique logistical challenges that must be considered before starting your journey. Transporting overweight and oversized cargo involves many more complexities than regular transportation.

Good planning and preparation are essential to ensuring a safe and efficient heavy haulage experience. Read on to discover five key things you should consider before transporting a heavy load.

What is heavy haulage?

Heavy haulage refers to the transportation of sizable items that demand specialist vehicles in order to be transported. This can include equipment and items such as:

  • Diggers
  • Cranes
  • Bulldozers
  • Excavators
  • Static caravans
  • Bulk goods
  • Farm machinery
  • Bulk fertiliser or grain

The cargo is taken to the desired location by being loaded onto specially designed heavy haulage trucks. Most commonly, heavy haulage is used by industries such as construction and agriculture but is required in a variety of instances.

Heavy haulage must be carried out by experts. Working with a heavy haulage specialist supplier like Emerson will ensure a safe and successful delivery.

1. Specifications

Be aware of government specifications regarding what qualifies as an abnormal load. Heavy haulage will be required if the item you wish to transport meets any of the following specifications:

  • Heavier than 44,000 kg
  • Over 2.9 metres wide
  • Longer than 18.65 metres
  • Has an axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle and 11,500kg for a single driving axle

Adhering to all the legal requirements when arranging heavy haulage is essential. Failure to do so may result in a receiving a graduated fixed penalty fine.

Following the specifications required by the government will ensure the safety of those helping transport your items and other road users. It will also prevent damage to the equipment you are transporting. Regular safety checks should be carried out throughout the process to confirm no issues have arisen.

2. Planning

A key consideration of heavy haulage transportation is good planning. Before embarking on the journey, you must take the required steps to guarantee the operation will unfold as smoothly and safely as possible. It may be necessary to inform the local authorities.

Heavy haulage vehicles must have an up-to-date MOT and suitable insurance. Drivers must hold the relevant licence.

Certain loads might require escort vehicles to accompany them to inform other road users of the abnormal load’s presence. Escort drivers are specially trained for this purpose. As such, proper arrangements must be made so that professionals can carry out the job.

3. Defining the route

Defining the route your heavy haulage will take is a crucial element of planning. Roads chosen must be confirmed to be suitable for large, abnormal loads ahead of time. Be especially vigilant of bridges, tunnels and junctions that heavy haulage may not be able to fit under or around. Make sure to research the area, including the pick-up and drop-off points, to determine if any additional equipment will be required.

Technology such as GPS tracking and route optimisation software can assist you in your planning. Plan some backup routes in case of unexpected road closures on the day of transportation.

Effective communication and coordination is a vital part of safe heavy haulage operations. It is a good idea to supply drivers and escort cars with headsets so they can easily communicate hands-free over the phone.

4. Cost

As with any element of a project, the sum total of the procedure must be calculated and factored into the budget before commitment. Careful planning will prevent any unwelcome surprises and additional costs on the transportation day.

5. Choose a reliable heavy haulage company

Successful heavy haulage operations require a comprehensive approach with careful planning, regulatory compliance, effective communication and equipment reliability.

The best way to ensure your heavy haulage is positive is to work with a reputable, reliable heavy haulage company. A good company will be able to offer expert advice and help on the key considerations above. You will benefit from their knowledge and experience, streamlining the process of transporting abnormal loads.

Emerson can help

At Emerson, our expert team specialise in executing seamless heavy haulage operations. We will arrange efficient movement, installation, removal and logistics to transport your equipment safely and efficiently.

Emerson’s professional heavy haulage equipment as well as our experience in providing these services equips us for any challenge. We have supplied heavy haulage solutions for plant and equipment, industrial tanks, rail and utility machines and much more.

We are a FORS Silver accredited transport business that prides itself on providing excellent customer service and satisfaction. Our reliable, expert team is on hand to answer any questions you have about heavy haulage transport. No matter how extensive, time-sensitive or unique your situation is, we would love to help.

If you are looking for heavy haulage in London or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call us today on 020 8548 3900.