Tips for Busy Operators of Heavy Construction Equipment

Posted on: 17 October 2019

To the uninitiated transporting goods may seem easy and straightforward. You might think that all you need to do is to pile everything into a truck and drive it to the agreed destination. Anyone who has actually been involved in the transport industry will understand that moving items around is not as simple as it might appear.

If you are planning to transport anything then there are a number of questions that you must address while planning the journey.

What will you use for transport?

Not all dog trailers or other vehicle trailers are suitable for every load. Think about the nature of your load. Are you moving perishable goods, building equipment, general merchandise or something else? Each type of load will require particular transport conditions. You may need a temperature-controlled vehicle, or you could need either a covered or open truck. You might need to think about weight distribution for heavy loads. You will certainly need to consider how the goods will be secured during transport to avoid them moving and making the trailer unstable.

How will you load and unload the vehicle?

There are various ways of loading and unloading dog trailers, and the most suitable method will largely depend on the facilities that will be available and the start and end of your journey. It is important that you make inquiries about the unloading scenario and don't simply assume that things will unfold in a particular way. If you reach the destination and realise that you are unable to access the trailer in the way you expect, or that insufficient help to unload is available then the ensuing delays could add considerably to your costs and delay your next job. If you plan to use dog trailers that unload from the side, then it is vital that you ensure suitable docking facilities are available at both ends of the trip.

Do you have a planned route?

Trucks are constructed to a wide range of specifications and not all of them are suitable for every route. Before you set out on your journey, it is vital that you have an agreed route to follow. By having a fixed route you can ensure that you are fully compliant with any regulations that may be in force along the route. You will also have an opportunity to spot any other hazards that would preclude the use of your dog trailers on a particular stretch of road. These hazards might include a weak road surface, a narrow road unsuitable for large vehicles or a low bridge that would prevent you from using a certain road.