Tips for Safely Hauling Equipment On Trailers

Equipment of all kinds is precious. Whether it’s a ton of small packages, large machinery, or a mix of both, it costs money and needs to get somewhere in the right condition at the right time. Hence, regardless of who owns the merchandise being transported, you have to ensure what you’re transporting is safe in your hands.

Going the other way is also a possibility. But that comes with damages, reparations, and the risk of getting sued. So, you’d be better off avoiding that route altogether. It’s how the first American, Benjamin Franklin puts it…

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

But the question of “how” still remains. So, today, let’s talk about how you can transport things safely through your trailer every single time.

Tip 1 – Ensure Weight Equivalency

A primary thing to consider is that you can’t load over the allowed weight limit per trailer. It’s tempting to carry everything at once without the need for an extra vehicle or trailer, but when you overload that’s a recipe for disaster (damage + legal risks). So, always follow the recommended weight limit, even if you have to make extra trips.

Tip 2 – Load Per Equipment Heaviness

Another open secret of experienced haulers is knowing the right weight distribution. As a general rule of thumb, consider putting heavier equipment at the front. This helps you avoid crushing the lighter objects. Sometimes, it’s better to load more in the middle, other times, you’d like more near the back, and so on. This will depend on the axis-load distribution of your trailer. So… load objects based on that. Another tip is to keep lighter objects on top if you’ve got more than one row of equipment.

Tip 3 – Keep Everything Tightly Packed

This is sort of a two-parter. The first part is to pack your equipment correctly to avoid damage. You can use chains and lashings for this part. The second part is to ensure there’s no gap between loaded equipment, as this could lead to collisions. So, try to keep it all in one place if you’re transporting fewer things.

Tip 4 – Take Breaks In Case Of Hiccups

Accidents happen. Emergencies happen. Hiccups happen. In case any of it does happen, and the immediate measures are sorted, your next priority would be checking if the equipment made it through fine. So, take a break by parking somewhere nearby to check whether everything’s in place and made it unharmed through the event. Say something does get damaged, you can take the best next steps immediately (rather than finding out about it once you reach your destination).

Tip 5 – Ensure Optimal Hauling Conditions

You can’t always keep the latest supplies at your disposal. But the ones you do should be well-maintained. For instance, if you’re using chains and lashings for tying objects down, they should be free of tears and breakage. Similarly, you should keep anti-slip mats the prevent equipment from moving about in the trailer.

Haul With Care

TruckInfo’s 2024 Trucking Statistics report suggests that in 2022 the American Trucking Association found roughly 65% of all freight tonnage was moved by trucks. As such, you have quite a bit of competition. So, you need to ensure great service for all consumers to keep your spot in the market. Safety is just one of those concerns.

Hence, the best way to go about it is to guarantee you’re doing all the right things across the board. In that regard, if you’d like a new trailer that supports your efforts better, reach out to Left Coast Trailers today. We’ll help you find the best one at the right price per your precise hauling needs.

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