Did you know that over 400,000 people in the US operate construction equipment, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics? Since these operators face many risks on the job, they must avoid errors in heavy equipment transportation.
If you are the operator of a heavy equipment transport company and are not sure how to prevent these errors from occurring, read the info below. We will discuss heavy equipment transportation errors that operators make, how they are costly, and how to steer clear of them.
1. Failing to Secure the Equipment
Negligence in this area can cause lost time and money. The results may be the potential for injury of workers, damage to the equipment and the environment, and in the worst case, fatalities.
Truck drivers should inspect the load, such as when transporting lawnmowers before leaving by making sure that the load is secured. This includes making sure all straps, chains, winches, and other securing devices are attached and adjusted correctly.
Drivers should also only exceed speeds that are safe for the load. They should practice equipment transportation safety to ensure smooth heavy equipment move, particularly lawn mower transport.
2. Not Accounting for Weather Conditions
Inclement weather can cause serious issues if the equipment is not protected from strong winds and rain. When dealing with different types of heavy equipment, it’s important to account for any possibility of weather changes, especially if the transportation process will take many days.
Heavy rain and wind can lead to the equipment getting damaged, which can end up costing more in repairs. It’s important to make sure that techniques like waterproofing, double-checking attachments, and securing equipment to trailers are used as preventive measures to mitigate transportation errors due to weather.
3. Insufficient Communication Between Logistics Teams
Insufficient communication between logistics teams can lead to inaccurate loading, faulty manifesting, lack of transit visibility, and a breakdown of order execution. To avoid such issues, having an updated communication system between the teams is paramount. This includes having better visibility into the status of orders and shipments, the complex order network, and the coordination between different teams and locations.
4. Neglecting to Account for Weight and Dimension Requirements
Cargo that is overweight or cannot fit in the transport container could cause a company to lose valuable resources. To ensure the safety of the items being transported, companies should take the necessary precautions to understand weight capacity, detailed dimensions, and how to evenly distribute the weight of the cargo. Companies must use caution to check the roads on which the cargo will be transported to ensure they are suitable and compatible with all weight restrictions.
5. Mishandling of Documents and Permits
Mishandling of documents and permits is one of the most common errors made in the equipment transportation process. To avoid these mistakes, it is important to review the regulations of each state or region the equipment will travel through. Make sure all relevant permits and documents are in order, including any that verify the weight and size of the equipment and any required to cross state lines if the transportation is long distance.
Avoiding Heavy Equipment Transportation Errors
Heavy equipment transportation errors can result in significant time and cost losses for any firm. To avoid errors, ensure all equipment is properly maintained, operators are well-trained, the vehicle is inspected, and the route is appropriate. By following the outlined best practices and working with trustworthy haulers, you can avoid costly errors and protect your assets.
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