What you’ll learn:
- The risks associated with transporting heavy equipment
- The various factors safety managers must address to reduce the threats
After buying or renting heavy equipment, you must assess and reduce the risks associated with getting it to its intended destination. Although accidents can happen at any time, thorough preparedness makes such outcomes much less likely.
Plan the Route
Sharp curves, low overhangs and narrow roads could all add risks to transporting heavy equipment. However, people should carefully consider the possible routes to their destination and choose those that pose the fewest dangers. Additionally, those involved should consider which factors within their control may reduce the threats. For example, traveling during a less busy period or choosing roads with below-average traffic levels are practical measures to consider.
People should also document and account for all road-related characteristics that could introduce preventable hazards. For example, identifying construction areas is a good start because they frequently change as work continues on the project, and decision-makers may wish to delay the transport until after it finishes.
Having someone drive the route in a standard vehicle before attempting it with a trailer hauling a piece of heavy equipment is also a good idea. In one recent case, a truck transporting an excavator collided with an overpass, temporarily closing part of the interstate. Fortunately, the accident caused no fatalities. However, associated images indicate improper transport planning.
A sign clearly marked the bridge’s height, but the equipment transporter tried to proceed anyway. That suggests an unawareness of the vehicle’s dimensions while carrying the excavator or that perhaps the transport personnel had the wrong details and believed they could go under the overpass without difficulty.
However, if someone had driven the route beforehand and noted the bridge height along the way, they could have verified there was enough room to go that route. If someone only sees the sign while approaching the bridge, it may be too late for them to turn around and go a different way. If they know that detail in advance, it is easier to plan successful journeys.
Create a Logistics Plan
Trucks carry about 71% of the United States’ freight. Besides moving bulk construction materials, these vehicles often transport the heavy equipment used for building projects. People anticipating the arrival or departure of those machines on trucks or other vehicles must make in-depth logistics plans and ensure everyone knows which role they play and when.
For example, those who have purchased or rented machines must schedule when to accept the deliveries, ideally by minimizing any construction-related delays. Additionally, they must have enough people to assist with moving the equipment off the trailer. Equipment can tip over, crush or hit people, especially as they attempt to move it onto the ground.
Similarly, suppose the equipment transport involves returning an item to a rental agency or other relevant facility. Then, people must ensure that someone is there to accept the product and confirm they received it before an agreed-upon deadline. Someone who tries to drop off the equipment outside of business hours and leaves it unattended also accepts that they may bear responsibility if someone steals the machine before the company opens.
Careful plans and an adequate labor force reduce the risks that can occur when people rush or have too many simultaneous tasks to manage. These details can also prevent problems that would otherwise happen if logistics deliveries happened too early or late.
Train Drivers and Ensure Compliance
People need specific knowledge about transporting heavy equipment safely. For example, it may take longer for them to stop heavy-duty trucks versus consumer vehicles. Additionally, they must understand when to use blocks, cradles or other accessories to secure the equipment’s wheels while also using the parking brake.
Some transport companies also use telematics platforms to monitor drivers and verify that they follow best practices for safety. Vehicle insurers adopted that technology early to promote safer roads for everyone. Sensors, cameras and other components can detect mistakes and risks such as distracted driving, heavy braking or quick acceleration.
Coaching drivers when those behaviors arise can improve safety when they transport equipment. Gathering evidence in real time is also helpful because it allows supervisors to give more specifics when highlighting room for improvement. Information about particular events can also give drivers opportunities to explain what happened, including by mentioning things not necessarily captured by cameras or sensors.
Apply for the Required Permits
Regulators often dictate when heavy equipment transport journeys can happen. They only distribute permits to parties who have satisfied those time-related specifications and any other rules. Failing to abide by the terms of that permission can negatively impact a transportation company’s reputation and result in fines.
In one example from 2024, officials from New Zealand’s transport agency changed how transport professionals assist fire and emergency services entities who need heavy equipment to deal with emerging situations. Those parties must obtain permits to move the machines during days and times when regulators normally prohibit equipment-related transport.
These particulars highlight the need to follow proper procedures, even in urgent situations. Those issuing the permits will understand the potential risks and can assess whether it is safe to allow transport on a case-by-case basis. Equipment transport professionals must never assume they can move items without prior permission. The safest approach is to research whether their plans require permits and allow plenty of time to receive them if necessary. Otherwise, people’s well-planned intentions may go less smoothly than anticipated.
Excellent Preparedness Supports Better Risk Management
Transporting heavy equipment is a necessary activity with numerous associated risks. However, following the above tips and allowing plenty of time to consider the possible challenges and how to overcome them will substantially reduce the potential dangers.
