You will find many oversized loads in transit across the Australian road network. However, have you ever asked yourself what it takes to transport an oversized load from one point to another? If not, read the extract below to understand how heavy haulage works.
Once the customer contacts the haulage company about transporting a particular load, the company sends a team to evaluate the load. Typically, the haulage team examines the load to establish whether the company has the resources and expertise required to move it to its destination. For instance, they will check the dimensions of the load to ensure that it fits on the available trailers. If not, they will check if it is possible to dismantle the load into smaller sections. The team also evaluates the risks of transporting the cargo. For example, some industrial equipment could contain dangerous gases. On the other hand, a long turbine blade might need to be transported on two trailers.
Once the haulage team is confident that the company can transport the load, they will draw a transport plan to prevent surprises during transport. The document contains the following:
- Which trailer will transport the load? Articulated trailers are a preferred choice since they are wider and longer than the standard truck. Besides, their computerised wheels ease navigation.
- Which truck will haul the loaded trailer? Heavy haulage trucks have powerful engines capable of towing hundreds of tonnes over long distances.
- How the team will load and unload the cargo from the trailer? In some cases, the team will require cranes and forklifts to prevent damages and injuries during loading and offloading.
- Where can they travel? They plan the route that the team will use and the various stops they will make.
The company will then apply for haulage permits from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and the various state agencies. Ideally, permits ensure that the company meets the required transportation standards to prevent accidents along the roads and avoid damaging public highways and amenities.
Safety is an essential component of the haulage process. The haulage team conducts thorough inspections to ensure that the haulage truck is in excellent condition to haul the load. For instance, a faulty braking or transmission system could cause an accident. For long trips, the haulage truck will have two drivers to prevent incidences of driver fatigue. The convoy also has pilot vehicles to warn motorists of an oversized load in transit and inform the haulage truck of challenging road conditions.
Haulage is not an easy task, as most people would believe. Haulage companies assess the load, create transport plans, apply for licences and ensure safety during haulage.
