If you’re hauling on lowboys, you know that no type of equipment, machinery, or industrial vehicle you haul is ever quite the same. You’re naturally a problem solver. Every day, you have to put your knowledge of synthetic webbing, winches, ratchets, friction mats and more to work so that you can make sure every load safely reaches its destination. You recognize that it’s not only the cargo at stake – it’s also the safety of everyone on the road and your business’s reputation.
So, here are 5 safety lowboy trailer safety tips that can be vital to protecting your cargo loads and your business.
5 safety tips for lowboy trailers
1. Only Allow Specialized Drivers to Drive a Lowboy
A lowboy driver is never “just a driver” getting the load from here to there. They need advanced skills to troubleshoot any load securing issues and make sure the cargo gets from Point A to Point B. Every newly CDL’d driver has to start somewhere, but with lowboys, you should always have your more experienced drivers behind the wheel. A seasoned driver will not only make the cargo transport safer, but you could also lower your lowboy insurance rates.
2. Be Familiar with State Regulations
If you’re hauling a heavy load across state lines, give yourself some time to review those states’ requirements. Knowledge of each state’s laws and regulations will create a lot less hassle and fewer expenses for your business when you comply. It’s simply easier for everyone involved to make sure your trucks leave the warehouse multi-state compliant rather than having to pay fines and become compliant later on.
3. Pre-run your Route
Before you try to haul a disassembled 747 or a small yacht, you need to know the route you plan to take. Make sure that you know your truck’s route accommodates your heavy and/or wide load. Google Maps and more advanced routing tools can only go so far when planning a lowboy’s route. If you’re taking an unknown route, consider sending someone out in a pickup truck first to identify any challenges and evaluate any detours to ensure the safest trip possible.
4. Review Proper Cargo Securement
You know that securing an over-dimensional load is no joke. It takes skill and precision. Years of experience don’t hurt either.
The FMCSA provides very thorough cargo securement instructions for all kinds of loads. They’ve worked with all sorts of professionals in the industry to determine the safest way to secure various types of cargo.
Injuries and deaths from lowboy trailer accidents are fortunately quite rare because of fleet owners and managers like you that take the necessary precautions to secure their cargo. However, any lowboy accident, no matter how rare, would potentially cause serious property damage, cargo damage, and possible loss of life to others on the road. That’s why it’s important to review your own cargo securement regulations with your drivers, and regularly compare your company’s safety regulations with those of national, state, and local regulations.
5. Revisit Your Insurance Policy
When you’re hauling heavy loads on lowboys, accidents are rare if you’re running a tight ship. But a major lowboy accident could potentially bankrupt a medium-sized trucking company. It’s important to know that you’ve got enough insurance to protect your business, your driver, your vehicles, and your cargo.
So, what should you do if you find that your insurance isn’t as great as you thought? You’ll need to compare rates and coverage for the types of policies that fit your lowboy trucking business.
We know that shopping for commercial trucking insurance can be a hassle. That’s why our insurance agents are able to help you get fast quotes from top companies for all the coverage you need. Get started with free, customized quotes today by calling 678.271.3449 or filling out our easy online form.