Moving heavy machinery and equipment across the country can be a tricky and demanding exercise. Heavy haulage in the UK requires a lot of planning, expertise and skill, but when done correctly, it can save a company a lot of money, stress and time.
But, what is heavy haulage and what factors should be considered when planning to transport large goods? Continue reading our guide below to find our four tips for successful heavy haulage.
What is heavy haulage?
Heavy haulage is the term associated with the transportation of large items, such as heavy machinery and equipment, that require specialist vehicles to reach their destination.
The heavy goods are transported from the pick-up location to the desired destination by being loaded onto specially designed heavy haulage vehicles. Typically, heavy haulage transportation is used by companies in construction, agriculture, defence, marine equipment, and oil and gas.
What to consider when transporting heavy haulage
When transporting heavy haulage in the UK – or across Europe – several key factors must be considered to efficiently deliver goods.
In our experience, there are four essential aspects to cover – gathering the right information, choosing the correct equipment, researching point A and point B and planning the route.
Failure to properly plan will result in problems throughout the heavy haulage process. Here are our four tips for ensuring the heavy haulage process is as efficient and safe as possible.
1. Gather as much information as possible
The first step to planning a successful heavy haulage task is to be as informed as possible about the project. This includes the size and weight of the goods, where they’re being picked up from and where they’re being delivered to.
Identifying every detail is the best possible preparation to ensure the efficient pick-up, transport and delivery of heavy goods.
2. Choose the right equipment
To effectively choose the right heavy haulage equipment, the first step must be done properly.
If all information is collected, including the exact dimensions and weight of the goods, the right equipment can be chosen.
At JB Rawcliffe & Sons, we can offer the following equipment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of heavy goods:
- Bogies
- Low loaders
- Modular equipment
- Platform trailers
- Prime movers
- Semi-low loaders
- SPMT (self-propelled modular transporters)
If the heavy goods to be transported are classed as an abnormal load (weight of more than 44,000kg, width of more than 2.9 metres, and length of more than 18.65m), planning must be put in place to ensure they arrive safely. This can include using an escort vehicle.
Choosing the right piece of equipment provides the best possible opportunity for successful transport and delivery.
3. Research pick-up and drop-off points
The next step to achieving a successful heavy haulage task is to research the start and end of the journey. Several questions must be answered, including:
- Where is the pick-up location?
- Are there any entry or overhead restrictions?
- Will you need specialist equipment to lift the goods, i.e. forklift truck?
- Where is the drop-off destination?
- What are the ground conditions at both locations?
4. Plan the route
Once all the details of the goods have been collected, the right equipment has been chosen and the drop-off and pick-up locations have been researched, it’s time for the final step.
The route has to be planned correctly to ensure smooth delivery of the goods. Every step of the planning process is important but if the route isn’t researched and planned, the delivery will not go smoothly. This includes things like checking for roadworks, size restrictions on certain roads, toll roads and whether it would be easier to travel during the day or night.
Planning every aspect of the route should also include a plan B and C in case something unforeseen happens with plan A, such as a road traffic accident.
Safety is also paramount, for both the individuals transporting the goods and the goods themselves – and planning is key to ensuring this.
Choose JB Rawcliffe & Sons for your heavy haulage
If you have large goods and heavy machinery that need transporting across the UK or Europe, JB Rawcliffe & Sons are here to get the job done.
We have decades of experience in heavy haulage and have mastered the process now. We meticulously research all aspects of heavy haulage, from the size and weight of the goods to the pick-up and drop-off locations and the route.
We are known for our safety and efficiency and have worked with hundreds of companies, successfully delivering goods of all sizes and weights.
If you require heavy haulage services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We’re more than happy to discuss your requirements and get the ball rolling.