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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.

The new year is here and 2024 is sure to be a big one for the UK’s trucking and haulage industry! 

There’s a lot of speculation about what trends are going to pop up and what changes are going to be made. With new pressures, technologies and an uncertain financial climate – the transport sector is among one of the many businesses affected by all these changes.

So, what do we think is in store for the heavy haulage industry in 2024? Keep reading to find out…

 

1.Embracing New Tech

In a sector that was previously hesitant to embrace technology, transport is now fast catching up with other industries – yet there is still some resistance to adopting all these new techs.

The heavy haulage industry has been slowly adopting technology for efficiency and safety.

Some of these new techs include advanced telematics, GPS tracking, and real-time monitoring systems to optimise routes, reduce fuel consumption, and enhance overall fleet management.

 

2. Cleaner and Greener

Many industries across the UK have been exploring electric and sustainable alternatives to traditional fuel sources that have historically dominated the industry.

We may see a lot more electric trucks and vehicles with alternative fuels on the roads as environmental concerns and regulations continue to shape the industry and current climate.

 

3. Changes to Regulations

Governments worldwide often introduce new regulations related to emissions, safety standards, and road usage.

With the finalisations of Brexit, cost-of-living crisis and Net-Zero 2050 fast approaching, be sure to stay informed and keep up to date with trends in the heavy haulage industry in 2024.

 

4. The Future is AI

As much as we would like to avoid it, it’s inevitable that AI (Artificial Intelligence) is slowly infiltrating the four corners of the world.

AI-driven analytics and data-driven insights will be critical in increasing operational efficiencies, traffic management, forecasting demand, and assuring better resource allocation.

In the world of transportation and logistics, things can be uncertain, but companies that are gearing up now are getting ready for the challenges that are sure to come with future growth.

 

5. Driver Shortages

Finding new drivers from the upcoming workforce generation remains a challenge due to factors like an ageing workforce, a poor industry reputation, a shrinking pool of EU workers, and limited access to apprenticeship funding.

According to Logistics UK, HGV drivers fell by 30,300 in the first quarter of 2022, and this number is progressively getting lower. This is a key area and challenge that the industry needs to tackle to keep operations strong – both now and in the future.

 

Ready to Take on 2024?

Are you ready and raring for the year ahead? JB Rawcliffe are here to help, offering an extensive fleet of haulage tracks and equipment for all your heavy haulage needs in 2024 and beyond

 

Find out more

If you’re interested in learning more about heavy haulage or want to discuss your industrial needs in more detail, feel free to contact us.

You can either give us a call on 01695 737 880 or email enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com.

At JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, we’re experts in transporting heavy cargo for several sectors and perform tasks with the use of a wide range of heavy equipment that possess extreme load capacity.

The heavy loads we deal with are transported around the UK with heavy haulage trucks and a variety of specialist equipment. One such piece of equipment is a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT).

What is a self-propelled modular transporter?

A self-propelled modular transporter is a platform vehicle that features a large number of wheels and consists of different modules with an axle line count of four, five, six or eight.

Each module has its own engine and steering control system. A self-propelled modular transporter is perfect for transporting massive objects like oil refining sections, motors, large sections of bridges, and other items that are too big for a truck.

How do we use self-propelled modular transporters?

At JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd, we’re able to call upon 28 lines of SPMTs, that offer a capacity of over 1000 tonnes, for the movement of even the heaviest cargo.

Our SPMTs are ideally suited for a variety of trailer lengths and can be adapted to multiple widths to transport wide loads. This depends on the load capacity, dimensions and the scale of the project and, as a result, these adjustments make SPMTs perfect for operation in severe conditions.

Some of our SPMTs also feature a reduced height and compact design which makes them easier to operate in small spaces.

Arguably the best thing about SPMTs is that they can be coupled side to side and end to end, which enables us to carry even more cargo.

We can also operate remote units as single transporters. These mechanical steering trailers are controlled by electro-hydraulic motors and offer exceptional control, even in the tightest spaces.

Features of SPMTs

SPMTs have the highest load capacities in the world and can transport huge cargo. For this reason, they have transformed the construction of bridges. There are several other interesting features that SPMTs boast, such as:

• SPMTs can drive automatically without the tractor’s traction
• They can be customised in length and width to fit transportation requirements
• Each axle line is controlled independently
• Engineers control SPMTs via a computer or handheld device, while some have a driver cabin

What’s the difference between an SPMT and a modular trailer?

A modular trailer is a special platform trailer that features swing axles, steerable axles, and hydraulic suspensions. They’re used to transport oversized loads that are difficult to disassemble, but they are different to self-propelled modular transporters.

An SPMT is a platform vehicle that consists of wheels that drive and turn independently. It’s used on-site to transport huge, bulky items.

The main difference between an SPMT and a modular trailer is that the former is self-contained and the latter requires a tractor unit.

Why you should hire an SPMT from JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd

At JB Rawcliffe and Sons Ltd, we believe we’re one of the best and most dedicated companies at hauling large and heavy objects for all of our clients. For this reason alone, we think you should hire an SPMT from us.

However, there are plenty more reasons.

For a start, we’re capable of offering state-of-the-art equipment for all types of business transportation needs for clients throughout the UK, especially our self-propelled transporters.

Available in a wide range of width configurations to suit an especially large load, we can supply machinery to suit the scale of your company’s projects and your load dimensions, while ensuring the maximum possible safety and efficiency throughout.

We also pride ourselves on offering a friendly, supportive and professional service to everybody who hires our equipment.

We work with a number of sectors to provide expert road transportation of fully-loaded haulage equipment so we’re confident that we’ll be able to help you with whatever your cargo needs are.

We’ll always take into account your needs before we offer a suitable solution for your high-load transportation needs.

Contact JB Rawcliffe & Sons Ltd to hire a self-propelled modular transporter

If you feel like your business needs the support of our heavy haulage self-propelled modular transporters, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Discuss your requirements with our specialists by calling us on 01695 737 880. Alternatively, drop us an email at enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

When it comes to transporting heavy loads, you need a special kind of trailer – one that’s strong enough to carry the weight of your machinery, with the stability and power to get it from A to B on time.

Luckily, as a leading transport company in the UK, we have an extensive fleet of haulage vehicles at our disposal, here at JB Rawcliffe – including low loader trailers.

What is a low loader?

A low loader is a type of flatbed trailer, specifically designed to carry industrial goods and heavy pieces of equipment safely and efficiently.

It has two drops in deck height that allow it to be much lower to the ground than other trailers.

This not only makes it easier to load equipment (including taller machine and wider objects), but it also lowers the centre of gravity for the goods in transit, ensuring safe transportation from start to finish.

A low loader trailer attaches directly to a prime mover, offering a robust transport solution for even the largest of machines.

 

Why should you consider a low loader trailer for your haulage?

Though they are often a staple for construction projects, low loaders are widely used among different industries – thanks to their functionality and cost-efficiency for hauling major resources.

Low loaders have adjustable height settings, which makes life easier for you when loading large and heavy cargo.

They can legally bear more weight than others and, as a result of their low height, they are perfect for transporting abnormal loads that cannot be split into separate deliveries.

Something else worth noting about these vehicles within our fleet is that they are incredibly flexible. They are straightforward to manoeuvre around sites and the trailer itself can be extended or lowered to allow for taller goods.

Due to their height, they are usually less affected by strong winds, too – ensuring maximum safety and security for the goods being transported.

As the loading process is much easier, the need for manual labour (and the risk of workers injuring themselves) is significantly reduced.

 

How do you hire a low loader?

Hiring a low loader for heavy haulage couldn’t be simpler than it is, here at JB Rawcliffe.

Our experts have vast experience in the haulage industry and have had the privilege of working with clients from various sectors for more than 45 years.

Before we determine the most suitable haulage vehicle for your project, we’ll need to know a little more about the goods you need to transport and the driving conditions.

Armed with a basic understanding of the task at hand, we will advise you on the best low loader for the job – ensuring maximum safety for the load being delivered and potentially shortening lead times.

To get the ball rolling, be sure to give us a call on 01695 737 880. Or, if you prefer, drop us an email at enquiries@jbrawcliffe.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.