The Essential Do’s and Don’ts of Heavy Cargo Transportation

Heavy Cargo Transportation and oversized loads are some of the most complex logistical operations. Regarding this topic, Luis González, our Heavy Haul Broker, assures that success requires planning and precision. At STT, therefore, our goal is to ensure every project flows smoothly.

With that in mind, González shares the crucial “Do’s” and “Don’ts” identified throughout his extensive experience for successful Heavy Cargo Transportation.

DO’S: What You Must Do for Successful Transport

1.  Plan with Precision from the Start.

• This is “the most important ‘must do'”. Specifically, it includes confirming the “exact measurements of the equipment, reviewing the type of terrain and route, and coordinating the necessary permits.” Clearly, “when the planning is clear, the entire process flows,” which, in turn, avoids unnecessary costs and delays.

2. Provide Real and Accurate Dimensions and Weight.

• Always supply the exact measurements, not approximations. A difference of “one foot or a few inches” can necessitate special permits or even a “complete change” of the assigned carrier.
  

3.  Verify the Capacity and Condition of the Specialized Equipment.

• In addition to the trailer type, a broker must check the condition and capacity of specialized equipment, such as axles, ramps, and extensions. It is important to confirm that the carrier “has enough axles to distribute the weight, and that the equipment is in good condition to maneuver and load safely, especially in heavy or oversized machinery”.
  

4. Detailedly Review the Regulations of Each Jurisdiction.

• “Each state has its own rules, schedules, and restrictions”. The ideal is to review “each jurisdiction before dispatching the cargo” to avoid fines or transport stops.
  

5. Use Professional Heavy Haul Tools for Route Verification.

• The key “do” is to verify the route with “professional heavy haul tools,” not with a regular GPS. You must “manually check the height of bridges, weight limits, and sharp turns”. At STT, we always rely on these details with “DOT maps and with the driver himself to ensure that the route is really viable before moving the equipment”.
  

6. Maintain Active and Proactive Communication.

• The essential “do” is to maintain “active and proactive communication”. A good broker “does not wait for the client to ask, but updates the status of shipping, departure, transit, and delivery in real-time”. This transparency builds trust and demonstrates professionalism.
  

DON’TS: Mistakes You Must Avoid at All Costs

1. Underestimate the Dimensions or Weight of the Equipment.

• The most frequent error is “underestimating the actual dimensions or weight of the equipment”. Sometimes the client gives approximate measurements, and “this causes problems with the permits or the type of trailer assigned”.
  

2. Assume Regulations are the Same in Every State.

• The most costly error is to assume that “permits or regulations are the same in all states”. Sometimes, curfews or time limitations are ignored, and “that can generate fines or even completely stop the transport”.
  

3. Hire Escort (Pilot) Vehicles Without Coordination.

• Pilot vehicles are mandatory when a load “exceeds the width or height permitted by the state, or when the permit specifies it”. The most common client error is hiring escorts on their own “without coordination with the carrier or without meeting state requirements”. “Everything must be aligned with the permits to avoid sanctions or problems on the road”.
  

4. Contract a Carrier Lacking Experience or Valid Insurance.

• The biggest “red flag” is when a carrier “cannot demonstrate experience or valid insurance for heavy loads” , sometimes at very low prices without having the adequate equipment or permits. In those cases, “the risk is not worth it” , as “the client’s safety and reputation come first”.
  

5. Delay the Loading or Unloading of the Equipment.

• A common unexpected charge is “waiting or storage fees” , which occur when the equipment is not ready or the client delays the unloading. This is mitigated by “maintaining constant communication with all parties and making the times and conditions of loading and unloading clear from the beginning”.
  

Ready to plan your next Heavy Cargo Transportation?

Ready to ensure your next Heavy Cargo Transportation operation is free from errors and unexpected costs? Contact us today and speak with an STT Logistics expert to guarantee precision from the start.