Heavy Loads, We Got You Covered

Heavy Hauler

in Case Study

A heavy hauler realizes every project is different and as such requires all involved to make decisions and review procedures and most importantly to communicate with everyone involved. We strive to excel in all these categories, but mostly we want to communicate so that we are clear with the customer, shipper, consignee, driver, and everyone else who needs to know so we can be the best heavy hauler out there.

Project Move

This particular project consisted of 8 loads total.  The 4 largest loads were 51'3" x 11'11" x 11' (LxWxH) see dimension ettiquette.   Of these four loads, two were 29,000 lbs and the other two were 23,000 lbs.  We were awarded the contract to haul these four loads.  The other 4 loads consisted of one oversize and three legal double drop loads which were contracted and hauled by another carrier.

In this article we are going to discuss:

  • Lane Choice
  • Holiday Schedule
  • Communication
lane analysis

Lane Choice

Generally speaking during the quote you likely will choose the shortest route from origin to destination. However, the shortest route is not always the best route.  In this example I mapped the lane using Google to illustrate there were a few possible choices.  So we discussed the following points with dispatchers and drivers to decide on the best route.

  • The southern route required only 7 states vs the northern route of 9 states. Fewer permits required
  • The northern route through Nebraska would likely require escorts the southern route had none.
  • Time of year: Weather can play a big factor and given the time of season the southern route had less pressure through mountain passes.  see chain laws

The final decision was to take the southern route even though it was 60 miles further.  All our trucks traveled together once loaded and arrived on time to meet the crane appointment.  The other 4 loads which we didn't work with traveled the northern route and got caught on a "closed" mountain pass in Utah and missed a day which caused more expense for the crane to layover.

Holiday Schedule

permit office closures

Holiday Closures

We enjoy holidays as much as the next person, but they can definitely up the frustration level for any heavy hauler.  In this case the holiday closed all government offices issuing state permits, but it did not close travel, so as long as the driver's had their permits in hand they were free to travel on the holiday. We made sure permits were ordered before the offices closed and the trucks kept rolling.

Communication

Listen Don't Tell

Most importantly you listen to the needs of your customer and you listen to the drivers needs to handle the job professionally.  Everyone else mediates and performs actions to satisfy getting a job done well, on time, and within budget!

communication

Heavy Hauler Professional

A heavy hauler can sit back and enjoy their job when you listen and react with thought and understanding to the situation.  Look ahead to potential problems and make adjustments as necessary.

We Love Heavy Haul Trucking!

Heavy Haul TruckingMy name is Travis Smith and I’ve been working in the trucking business since 1994 and with Heavy Haul Trucking since 2001. Our office knows about oversize, heavy and specialty loads and how to get your load exactly where you need it, safely and on time. I enjoy writing about Heavy Haul and if your interested in learning more, please sign up for our free newsletter. If you need a shipping quote, just call (417) 312-2920 or visit our Free Freight Quote page for more details.