Five Common Heavy Hauling Accidents and Our Prevention Strategies

Heavy hauling plays a crucial role in logistics, particularly for transporting oversized equipment and machinery. While it is essential for construction, industrial operations, and other sectors, it comes with unique risks. Accidents in heavy hauling can lead to costly delays, equipment damage, and serious safety hazards. At Premier Global Connections (PGC), we prioritize safety and efficiency to mitigate these risks and ensure smooth transportation.

Here are the top five most common accidents in heavy hauling and how PGC prevents them:

Rollovers Due to Improper Loading

Improperly secured or unbalanced heavy loads increase the risk of rollovers, particularly during turns or sudden braking. A load shift can cause the entire truck and trailer to tip over, leading to severe accidents and transport disruptions.

How PGC Prevents This:

Our experienced team ensures even weight distribution and secure tie-downs before departure.
We use top-tier securing equipment to keep machinery stable.
Our drivers perform periodic safety checks during transit to detect and prevent load shifts.

Machine Falling from the Trailer Due to Low Bridges

One of the most common and damaging accidents happens when an oversized load passes under a bridge with insufficient clearance, causing the machinery to strike the structure or fall from the trailer. This can result in costly damage, road closures, and safety risks.

How PGC Prevents This:

We confirm the load’s height and match it with the appropriate trailer.
Our team conducts thorough route surveys to identify low bridges or obstacles.
When necessary, we deploy escort vehicles to guide loads safely and avoid clearance issues.

Brake Failures

Heavy haul trucks carry significantly more weight than standard freight, putting extra strain on braking systems. A brake failure, particularly on steep roads or highways, can lead to loss of control and catastrophic accidents.

How PGC Prevents This:

We perform rigorous pre-trip inspections, with special attention to brake systems.
Our maintenance team checks brake lines, pads, and hydraulics regularly.
We avoid overloading trucks, reducing strain on braking components.

Striking Overhead Obstacles (Power Lines, Tree Branches)

Transporting oversized machinery through urban and rural areas comes with the risk of striking power lines, tree branches, or other overhead obstacles. Such accidents can cause severe equipment damage and infrastructure hazards, including electrical fires.

How PGC Prevents This:

We carefully select and pre-plan routes to avoid known obstacles.
We coordinate with local authorities to ensure safe passage.
Our team conducts visual inspections and uses height-clearance mapping tools for added safety.

Collision with Other Vehicles

Heavy haul trucks have large blind spots, and other drivers may misjudge their size when attempting to pass. Collisions in high-traffic areas can be especially dangerous.

How PGC Prevents This:

Our trucks are equipped with the latest safety technology, including cameras and sensors.
Drivers are trained to maintain safe distances and anticipate other vehicles’ movements.
In congested areas, we deploy escort vehicles and flaggers to guide trucks safely.

Conclusion

Heavy hauling accidents are preventable with the right safety measures and expertise. At Premier Global Connections (PGC), we take a proactive approach to mitigate risks at every stage—from detailed route planning to comprehensive equipment checks and driver training.

By prioritizing safety, accuracy, and efficiency, we ensure the protection of valuable machinery, the well-being of our drivers, and the timely delivery of every shipment.

With PGC, your freight is in safe hands.