Safe Hauling With A Flatbed

Flatbeds are a uniquely useful tool for cargo hauling, able to carry cargo of any shape and size necessary to get the job done. But they can also be uniquely dangerous, given the lack of built-in constraints for that cargo. We here at McCandless Truck Center want to help you get where you’re going safely, so we’ve put together some safety tips for flatbed hauling. For more information, or to see the flatbed trucks we have for sale, contact our stores across Colorado and Wyoming, today!

Weight Limitations

First, the basics. Every truck and every trailer has a hauling capacity or weight limitation called the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio, or GVWR. This tells you how much weight the machine in question can carry. That includes cargo, passengers, towed objects, add-on parts, and fuel. Make sure your rig can handle everything you’re asking it to before you start loading.

Load And Secure

When you’re using a flatbed, it’s probably because the cargo you’re carrying is an odd shape or just too large to fit in a bed with walls or a cargo container. That means that it’s extra important to load and secure it properly, or you risk losing your cargo and endangering lives while you’re on the road. 

1: Safe Loading Space

Step one in the process is to make sure you’ve got the space needed to load your cargo without risking any more danger than absolutely necessary. That means knowing where the highest-risk areas and moments in the loading process are and making sure that no one is in a danger zone. 

You’ll also need to prepare the space for the loading process by reducing the chances of tripping and slipping. Make sure the surfaces you’ll be walking on are even and without slick spots—these are avoidable problems.

2: The Team

Whether you’re familiar with the team or not, you’ll need one to ensure a safe and efficient loading process. Make sure everyone understands the expectations, meets the physical requirements of their job, and knows how to communicate with the rest of the team.

3: Plan Ahead By Cargo

Every trip will be different, and your cargo will likely vary. Make sure to understand what each haul will require in terms of loading and securing beforehand. For instance, some loads can probably be done by hand, but others will require heavy machinery to get the cargo into position. 

4: Properly Secure

Once everything is loaded, make sure to use the right tie-downs and/or tarps for the job. This will vary based on the haul, but what shouldn’t vary is the check and inspection you do before every trip. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

We hope this guide helps keep you and your cargo safe! To learn more, or to see the flatbed trucks we have available, contact us at McCandless Truck Center. We proudly serve Colorado and Wyoming—let us serve you today!