Tips on choosing the right vehicle for heavy haulage

Heavy haulage is the backbone of the logistics and freight industry as every day hundreds of trucks move around the country delivering all types of items. There exists a large variety of trucks to choose from and choosing the right one to match your business or personal needs will go a long way in ensuring optimization and proper utilization of your time and money. Below are some common types of heavy haulage vehicles:

Legal requirements—before using a haulage service, it is important to know the legal requirements in your area. In Australia, the maximum width for heavy vehicles is 2.5 metres, excluding side mirrors, tyre inflation systems and curtain side devices. The maximum height allowed is 4.3 metres with an exception of +0.3 metres for vehicles carrying livestock and vehicles (double decked)

Furthermore, the maximum weight, including of axle and fuel depends on the type of load the vehicles are carrying. Overall though, the limit is 43 tones.

Tractor Trailer—the most common type of vehicles used. They consist of a semi-tractor that has a trailer attached to it. It is the most versatile and can be used for a large variety of purposes. They usually have three axles for the standard load but can go have four or five for heavier loads.

Box Trailer—this is a solid one with two rear doors and although it is less versatile, it is more secure as it does not open on the sides. They are excellent for heavy loads with a short time frame as they carry large amounts of loads. They are, however, not suitable for city driving or narrow rural roads due to their length. They range from around 28 feet to 53 feet.

Flat Bed—this is essentially a platform on wheels where the freight is strapped onto the platform and transported. It is ideal for transporting construction material such as bricks and lumber.

Tanker—this type of trailer is used for the heavy transportation of liquids such as water, fertilizer, milk and can be versatile enough to transport dry grains and flour. They are usually categorized according to their volume.

Ballast Tractor—this types of trailers are designed to push or pull massive loads from a drawbar. Its main advantage is the ability to push-steer a trailer around corners.

There are several other types of heavy haulage vehicles used to transport and deliver goods. It is advisable to talk to professionals before deciding on what type of vehicle to use for the delivery of your products. Contact a company like Russell Transport for more information and assistance.