20 Heavy Haul Safety Tips

Twenty safety tips for heavy haul drivers moving oversize and overweight loads, in order, from the CertLok Heavy Haul Safety Tip series. Each tip has a short checklist, a bottom line, and the source behind it. Share them with your crew.

Terms used on this page: DOT means U.S. Department of Transportation; FMCSA means Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; FHWA means Federal Highway Administration; CFR means Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR is the electronic, online version); CDL means commercial driver's license; WLL means working load limit; OSHA means Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

General safety information only. Always follow your employer's safety program and the official DOT and FMCSA rules.

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #1: Plan the Route and Get a Route Survey

A safe move starts long before the wheels turn, with a driver who's trained and can prove it. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the road ahead.

Pilot/escort best-practice guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) say to check the whole route before the move and compare the permitted route against an actual map. State departments of transportation publish bridge clearance, weight, and width data you can use.

Before the move, check for:

• Low overpasses and overhead wires.
• Weight-restricted bridges.
• Tight turns and construction.
• Seasonal restrictions.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: the surprises you find on the survey are the ones that can't hurt you on the road.

Survey every route, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Best Practices Guidelines (2016), Part I

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #2: Get Every State Permit Before You Move, and Follow Its Curfews

Every permit has a driver's name behind it, and that driver should be able to show their credentials fast. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the permit in their hands.

Federal size and weight rules in Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR) set Interstate limits of 80,000 pounds gross, 20,000 pounds on a single axle, and 34,000 pounds on a tandem axle, also limited by the federal bridge formula, and 102 inches wide. The federal government does not issue oversize or overweight permits. Each state does, and its permit sets your route, travel days and hours, escorts, and other conditions.

Before you roll:

• Get a permit from every state on the route.
• Read each permit's route, travel days, hours, and escort terms.
• Check curfews. Night, weekend, holiday, and rush-hour bans vary by state, city, and load size.
• Never assume one state's rule applies in the next.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: curfews and permit conditions vary by state, city, and load size.

Check every permit before you roll, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Sources: 23 CFR 658.15 and 658.17, federal size and weight limits; FHWA, Oversize/Overweight Load Permits

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #3: Know Your Load Dimensions and Check Every Clearance

Knowing your load starts with knowing your driver is qualified. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on every clearance on the route.

Pilot/escort best-practice guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) say to measure the loaded height, width, length, and weight yourself before departure and compare them with the permit. These are recommended practices. Use a height pole escort when the permit or the state requires one.

Before departure:

• Measure the loaded height, width, length, and weight yourself.
• Compare your numbers with the permit.
• Watch for posted weight limits on bridges.
• Watch for overhead wires, signs, signals, and trees.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: your own tape measure is the last check before the overpass.

Measure every load, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Best Practices Guidelines (2016), Parts I and III

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #4: Secure the Load to the Federal Performance Standard

Securement takes a trained driver, and the paperwork to prove it. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the load behind them.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 393.102 and 393.106) set two numbers, one for each direction. Going forward, tiedowns and blocking must hold the cargo against 0.8 times the force of gravity (0.8g), which is the push a load gets in hard braking. To the rear and to each side, they must hold against 0.5 times gravity (0.5g). Both apply to every load. The working load limits (WLL) of all tiedowns added together must be at least half the weight of the cargo.

Every load:

• Add up the working load limits of every tiedown.
• Make sure the total is at least half the cargo weight.
• Count a tiedown from the trailer straight to the cargo at half its working load limit.
• Use blocking and tiedowns together to hold the load.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: if the math doesn't add up, the load isn't secure.

Do the math on every load, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 393.102 and 393.106, cargo securement

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #5: Use Enough Tiedowns, and Only Ones in Good Condition

Good tiedowns need a trained driver to check them. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the condition of every tiedown.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 393.104 and 393.110) set minimum tiedown counts for general cargo not blocked at the front. Special loads such as machinery, crane booms, and girders that need special fastening are exempt from the count, but must still be adequately secured.

For general cargo not blocked at the front:

• 5 feet or shorter and 1,100 pounds or less: 1 tiedown.
• Heavier short articles, or 5 to 10 feet long: 2 tiedowns.
• Longer: 2 tiedowns, plus 1 more for each extra 10 feet or part of 10 feet.
• Never use cut, cracked, or knotted tiedowns. Use edge protection where a tiedown could be cut or worn.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: one bad tiedown can undo all the good ones.

Check every tiedown, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 393.104 and 393.110, tiedowns

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #6: Follow the Heavy Machinery Rule

Hauling heavy equipment takes a trained driver, and proof of it. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the machine on the deck.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 393.130 and 393.106) have a special rule for wheeled or tracked equipment weighing 10,000 pounds or more. Use at least four tiedowns, and their combined working load limit (WLL) must still be at least half the weight.

For equipment of 10,000 pounds or more:

• Lower and secure buckets, blades, and other accessories.
• Restrain articulated machines so they can't bend in transit.
• Use at least four tiedowns.
• Place them as close as practicable to the front and rear, or on the maker's tie points.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: lower it, lock it, and chain it at the right points.

Follow the machinery rule on every haul, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 393.130 and 393.106, heavy vehicles, equipment, and machinery

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #7: Re-Check Securement Within the First 50 Miles

Re-checking the load is part of the job, and so is being able to prove you're trained for it. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the miles ahead.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.9) say to stop and inspect the cargo and every tiedown within the first 50 miles. After that, re-check whenever you change duty status, or after 3 hours or 150 miles of driving, whichever comes first.

On every trip:

• Inspect the cargo and every tiedown within the first 50 miles.
• Tighten or add tiedowns as needed.
• Re-check whenever you change duty status.
• Re-check after 3 hours or 150 miles, whichever comes first.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: tiedowns settle once you're rolling, so check them early and often.

Re-check every load, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.9, inspection of cargo and securement

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #8: Inspect Before, During, and After Every Trip

A good inspection takes a trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the rig itself.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.7, 396.11, and 396.13) say to make sure the vehicle is safe before driving, review the last driver vehicle inspection report, and sign it if defects were listed.

Every trip:

• Review the last inspection report, and sign it if defects were listed.
• Confirm brakes, steering, lights, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels, rims, and emergency equipment.
• Walk around the rig at every stop.
• At the end of the day, write up any defect so it's fixed before the next trip.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: the defects you write up today are the breakdowns you avoid tomorrow.

Inspect every trip, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.7, 396.11, and 396.13, vehicle inspections

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #9: Check Tires and Brakes Often

Tires and brakes take a trained eye. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the tires and brakes under the load.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 393.75) say tires on the front wheels of a truck or truck tractor need at least 4/32 inch of tread depth, and all other tires need at least 2/32 inch, measured in a major tread groove. No tire may be flat, leaking audibly, separated, or cut deep enough to show the ply or belt.

At every stop:

• Check front tires for at least 4/32 inch of tread, and all other tires for at least 2/32 inch.
• No flat, audibly leaking, or separated tires.
• No cuts deep enough to show the ply or belt.
• Check tires, hubs, and brakes before long downgrades.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: heavy loads add heat and wear, so check tires and brakes often.

Check them at every stop, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 393.75 and 392.7, tires and equipment checks

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #10: Get the Weight Distribution and Axle Loads Right

Getting the weight right takes a trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the balance of the load.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.9(a)(1)) say cargo must be properly distributed as well as secured. Your state permit sets the weight for each axle group. Keeping enough weight on the steering axle and weighing before departure are good practice, not federal rules.

Before departure:

• Distribute the cargo properly.
• Keep each axle group within your permit weights.
• Stay within the tire and axle ratings.
• Good practice: keep enough weight on the steering axle, and weigh the rig when you can.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: a load that's tied down but badly balanced is still a risk.

Balance every load, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.9(a)(1), cargo distribution; your state permit sets axle weights

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #11: Use the Escorts and Pilot Vehicles Your Permit Requires

Every escort team counts on qualified people, and on proof of it. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the escorts around them.

Pilot/escort best-practice guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) say states decide when escorts are needed based on width, height, length, and route. States also decide how many escorts you need and whether a police escort is required. Escort thresholds vary by state.

On every move:

• Check when your permit requires escorts.
• Run with the number of escorts your permit sets.
• Know whether a police escort is required.
• Remember that many states require pilot/escort drivers to be certified.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: escort rules vary by state, so your permit is the rulebook.

Follow every permit, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Best Practices Guidelines (2016), Part I

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #12: Mark the Load With Flags, Signs, and Lights

Marking the load takes a driver who knows the rules. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the load being seen.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 393.87 and 393.11) say a load that sticks out more than 4 inches past the sides or more than 4 feet past the rear needs red or orange fluorescent flags, at least 18 inches square, at its outer edges. Extra amber and red lamps are needed when headlights are required.

On every oversize load:

• Flag a load more than 4 inches past the sides.
• Flag a load more than 4 feet past the rear.
• Add the extra amber and red lamps when headlights are required.
• Carry the OVERSIZE LOAD signs, banners, and amber lights every state on the route requires. These vary by state.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: if other drivers can't see your load, they can't avoid it.

Mark every load, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 393.87 and 393.11, flags and lamps on projecting loads

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #13: Hold a Pre-Trip Meeting and Keep Radio Contact With Your Escorts

A good team meeting starts with qualified people. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the team on the radio.

Pilot/escort best-practice guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) say to hold a meeting before rolling. The lead escort should keep a visual lead of at least 20 seconds, and every team member should be able to call a stop at any time.

Before rolling:

• Agree on roles and lane terms.
• Pick emergency pull-over spots.
• Review the first few turns and known hazards.
• Test the radios and backups.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: anyone on the team can call a stop, and everyone should know it.

Meet before every move, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Best Practices Guidelines (2016), Parts I to III

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #14: Drive Defensively With Extra Room to Turn and Stop

Defensive driving starts with a trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the traffic around them.

Pilot/escort best-practice guidelines from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) point out that an oversize load takes longer to stop and accelerate, swings wide on turns, has bigger blind spots, and can roll backward when starting on a hill. These tips are best practice, not federal rules.

Best practice on the road:

• Leave extra following distance.
• Plan lane changes and turns early.
• Avoid backing up.
• When you must back up, use a spotter.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: a big load needs big room, so give it some.

Leave extra space every time, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Best Practices Guidelines (2016), Part III

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #15: Keep Your Speed Down and Protect Your Space

Safe speed takes a trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the road, not the clock.

Under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.6), obey posted speed limits and never let a schedule push you to speed. Also follow any lower speed your permit sets. Slowing down well before curves, ramps, grades, and work zones is best practice from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pilot/escort guidelines.

On every move:

• Obey posted speed limits.
• Follow any lower speed your permit sets.
• Never let a schedule push you to speed.
• Best practice: slow down well before curves, ramps, grades, and work zones.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: a tall or heavy load is more likely to roll over, so slow down early.

Watch your speed every time, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Sources: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.6, schedules and speed; FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Best Practices Guidelines (2016), Part III

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #16: Respect Weather and Wind

Bad weather calls for a trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the conditions.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.14) say to reduce speed when snow, ice, sleet, fog, rain, dust, or smoke cut visibility or traction, and to stop if conditions become too dangerous. Many states restrict oversize moves in high wind, poor visibility, or icy conditions, with limits that vary by state and permit.

When the weather turns:

• Reduce speed when visibility or traction drops.
• Stop if conditions become too dangerous.
• Remember wide and tall loads catch the wind.
• Check your permit and each state's weather and wind limits. They vary.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: no delivery is worth driving into conditions your load can't handle.

Respect the weather every time, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.14, hazardous conditions

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #17: Manage Fatigue and Follow Hours-of-Service Rules

Rested, trained drivers make safer moves. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on staying alert.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 395.3 and 392.3) say to take 10 hours off duty before driving, drive no more than 11 hours, and not drive after the 14th hour since coming on duty. Never drive while too tired or ill to drive safely.

Every day:

• Take 10 hours off duty before driving.
• Drive no more than 11 hours, and not after the 14th hour on duty.
• Take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
• Stay within the 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day limit. Plan legal parking ahead, because curfews can stop you partway.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: a tired driver is a hazard no permit covers.

Rest up before every shift, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 395.3 and 392.3, hours of service and ill or fatigued drivers

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #18: Cross Railroad Tracks With Care, Especially With Low-Clearance Trailers

A clean record starts with safe crossings. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the crossing ahead.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.11 and 383.51) say to approach every crossing at a speed that lets you stop before the nearest rail. A conviction for failing to clear a crossing because of insufficient undercarriage clearance disqualifies a CDL holder for at least 60 days on a first offense.

At every crossing:

• Approach slow enough to stop before the nearest rail.
• Don't cross until you're sure the way is clear.
• Check the route survey for humped crossings where a low trailer could hang up.
• Make sure traffic ahead won't force you to stop on the tracks.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: a low trailer and a humped crossing are a bad mix, so know where they are.

Cross with care every time, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.11 and 383.51, railroad grade crossings and disqualification

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #19: Handle Breakdowns With Warning Devices Right Away

Handling a breakdown takes a trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on warning traffic.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.22 and 393.95) say to turn on hazard flashers as soon as you stop on the road or shoulder, and to place three reflective triangles within 10 minutes. Carry the required triangles and a charged fire extinguisher.

When you break down:

• Turn on your hazard flashers as soon as you stop.
• Place three reflective triangles within 10 minutes.
• Two-way road: about 10 feet from the rig on the traffic side, and about 100 feet behind and ahead.
• Divided or one-way road: about 10, 100, and 200 feet behind. Get the load as far off the road as you safely can.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: the first 10 minutes of a breakdown matter most.

Warn traffic fast, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.22 and 393.95, emergency signals and equipment

Heavy Haul Safety Tip #20: Stay Off the Phone and Stay on the Permitted Route

Staying on route takes a focused, trained driver. With CertLok, heavy haul drivers keep their commercial driver's license (CDL) and certifications in one digital wallet on their phone and share them in seconds. No texting photo copies. No "I'll bring it tomorrow."

Then the driver can focus on the permitted route.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 392.80 and 392.82) ban texting and holding a mobile phone while driving, except to contact police or emergency services. Your state permit sets your route.

On every move:

• Pull over safely to read maps or the permit.
• Never leave the permitted route.
• Hit a closure or detour? Stop in a safe place.
• Get an amended route from the permit office before moving.
• Have your CDL and certs ready on your phone.

Bottom line: unapproved roads may have bridges and clearances no one checked for your load.

Stay on the permitted route, and keep your certifications current and in one place with CertLok.

Source: FMCSA, 49 CFR 392.80 and 392.82, texting and hand-held phones; your state permit sets the route