One of the most nerve-racking sights for a daily highway commuter is rolling up beside a heavy-load carrier stacked high with a load of pipes. That’s an immediate reason to hit the brakes or the accelerator to drop back or pass the truck. For that reason alone, shipping companies have to ensure pipes are properly loaded for shipping in the safest possible manner. Here are a few tips for loading pipes that can be used by companies responsible for heavy equipment shipping in Canada.
Load with Safety in Mind
Proper loading of pipes is critical to ensuring safe transport for the driver and the people on the road. Companies experienced in heavy equipment transport will know the best practices for loading pipes, which given their length and weight can be difficult to transport. Here are a few tips for oversize load trucking companies tasked with the ground transportation of pipe.
Generally speaking, there are two ways to stack pipe on a flatbed trailer: strip loaded, and pyramid loaded. Strip loaded pipe is usually used for yard-to-yard or yard-to-rail shipment. This method of stacking pipe is often preferred because it allows for easy loading and unloading using a forklift. It can also maximize the number of pipes that can be included in the load. Pyramid loading, on the other hand, is usually reserved for yard or warehouse to jobsite transportation. This allows for some flexible maneuverability often required of drivers when moving through tight jobsites or around obstacles. Pipe stacked in this manner can also usually be lifted using other methods than the forklift.
Once the pipe is loaded, the next and most important step is properly securing the load. Regardless of the type of flatbed being used to carry the load, there are some common areas that should be considered for safe loading of the pipe. The weight of the load, the range of the life and the location the pipe will be secured on the carrier are three major consideration. Size and shape of the pipe are also important factors that help determine the method of stacking and shipment. Using the proper equipment to load and unload the pipe is critical: the right tool for the job is usually the safest too. Avoiding common mistakes in loading pipes is critical; this means no overloading and paying attention to proper weight distribution. Stacking in an uneven manner and certainly cause pipes to shift. Having adequate strapping or tie downs is vitally important to securing loads of pipe. Ensuring the height of the stack is in proper compliance is also important; no one wants to hit a bridge or overhead wire with a stack of pipe that’s riding too high on a flatbed. Keeping all those hazards in mind when shipping pipe can help avoid accidents that could have traffic consequences.
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NATS Canada is One of Canada’s Leading Oversize Load Trucking Companies
No matter what your heavy equipment shipping Canada needs are, NATS Canada’s team of professionals can help get it there safely. We have access to a wide variety of trailers and a network of drivers and carriers across North America. Get your loads delivered safely and affordable.
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