Whether you're new to heavy hauling or an experienced veteran with thousands of miles under your belt, it's a good idea to make sure that you're putting safety first. When it comes to drop deck trailers, there are safety procedures you should always remember to follow.

Here are some tips to help keep you drop deck trailer operations safe:

Knowing Your Limits

Both your truck and your trailer are designed to haul finite payloads. Many accidents occur when operates choose to ignore or are ignorant of these limitations. One of the first questions the insurance and/or authorities ask when a drop deck trailer is involved in an accident is the payload weight. If you exceed these limits, you can face severe penalties and legal repercussions.

  • Duct Tape Declaration: you would be amazed how powerful a strip of duct tape with the weight limit of the drop deck trailer can be. Placing the weight limit near the rear of the trailer and above the wheel wells can be easy way to remind yourself or your drivers about the safe limits of the trailer.
  • Training: operating a vehicle can be busy. Many times owners and operates will forget that training and re-training is important. Most state departments of transportation and the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) offer free, web-based, training opportunities. In some states, completing these course can lower your insurance rates.

Keeping it Secure

Another common source of drop deck accidents involves unsecured payloads. Not only does an unsecured payload present dangers to other drivers on the road, but it also creates instability for the operator.

  • Payload Nets: one the latest innovations in drop deck trailer safety procedures are payload nets. These nets are constructed of heavy-duty nylon that not keeps your payload in place, but also prevents any debris from becoming a hazard to other drivers. Many drop down decks are outfitted with eyelets designed to help you strap these nets quickly and efficiently.
  • Straps: although tow straps aren't new, many drivers have never properly learned how to use them effectively. For instance, when securing a top-heavy load, the driver must secure the high center of gravity in place. This often means criss-crossing the tow straps to create an X over this point of potential instability.  Ratchet tow straps are also critical to creating straps holds that won't slip during transit.

Operating any heavy equipment is a big responsibility. These tips can help you and your drivers meet this responsibility.

Contact a trailer service, like No Ramp Trailers, for more help.

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