How Do You Load Heavy Cargo?

Transporting anything bigger and heavier than what can safely fit in a passenger car requires excellent planning and care. The loading process of this heavy cargo is a crucial step in the successful journey to its destination.

Generally, any goods transported by ship, aircraft, train, or truck are considered cargo. The definition of heavy cargo will vary depending on which transportation method is used for the goods. Still, for ground transportation on public roads, heavy cargo can be any cargo that, when loaded onto a vehicle, will cause it to exceed its axle weight limits.

Learning the proper loading and transportation techniques for heavy loads can help make transporting your cargo safer and give you a sense of security during the journey.

How to Properly Load and Ship Heavy Cargo

Here are the basic steps to load and transport heavy cargo safely and successfully.

Risk Assessment

Transporting heavy loads poses an enormous risk, and the heavier the load, the greater the risk. The first step in transporting any heavy cargo load is to assess the possible risks.

Ensure that the cargo's weight doesn't exceed the weight capacity of the vehicle or trailer that will be carrying it.

A risk assessment also includes securing any sharp, protruding edges of the cargo that can damage other cargo, the transport vehicle, or people.

Inspect the Load Area

Start by making sure the loading area has sufficient space for the cargo. The last thing you want is to spend time and energy loading heavy cargo only to realize your vehicle can't hold the entire load. Be sure to measure the length, width, and height of the load area and the cargo you will be loading before starting any loading process.

The loading area should be flat, firm, and free of obstacles. It's also essential to ensure the loading site is clean and dry. The loading area and all paths to it should be free of anything that can be a slip hazard, like grease. Also, ensure that the loading area has good lighting at all times.

Consider Heavy Lifting Equipment

If your heavy cargo isn't going to come from a loading dock, you must have the proper equipment to load it onto the transport vehicle.

Some vehicles come with a hydraulic tailgate service (a lift gate). Lift gates can usually handle approximately 1300–1500 lbs. and serve as a great alternative to loading docks.

You will also need a pallet jack or forklift if any of your cargo is on pallets.

At the very least, you will need a loading ramp to get your heavy cargo onto your vehicle.

Distribute Weight Evenly

One of the challenges in cargo handling is dealing with dissimilar cargo. In these situations, it's crucial to balance the weight of the load for safety purposes. Uneven loads can cause vehicles to sway and even flip in extreme conditions during travel.

Ideally, the heavier cargo should be loaded in the trailer's center, just forward of the axle. Any lighter items should be evenly distributed around the heaviest items.

Secure Cargo

Properly securing heavy cargo isn't just important for safety; it's the law. Every U.S. state (and the District of Columbia) has laws regarding unsecured loads, and violations can result in fines. Unsecured cargo can quickly shift during travel. This can pose a risk to the transport vehicle, other cars on the road, and pedestrians. It can also cause costly damage to the cargo itself.

Depending on the set-up of the transport vehicle, heavy cargo tie-downs will usually involve a trailer's tie-down anchors along with ratchet straps or chain tie-downs. Take extra care to ensure each cargo item is thoroughly tied down and won't come loose during travel.

After the ratchet straps or other tie-downs are correctly tightened and double-checked, tie off any excess so it doesn't lay on the floor of the transport vehicle.

Inspect the Vehicle

Once you've carefully loaded the heavy cargo according to best weight distribution practices and confirmed that it is adequately secured, it's time to inspect the vehicle that will be transporting it.

Test the vehicle's lights and brakes. Verify that the tires are at the proper air pressure. Also, ensure engine fluids are topped off and clean, and adjust the mirrors before starting any cargo haul.

Bring an Emergency Roadside Kit

Having an emergency roadside safety kit in case of a breakdown is essential. This kit should include jumper cables, flares, reflective warning triangles, a fire extinguisher, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit.

Confirm the Route

You have probably already planned your route at this point, but it's best to check the latest road and weather conditions between your starting point and destination to ensure your path is safe and clear of obstacles. Things like accidents, heavy weather, and emergency road work can create the need to re-route, so be sure to be aware of alternate routes in case they are needed.

Inspect Cargo En Route

You should stop and check your heavy cargo load every 50 miles to ensure it hasn't shifted during travel. Even correctly tied-down cargo might need to be adjusted during travel, especially if the route has been bumpy or winding.

Inspect the Unloading Site Before Offloading

Once you've made it to your destination site, it's time to inspect the offloading area (much like you did with the loading area) to be sure it's clean, flat, free of slipping hazards, and dry. Now you're ready to offload.

Conclusion

Loading and shipping heavy cargo is arduous, involving many logistics and risks. It's not recommended as a do-it-yourself job unless you are a trained professional with access to specialized equipment. The smart move is to trust an experienced shipping company like A1 Auto Transport to handle the job. This removes the risk from your side and lets an expert ensure the right equipment is chosen for every process step and used only by trained operators. You also won't have to worry about arranging permits or insurance.

Get a free quote.