Heavy haulage can be challenging, even under typical conditions and with experienced drivers. However, the challenges become even more daunting with snow and ice in the equation. Some heavy hauling challenges include equipment failure, freezing temperatures, and poor visibility. Understanding these stressors is essential to ensure efficient and safe winter heavy transport. In this article, we’ll explore common winter heavy trucking hazards, the operational difficulties of transporting heavy loads in winter, and tips for safe heavy trucking in snow and ice.
Risks of heavy transport in winter conditions
There are several risks during heavy transport in the winter season. They include:
Decreased traction on icy roads
One of the common challenges in winter transport is reduced traction. When tires lose traction, drivers may be unable to pull away from a stop, negotiate deep snow or climb slippery hills. This can cause them to lose control of their vehicles, leading to collisions, traffic disruptions and aggravating delays.
Visibility problems in snowy conditions
Snowy conditions often bring heavy snowfall, fog and icy windshields, limiting visibility on the road. Reduced visibility can lead to potential accidents and delays, making winter transportation extremely difficult.
Impact of cold weather on teams
Freezing temperatures are among the most dangerous aspects of heavy transport during the winter. In addition to affecting drivers, cold temperatures also affect heavy trucks, cargo and hydraulic systems. Cold weather can lead to reduced battery power, unresponsive equipment, poor performance, and increased chances of failure.
Operational difficulties of transporting heavy loads in winter
With the presence of snow, black ice and other hazards, drivers face various operational difficulties when transporting heavy loads in winter. They include:
Ample transit times in the snow
Winter conditions mostly result in road closures, increased rest breaks and slower driving, resulting in longer traffic times. Certain roads may be closed due to unsafe road conditions, and it will take time to plan an alternate route, resulting in disruption to delivery schedules and increased costs.
Cold weather wear
Icy conditions accelerate wear on vehicle components. The cold can cause some parts of heavy trucks to become brittle and break easily. In addition, the chemicals used to melt snow and salt can corrode trucks, leading to increased breakdowns and high maintenance costs during the winter months.
Safety concerns in heavy winter transport
Heavy transport in icy conditions can be dangerous. Some of the dangers to expect include:
- Increased risk of accident: Reduced visibility and slippery roads lead to an increased risk of accidents.
- Health risks for drivers: When drivers are exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods, they can suffer health risks such as hypothermia and frostbite.
- Difficulty maintaining load integrity: Freeze-thaw cycles can affect the integrity of the cargo, making it even more difficult to secure the cargo effectively.
Essential tips for safe heavy hauling in snow and ice
Driving on ice and snow can be challenging even for seasoned veterans with years of experience, and it’s even worse for new truck drivers. If you’re worried about hitting the road in the winter, here are some tips to help:
Pre-trip strategic planning
Planning ahead of your trip can save you a lot of frustration when it comes to fueling your truck, alternating routes, parking your truck, and more. Being prepared for changing weather conditions is key to a successful haul. Check the real-time weather forecast and traffic reports and see if there are any alerts to worry about. Make sure you have backup plans to avoid pitfalls.
Comprehensive equipment inspections
Always perform rigorous vehicle checks, especially for tires, brakes and heating mechanisms. Make sure the brake lights, tail lights, defrost and heat, and windshield wipers are working properly. Ensuring your equipment is in top condition minimizes the risk of breakdowns and accidents on the road.
Specialized driver training for winter roads
Drivers need specialized training to handle snowy and icy roads effectively. Emergency braking, skid control and winter driving techniques are essential skills for winter heavy haulers.
Heavy hauling in snow and ice clearly presents unique challenges, including reduced traction, poor visibility, equipment failure, and more. Addressing these challenges is vital to efficient and safe snow and ice transport of heavy loads. Careful pre-trip planning, equipment inspection and maintenance, and specialized training can help curb the potential risks of heavy winter transport.
Heavy Haulers’ winter experience allows you to ship your load even in winter without hitching. We are well prepared to face the winter challenges of heavy trucks and ensure the success of transport operations.
