Utility pole transport is one of the main challenges you’ll deal with during a new utility project.
Given the size and weight of wood utility poles, getting them to your material yard is quite the obstacle.
The best solution is to work with a quality utility hauling company to transport your new wooden poles.
But how do you know which company to partner with?
Here are some of the top qualities to look for in a wood pole transport company.
Keep reading to find out more!
Wood Pole Hauling Experience
Experience is a critical asset when it comes to hauling partners. Look for a utility hauling company with specific experience hauling wood poles.
Years of total experience are important, but the specific experience is even more crucial. Assess the quality and type of experience that the haulers bring to the table. Imagine this. You could find a company with 20 years of hauling experience, but that has completed fewer projects than a company with less than 10 years of experience.
Ultimately, there are many overlength hauling companies out there. But utility hauling has some unique considerations.
The bottom line is that you need a utility hauling partner with industry experience. They should have completed similar hauls with wood poles in the past, including hauling Douglas fir, American wood, treated wood, and other kinds of wood poles.
The best way to find out about experience is to ask. Ask for specific information about similar hauls they’ve done in the past and what they have learned. The top utility hauling providers will be happy to share information about their experiences.
Impeccable Customer Service
You need a utility hauling company that values customers above all. Look for a customer-centric hauling company that is willing to do everything they can to help you meet your wood pole hauling needs.
How do you know if you find a customer-centric company? Look for ones that communicate effectively. These companies are willing to answer your questions and explain their services properly. They make it clear that they want to provide the best experience possible for you.
Additionally, examine reviews. Companies with a strong reputation for service should be at the top of your radar. Look for haulers with a high star rating and genuine reviews.
Asset-Based Hauling
When you need to bring new poles for your overhead power lines, turn to an asset-based provider.
The truth is that most utility hauling companies are not actually doing the hauling. Far too many work as brokers. These brokers are middlemen who connect you with haulers.
While this can be convenient, it’s important to note that brokers do not own their own equipment or employ their own drivers. Instead, they only work with a network of carriers whose quality can vary.
An asset-based utility hauling company owns its own trucks and employs its workers. When you work with an asset-based trucking company, you can count on:
A direct line of communication.
High quality, consistent service.
Great reliability.
A set hauling capacity.
Accountability on the job.
Self-Unloading
Once your utility poles make it to your material yard, you’ll need to get them off the flatbed and to your job site.
The truth is that most trucking companies leave the unloading up to you. This means you’ll need to hire additional workers and rent huge, expensive equipment just to unload your wood poles.
Working with a self-unloading wood pole hauling company is so beneficial. A self-unloading trucking company handles the pole unloading for you. They have specialized trucks and equipment that they use to quickly unload your wood poles. In a matter of minutes
Bonus: Railcar Unloading
Another helpful service to look for in your utility pole hauling company is railcar unloading. Rail-car unloading, or transloading, is the process of transporting utility poles from rail car to truck.
Looking for a company that can handle this can save you a step in your transport process. You can rely on just one company to handle your entire utility pole supply chain.
Dedication to Safety
Safety is critical for all utility hauling jobs. You need a company that’s committed to the safety of your team and their own operators.
Choose a company that’s demonstrated a dedication to safety. The company should provide adequate training and resources to all drivers and operators. They should also keep all equipment in its best condition possible, to reduce the chances of equipment malfunction.
Blackwood Resources Utility Pole Transport
For a quality utility hauling company to meet your wood pole needs, Blackwood Resource is here to help.
With over 5 years of industry experience, you can count on our dedicated team to handle your utility hauling needs. We focus on meeting the demands of all of our customers, to ensure your utility project goes smoothly.
We are an asset-based utility hauling company that leverages industry-leading overlength trucks. Our specialty trucks contain cranes and equipment for self-unloading as well. Our highly-trained operators handle unloading to save you time and money.
We showcase our commitment to safety by recruiting the highest-skilled operators and providing exceptional training. By treating every member of our team like family, we’re able to provide the best possible service to all clients.
In addition to wood pole transport, we also transport steel poles, concrete poles, and utility transformers. No matter what your utility hauling needs are, we can help!
To learn more about our utility hauling services, contact us today. You can reach us at 812-676-8770 or jamie@blackwoodresources.com.
