You can’t drive down a highway without seeing a utility pole. They’re a familiar part of American scenery. Not only can they be a comforting sight during a long and lonely trip, but they hold electric and communication lines, allowing us to power our lives and stay in touch with each other.
We sometimes take utility poles for granted, rarely considering how they get to their locations in the first place. They’re difficult to transport. Logistics have to be planned. Special equipment must be used. Regulations have to be followed to ensure safety.
If you need to bring new poles to your material yard, what you learn about utility pole trailers can help you decide how to handle the big feat of hauling utility pipes.
What to Know About Utility Pole Trailers
Utility pole trailers are the standard choice for hauling utility poles. Other vehicles can be used, but trailers designed for the ride are strongly recommended. Factors to consider when choosing a trailer include its width, length, and capacity. You also have to keep weight distributions, security, and visibility in mind.
Width
Although it sounds counterproductive, a narrow-width trailer can transport utility poles safer than wider ones. Trailers that measure less than the standard eight feet can maneuver better. The narrow width helps trailers stay in their lanes.
Length
If the trailer’s length is adjustable, then it can make the job easier to complete. Distributing the weight more evenly can help ensure a more secure ride.
Overhang is another aspect to consider. This is where the trailer’s length comes into play. If a pole experiences too much overhang, an accident can occur. Depending on the length of the poles and trailer, a trailing vehicle might have to escort the trailer.
Capacity
A utility pole trailer’s gross vehicle weight is the sum of the axle and the tongue loads (the weight at the coupling point or the hitch). A pole trailer with a large tongue can move a bigger load. For instance, a trailer with an axle capacity of 1,000 lbs and a tongue load of 9,000 lbs has a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 lbs. It can haul 10,000 lbs of cargo.
Weight Distribution
You can have the best trailer for the job, but if the weight distribution is off, then you risk damaging the trailer, cargo, and other drivers. Too much weight can damage the tongue. Too little weight can cause the trailer to drift. It’s suggested to place a load’s center of gravity forward of the axle. Placing 10 to 15% of the gross vehicle weight on the tongue can help even out the weight.
Securement
On September 27, 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published cargo securement rules that became effective January 1, 2004. All vehicles and parts used to secure cargo must properly work and not be damaged or weakened. These regulations can help keep trailer drivers and everyone else on the road safe. Being aware of them can make transportation trouble-free.
Visibility
Each state’s Department of Transportation has requirements for transporting utility poles along public highways. If you’re responsible for pole transport, then you have to check every state on your route to make sure you remain in compliance. Getting pulled over because your trailer doesn’t have the correct number of flags and warning lights, can delay the arrival of your cargo.
Permits
Utility trailers have to be allowed to do the heavy work. Since laws can vary from state to state, you’ll have to find out what permits you’ll need for a project, including oversize/overweight permits.
Blackwood Resources
It’s no exaggeration that the United States runs on electricity and information. Electrical and communication utilities must continue to meet the demand of the people. Maintaining the infrastructure is essential to prevent disruptions. Without utility poles, the infrastructure can falter. Transporting utility poles to where they’re needed is a job worth doing.
Blackwood Resources can take care of your utility pole shipping project to get new poles to your material yard. Our transportation services include finding the best overlength load truck, including obtaining necessary permits Our customer service extends to providing load assistance if it’s needed. We are committed to separating our company from all competition. We can align our services to your needs.
Transporting utility poles is serious business. It should be carefully performed by experts. Our exceptional expertise and professionalism can take your utility poles anywhere in the eastern United States. With several years of experience in utility pole transportation, we can transport your cargo safely and securely to its next destination.
If any unforeseen problems occur, our skilled operators have problem-solving attitudes that can meet your expectations and overcome any hurdles.
We specialize in:
Wood Pole Transport: We have the capacity for transporting materials up to 90 feet long.
Steel Pole Transport: Steel poles are a cost-effective option for infrastructures. We can easily load and unload them at your site.
Concrete Pole Transport: We have what it takes to even handle concrete poles.
Utility Transformers: Our specialized equipment works even for utility transformers.
Don’t worry about finding the right trailer, dealing with rentals, and hiring additional workers for any overlength duty hauls. Choose a reputable utility hauling company for your heavy-duty move.
Let us worry about calculations, air compressors, permits, and everything else that goes along with utility pole transportation. Our product lines can safely get your poles where you want.
For help with your next utility pole project, please contact us today.
