License: #22094S
Ext 1 - Car Driving Ext 2 - Trucks & Buses
Once a driver has received their commercial driving license (CDL), they may be interested in receiving additional training for heavy equipment hauling. For over 30 years, the team at Mike’s Driving School, based in Clayton, New Jersey, has prepared drivers for their CDL with our blend of technical instruction and accessible courses. Here, we talk about training for heavy equipment hauling and what it entails.
Heavy equipment is used in many different industries, like construction, agriculture, military, marine, as well as the oil and gas industry. Cargo that is considered heavy equipment includes items like:
Since cargo sizes can vary greatly, the federal government classifies a haul as a heavy load when it exceeds:
When hauling heavy equipment, CDL drivers need to be aware of the challenges of transporting cargo that is overweight and oversized. Top considerations they must make include:
Safety is paramount when driving any type of vehicle, but for CDL drivers who are hauling heavy equipment, extra attention needs to be paid to securing the cargo, safely loading and unloading the equipment, as well as the actual driving itself. When driving with an oversized load, a driver must be keenly aware of all their surroundings.
Heavy equipment haulers need to be aware of rules and regulations. These could be about any permits needed and which roads are rated for the cargo’s weight. The laws can vary from state to state, as can rules about signs, flags, and escort vehicles.
Some roads aren’t rated for large or heavy loads, so a driver who is hauling heavy equipment needs to know what routes to take. The driver also needs to know which type of trailer is needed to haul the equipment, in addition to the type of tie-downs required to properly secure heavy equipment during its haul.
Many drivers are aware that different types of cargo can require different kinds of permits. However, many CDL drivers don’t know that special liability and cargo insurance may be required when hauling heavy equipment.
Remember – a safe driver is prepared for any situation, any load, and any haul.
Learning to drive a tractor-trailer takes 160 hours of classroom instruction and on-road practice to complete the CDL Course at Mike’s Driving School, and training for hauling heavy equipment can be part of the course. At Mike’s Driving School, CDL students learn every page of the Commercial Driver’s License Manual to prepare them for taking the road test.
Additional training to haul heavy equipment is required because heavy and oversized loads aren’t the same as hauling a straight trailer. The equipment can shift differently, and if the cargo is oversized, that can block the driver’s point of view. Any CDL driver who wants to become a heavy equipment hauler is encouraged to receive specialized training.
For CDL drivers looking to add to their driving knowledge, Mike’s Driving School in Clayton, NJ, is the leading driving school. Our courses adhere to the importance of safety and the rules of the road for tractor-trailer drivers. With dual controls in our training vehicles, you can rest assured that you will come to grips with driving without unnecessary risk.
At Mike’s Driving School, we specialize in teaching the following CDL courses:
We can also help with interview prep and assist in finding job openings for our graduates.
If you are interested in learning about what it takes to be a CDL driver and how to advance your driving career by becoming more knowledgeable about training for heavy equipment hauling, contact Mike’s Driving School in Clayton, New Jersey, today.
