Oversize truckloads are nothing new. They’ve been overstuffing trucks with stuff for as long as there have been trucks. You have probably seen a bright, black and yellow banner that bears the words “oversize load” on a truck before. This type of truck usually carries industrial equipment, a mobile home, or a steel shipping container. Some of these trucks exceed their capacity. Due to the varying sizes and weights of industrial equipment and homes, this is bound to happen from time to time.
This can result in accidents, injuries, and even deaths in some cases. It also causes millions of dollars’ worth of losses as well when taken together. However, we have learned many things over the hundred years that trucks have been on the road. Hence, we can now identify the dangers associated with overstuffing trucks. So here are a few practices that you should watch out for and protect yourself and your cargo.
Increased Stopping Distance
Increased stopping distance is a problem that is inherent to oversize hauling in general. Larger mass means greater momentum, which means a greater force needed to stop a moving body. The average stopping distance for a loaded tractor-trailer is 196 feet. This is compared to 133 feet for a passenger vehicle. In general, stopping distance increases by 25% for every 20,000 pounds added after the first 80,000 pounds. That’s the upper legal limit for normal load sizes. Hence, it shouldn’t ever be exceeded without proper precautions.
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