There’s bad and good news about equipping your company with the appropriate semi trailers. The bad news is that if you fail to do so, you’ll hurt your business today and in the future. The good news is that getting high-quality equipment doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.
In today’s global economy, companies are obtaining materials from and sending products to points farther away than ever before. Consequently, most businesses have seen their freight costs increase significantly in recent years. If your company hasn’t experienced that rise, you’re lucky.
Hauling a semi trailer safely is no easy task. Countless variables come into play, including the weather, road conditions and the type of semi trailer you’re hauling (dry van trailer, flatbed trailer, refrigerated trailer, etc.).
Whatever type of over-the-road semi trailer you’re hauling—dry van trailer, flatbed trailer, refrigerated trailer, etc.—winter weather poses unique challenges, both for the trailer and the tractor pulling it. To ensure that you get to your various destinations safely, it’s vital that you take action to protect your rig from the elements.
Even for the most experienced drivers, hauling a semi trailer on snowy or icy roads poses some significant challenges. From increased stopping distances to poor visibility, winter weather greatly increases the risk of an accident. And, of course, winter storms can move in quickly and turn dry pavement into a treacherous “skating rink” in a matter of minutes.
Regardless of what type of semi trailer you’re hauling, it’s important to load it correctly. Improper loading can lead to various problems including damage to the freight or the trailer, injuries to people tasked with unloading the trailer at your destination, etc.