Long-distance hauling is essential to many industries, from construction to retail. Whether you’re transporting heavy machinery, consumer goods, or other valuable cargo, ensuring your route is safe and free from obstacles that could cause delays or accidents is critical. One way to accomplish this is through route surveys, which are conducted to identify potential issues that could impede the safe and efficient transport of goods.
What Is a Route Survey?
A route survey is a detailed assessment of a transportation route, typically conducted by a professional surveyor. During the survey, the surveyor will evaluate the entire route from start to finish, identifying potential obstacles such as low bridges, narrow roads, and tight turns. The surveyor will also look for other factors that could risk the safe and efficient transport of goods, such as weather conditions, construction zones, and traffic congestion.
Why Are Route Surveys Important for Long-Distance Hauling?
There are several reasons why route surveys are essential for long-distance hauling. Here are just a few:
Prevent Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents can be costly regarding both human life and financial impact. Route surveys prevent accidents by identifying potential hazards and suggesting alternate routes that may be safer.
For example, a surveyor may identify a low bridge that could pose a risk to a tall vehicle. By rerouting the vehicle, the surveyor can prevent an accident and ensure that the cargo arrives at its destination safely.
Save Time and Money
Delays in long-distance hauling can be costly. By identifying potential obstacles before the trip begins, route surveys can help drivers avoid them and arrive at their destination more quickly. This can save time and money on fuel and other expenses associated with the trip.
For example, a surveyor may identify a road under construction and suggest an alternate route free from construction. By taking this alternate route, the driver can avoid delays associated with the construction and arrive at their destination on time.
Ensure Compliance with Regulations
There are numerous regulations that commercial vehicles must comply with, including restrictions on the weight and dimensions of the vehicle. Route surveys can help ensure compliance with these regulations by identifying potential violations before the trip begins.
For example, a surveyor may identify a bridge with a weight limit below the vehicle’s weight. By identifying this issue before the trip begins, the driver can adjust the cargo’s route or weight to comply with the regulations.
Improve Safety
Route surveys can also help improve safety on the road by identifying potential hazards that may not be immediately apparent. By identifying these hazards, drivers can take precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.
For example, a surveyor may identify a sharp turn on the route that may be difficult to navigate. By taking this turn slowly and carefully, the driver can avoid accidents and ensure that the cargo arrives at its destination safely.
In conclusion, route surveys are an essential component of long-distance hauling. By identifying potential obstacles and hazards before the trip begins, route surveys can help prevent accidents, save time and money, ensure compliance with regulations, and improve safety on the road. If you’re planning a long-distance haul, conducting a route survey is essential to ensure that your cargo arrives at its destination safely and efficiently.