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It's A Dangerous World Out There


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It's A Dangerous World Out There

When I got in to the tow truck business, I thought that my days would be filed with being out in the open air and meeting interesting people. Little did I know that every day would present serious safety challenges. As cars travel too closely and roads remain slick, it is all I can do to pull stranded motorists out of ditches to safety. I have had more than one close call, and unfortunately, I have lost a few friends out there. My personal goal is to spread the word about the dangers of tow truck driving, so that everyone can remain safe on the road.

What Should I Keep In Mind For Oversize Hauling Jobs?

If you have traveled the highway long enough, chances are good that you have seen a person hauling an oversized load. People and companies haul all types of oversized loads on a regular basis. Some examples of this include towing a mobile home, construction equipment, another vehicle and storage structures. This can be a daunting experience if you have never handled an oversized tow before. If you have the need to transport a large-scale item, you should consider some of the following tips, guidelines and possibilities, in order to make the most of the situation. 

#1: Weigh The Obligations Of Doing It Yourself vs. Hiring A Towing Services Company

The decision to either tow items yourself or hire a company like Gallup Oversize Pilot Service to handle it depends largely upon your comfort level and finances. You'll pay a good deal more to have someone else tow the items, typically by the mile, but you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your item gets there safely, expeditiously and intact. However, if you have the equipment and experience required, in addition to having someone available who can drive a pilot car, you can also take the project on yourself. It's a matter of preference and what works best for your situation. 

#2: Know The Statewide Requirements And Laws For Oversized Hauling

You will need to account for each and every state that you are traveling through with your oversized haul, because each state has its own set of laws and requirements. On a general level, you can expect to not be legally allowed to haul the item during rush hour traffic or evening hours. You will also need to check with the states to learn about sign and color requirements to make your haul visible to traffic while remaining in accord with the law. 

#3: Choose The Right Brakes If Hauling Your Own Items

The brakes are the most important item to consider if you are going to handle the haul yourself. You can choose between electronic and hydraulic trailer brakes, to make sure that the item you are hauling is able to stop on a dime or at reasonable speeds. Many people enjoy electronic brakes because the stops are a lot smoother. You will need to consider the exact weight of the items you are towing to make the best decisions on brakes and to account for speeds and stopping distances. 

Consider all of these factors, so that you can make the most of your heavy, oversized hauls.