Safety is extremely important when loading car haulers and utility trailers. Proper practices not only protect the people and vehicles involved, but also maintain your company’s reputation and help reduce the risk of lawsuits. Here are some considerations to be aware of when you’re loading and unloading.

3 Tips for Loading Car Haulers & Utility Trailers 

1. Know Your Equipment 

You should know how every piece of equipment works, and ideally you should practice loading and unloading a few times using vehicles that don’t belong to clients. That way, you’ll be familiar with the process before you become responsible for other people’s property. It’s also crucial to know signs of damage to your equipment and to check it often. Before loading a car hauler, tie-down rings and tracks should be inspected to make sure they’re not damaged or loose.

2. Be Aware of the Environment 

Make sure you always load and unload on level surfaces. The risk of problems greatly increases when car haulers or utility trailers are loaded on uneven surfaces. If it’s impossible to reach a flat plane, you’ll need to use wheel chocks to help prevent accidents. A trailer and its tow vehicle should both be on level surfaces, and a car hauler should never be loaded before it’s attached to the tow vehicle. 

3. Stick to the Agreed Cargo

Some clients might ask that car haulers or utility trailers be loaded with items other than what was originally requested. For example, they might want you to carry white goods that they’d otherwise have to transport themselves. This will make weight calculations difficult and cause potential safety issues, so there’s nothing wrong with politely telling a client you’re not able to carry anything other than what they initially asked for.

If you need a one-stop shop for trailers, look no further than Smith Trailers & Equipment in Cincinnati, OH. The family-operated business has been serving the Tri-State area for more than 20 years, offering utility trailers, car haulers, and trucks. Browse their inventory online or call (513) 755-2497 for more information.