Flatbed Trailer Safety Tips
Flatbed trailers can be incredibly useful tools to have on hand, but their main advantage comes with a few drawbacks. With no sidewalls and a relatively simple deck, securing cargo and driving safely can be challenging.
We here at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs want you and your cargo to get to your destination in one piece, so we’ve put together some tips for buying the right flatbed trailer. To learn more, or to see the flatbed trailers we have for sale, contact our stores in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, today!
Known Hazards
Flatbed trailers tend to be used for the heaviest, bulkiest, and most unwieldy cargos, making them inherently difficult when it comes to securing and safety. Things like landscaping tools, construction materials, agricultural equipment, and other common cargos require that you be extra attentive when loading, driving, and unloading, so watch out for known hazards such as:
Weather. Snow, ice, rain, and mud can cause a loss of control, which may lead to your cargo coming loose and causing problems of its own.
Dangerous equipment. Tools often using to help load and unload flatbeds are dangerous in their own right, so remain vigilant during the process and always know where your team is.
Trailer sway. Whether it’s from wind, uneven roads, or sudden turns, if your trailer or its cargo start to sway, remain calm and try to drive as straight as possible, slowing down very gradually.
The Right Gear
Obvious as it sounds, you should wear the right safety gear when working with your flatbed. Wear heavy work gloves, as well as slip-resistant and steel-toed boots, when loading and unloading your trailer.
Thorough Inspections
Before any drive, no matter how short, give your trailer a thorough visual inspection and systems check. Spend a few minutes ensuring any cargo is properly secured, since loose cargo can cause trailer sway or fall off the bed entirely, endangering yourself and other drivers. Make sure your tires are filled properly and don’t show any signs of excessive wear. Verify that all connections and lights are working properly.
Be Mindful
Finally, remain aware of your surroundings at all times, from the loading process through the drive and the unloading process. Walk very carefully to avoid tripping on uneven ground, equipment, or cargo, and make sure everyone else is behaving safely as well. Check weather conditions before your drive and don’t be afraid to pull over onto a safe shoulder if it gets too nasty.
We hope these tips help you and your flatbed trailer stay safe! If you have any questions, or you just want to browse our flatbed trailer selection, contact us at Allan Dale Trailers & RVs. We proudly serve the people of Alberta—let us serve you today!