1.
Dunnage
When you get a package in the mail, the box is likely packed with foam peanuts, air bags, or paper to prevent the item from sliding around in the box, which can cause damage. Similarly, while items are transported on a flatbed truck, they need dunnage to help keep them in place. Dunnage refers to any material that helps keep cargo in place.
Common materials used as dunnage include corrugated plastic, foam, wood, or corrugated paper. Similar to dunnage, V boards are also necessary to help protect items during transit. V boards are of thick cardboard or plastic, and they help protect cargo from damage from the straps and/or chains that hold it in place.
2. Legal Loads
A legal load is the legal weight and size a load can be for you to ship it without any permits. While exact state laws may vary, the federal law mandates gross vehicle weight at 80,000 pounds. If you do need to haul oversized or overweight items, you will need to turn to your state government because the federal government does not issue permits for oversized loads.
If you do end up getting a permit to haul oversized or overly heavy loads, you now carry an overdimensional load or an oversize load. If you travel through several states, you will need to get a permit from each state you enter.
3. Less Than Truckload
Sometimes, you do not have to worry about getting a permit because you barely have enough cargo to fill the truck, let alone cause it to become oversized. This is known as "less than truckload," and it means you may be able to ship other items by partnering with different companies or groups.
For example, if what you haul only takes up half of the truckload, you can rent out the other space to others who need to ship cargo. The benefit is that it saves everyone money because no one pays for an entire truck when they do not need it, including you. As an added benefit, it even helps reduce carbon emissions.
4. Tarpaulin
A tarp system is important for any truck exposed to open air. If you have a flatbed truck, for example, you will want a steel flatbed tarp, which covers four sides of the truck to protect it from rain, wind, sun, debris, and other potential hazards that could cause damage during shipping.
In other cases, tarps protect other drivers. If you have a dump truck that hauls gravel, dirt, or bark dust, small particles can fly out, hitting other cars or causing damage or accidents. A tarp keeps everything secure so you do not have to worry about lawsuits from angry drivers.
Trucks can cause a lot of damage, especially if you break the laws by hauling heavy items without a permit. With the right tools and preparation, however, your truck can be a great added benefit to your business.
If you would like to know more about cargo trucks and features you may want to add to your truck, or if you are ready for a quote, contact usat Diamond Truck Body Mfg. Inc. today. We look forward to speaking with you and answering any and all your truck-related questions.
