When it comes to moving heavy steel coils, many transporters take the easy way out by simply throwing them onto the back of a truck. While this may seem like a quick and convenient solution, it’s a recipe for disaster waiting to happen.
One of the biggest issues with vertically stacking steel coils on a vehicle is the concentrated pressure it puts on the floor of the transport. When the coil is standing up, the contact area with the vehicle floor is much smaller, causing the pressure to be much greater. This can exceed the maximum allowable load for the container floor, potentially causing damage or even a catastrophic failure.
Another major risk of vertically oriented steel coils is their tendency to roll. Due to inertia or centrifugal force, such as when the vehicle suddenly stops or turns, the tall coil can easily start rolling. This poses a serious threat to the driver, as a runaway steel coil bouncing around the cargo area could easily penetrate the cab. It also endangers other drivers and pedestrians if the coil were to escape the vehicle.
Contrast this with transporting the steel coils horizontally. In this orientation, the contact area with the vehicle floor is maximized, distributing the weight more evenly and reducing the pressure. Additionally, a horizontally-stacked coil is much less likely to start rolling, as it would require overcoming a greater rotational inertia to get it moving.
By laying the steel coils flat, transporters can significantly reduce the risks associated with vertical transport. The coils are less likely to shift or roll, and the reduced pressure on the vehicle floor minimizes the chances of a catastrophic failure.
Properly securing horizontally-stacked steel coils is also a much simpler task. Specialized cradles or bracing can be used to prevent the coils from moving, ensuring a safe and stable delivery.
Despite these clear safety benefits, some transporters still opt for the expedient but reckless method of simply throwing the coils onto the back. This is likely due to the extra effort required to properly secure and stabilize the load. However, the potential consequences of this negligence far outweigh the minor inconvenience.
When steel coils are improperly transported, they pose a serious threat to the driver, other motorists, and even pedestrians. A runaway coil can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries, or even fatalities.
In addition to the safety risks, transporters who fail to secure their loads properly may also face legal consequences. Depending on the jurisdiction, they could be subject to fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges in the event of an accident.
Responsible steel coil transport requires taking the time to carefully position and strap down the loads. This may involve using specialized cradles or bracing to prevent the coils from shifting. While it requires more work upfront, it is the only way to ensure the safe delivery of these heavy and unwieldy cargoes.
Driver and public safety should always be the top priority when hauling these or any other oversized loads. By taking the necessary precautions, transporters can keep our roads safe while still efficiently moving these essential materials.
The risks posed by improperly transported steel coils are simply not worth it. Transporters who choose to take shortcuts and disregard safety are putting lives at risk, both their own and those of others on the road. By embracing the responsible and secure method of horizontal steel coil transport, we can ensure the safe and efficient delivery of these heavy loads while protecting our communities.
