Without the right preparation, hauling lumber can be a daunting task. Transporting lumber is one of the most common tasks. It’s only natural that people ask us how wood is transported, or how lumber is transported.
A majority of debris-related crashes involve items falling off vehicles due to unsecured loads, according to the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety.
A few simple precautions can save lives, prevent injuries, and prevent loss or breakage by preventing cargo from falling off a moving vehicle when it is secured.
Logs can be awkward to haul because of their length. In fact, it’s not that hard once you have the right knowledge and precautions. You can find all the information you need here on how to transport lumber here.
How To Haul Lumber In A Pickup
The most common question we get from people when transporting lumber is how to haul long lumber.
Pickup trucks are most commonly used for hauling things for most people. There are times, however, when the lumber is longer than the truck bed, which can create problems.
Assessing Load Weight
You should begin by determining how heavy your load is. It is possible to leave the tailgate open if your load is relatively small and under 250 lbs.
Make sure that your lumber is bundled at both ends with straps so that it won’t move around too much.
Another option is to attach it to a ladder to provide additional support. Your truck bed should have one end of the lumber resting against the cab and the other end resting on the tailgate.
Lower Your Tailgate
Your tailgate will need to be lowered if your load exceeds 250 pounds. There are two purposes to this. In the first place, it extends the bed of your truck, increasing the strength of the lumber.
In addition, your tailgate won’t be damaged by the weight, as it wasn’t designed to hold this much weight. You might want to consider purchasing a tailgate extender if you’re interested in making your bed longer.
The Longer The Tailgate Better
The support base should be extended as far back as possible when hauling long lumber. Using an extension ladder as a platform if your bundle of lumber is relatively small will help you lower your tailgate.
It is also possible to use a tailgate extender like the extend-a-truck-hitch or Thule goalpost that fits into the truck’s hitch.
If you want to elevate the lumber above the cab of the truck, you may want to consider a lumber rack.
Several of the dangers associated with overhanging boards’ tail swing can be eliminated. Craigslist is a good source of affordable used lumber racks.
The Right Hauling Tools For The Job
Lumber, dirt, or any other material can be hauled in the bed of your pickup with the right equipment. If you wish to secure any load safely, the first step is to purchase (at least four) heavy-duty ratchet straps.
Our recommendation is a load limit of 1,000 pounds and a break strength of 3,000 pounds. Having a length of at least 15′ and a width of no less than 1 1/4″.
It might seem like ropes and bungee cords are secure and could work in optimal conditions.
However, they fail if forced to swerve suddenly or stop suddenly in an emergency. You will be responsible for the consequences of cargo ejected from the truck.
There is no doubt that a cargo securement system is only as strong as its weakest link. If there’s no anchor point to tie down those heavy-duty ratchet straps, those straps are useless.
Having a strong anchor point is crucial for cargo securement because it ensures that the load remains stable and doesn’t shift during transportation.
Without a secure anchor point, the straps or tie-downs can easily become loose or detach, putting the cargo and other drivers at risk.
Additionally, a weak anchor point can cause damage to the truck bed or the cargo itself, leading to potential accidents or financial losses.
How To Tie Down Lumber Before Transportation
The first step in tying down lumber in a pickup truck is to place your load in the bed of the truck.
Make sure you take the time to ensure things are done correctly so that any load that falls out during transport damages another vehicle.
Step 1
The first step is to get the right equipment. Ropes and bungee cords are not designed for such high pressure and can snap when put under pressure.
Use ratchet straps with a break strength of 3000 pounds and a load limit of 1000 pounds to secure the lumber. Anchor points will also be necessary to attach your straps.
Step 2
You won’t have to do anything complicated if you have a small load of lumber.
Ratchet straps should be attached to the rear anchor points on one side of the bed and slid across the bundle to the anchor on the other side. To secure the load, tighten the strap.
Step 3
Your first ratchet strap should be placed on the tailgate of your truck and your second strap should be placed on the bed floor if you are hauling heavier loads of lumber.
A foot behind the rear anchors is the ideal place for the first strap, and a foot behind the front anchors is the optimal location for the second strap.
Step 4
Put your load on top of the ratchet straps. Connect the straps to the anchor points on the opposite sides of the truck by wrapping them around the lumber.
Secure the boards and keep them in place by tightening down the straps. It should pull the load towards the front of the truck if the straps are placed a foot behind the anchors.
How To Transport Lumber In A Car
Many people do not have access to pickup trucks for hauling things. So, how does a car transport lumber?
Step 1
The back seats of your car might be able to accommodate eight-foot lumber if you lay them down.
Make sure you bundle lumber together with straps even if you’re hauling it within your vehicle to avoid damage during transport.
Step 2
You can also secure the lumber to a roof rack. Your roof rack will determine how you secure the lumber. Follow the same guidelines outlined above.
Step 3
Ratchet straps capable of supporting your load should be used and be sure the roof rack is strong enough to anchor the load.
Make sure the lumber is securely attached to your roof rack before heading out on the road, so it won’t slide around.
How Far Can Lumber Hang Out of a Truck
It is common for people to ask about transporting certain lengths of lumber. It’s common for us to be asked how to haul lumber 12-feet long, or how to transport lumber 16-feet long.
There is a universal process for transporting lumber regardless of its type. The distance your load extends from your vehicle does need to be considered, however.
DOT regulations allow lumber to hang four inches behind your vehicle, four feet in front, and three feet from the side. A proper warning sign must be placed if the lumber extends beyond this distance.
You may still be fined even if you comply with these regulations strictly if the lumber shifts while being transported.
If there is an accident, even if your packaging and marking were in accordance with regulations, you are probably liable for negligence.
Raising Red Flags
If lumber extends out of your vehicle in any direction, it is better to mark it with red flags and other visible markings and try to avoid lumber that extends sideways.
Whenever a load exceeds the legal limit, red marker lamps must be installed along the side. In addition to illuminating the sides of the vehicle, these lamps also allow people to see its entire length at the front and rear of the vehicle.
Moreover, the vehicle must have two lamps illuminating the longest overhang point, and two red reflectors indicating the maximum width of the rear.
Any questions about transporting a large shipment should be directed to the State Police, and if you must rent a truck or hire a professional with a full liability policy, you should do so.
Regardless of whether you are strictly legal, if a collision occurs, you will be personally liable. Red or orange, fluorescent flags must also be used to mark the longest point of lumber hauled by commercial vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How To Transport Long Lumber In A Truck?
Make sure the overhanging load is properly secured, loaded, and marked with a red flag to alert other drivers.
There is a law requiring this in most states. The majority of home centers and lumberyards provide them free of charge. Make sure you staple the flag firmly to prevent it from being lost.
2. How To Secure Long Lumber In A Pickup Truck?
The tailgate should be lowered, and the first ratchet strap positioned before lumber weighing more than 250 pounds is loaded.
Set it up about a foot behind the anchors for the rear bed tie-downs on the tailgate. You should place a second ratchet strap roughly a foot behind the anchor points in the front of the bed.
Your lumber should be stacked in the middle of the bed, on top of your cargo straps. Strap the bundle around the cargo hooks on opposite sides of the vehicle and hook the straps to them.
By tensioning the straps, all the boards will be forced together. As a result, the bundle is tensioned toward the front of your bed by the offset positioning of your ratchets.
3. How To Haul 16 Ft Lumber In Pickup?
It may seem that ropes and bungee cords are safe and they might work under ideal conditions.
In real-world situations, they are susceptible to failure due to sudden swerves and emergency stops. If cargo is ejected, you will be responsible for the consequences.
4. How Far Can Lumber Hang Out Of Truck?
In accordance with DOT regulations, lumber cannot hang out of your vehicle more than three feet in front, four inches to the side, and four feet behind. Other drivers should be warned if the lumber extends beyond this distance.
Conclusion
It can seem intimidating to haul lumber in a truck or car, but with the right safety precautions, you won’t have any issues.
You shouldn’t have any trouble transporting your lumber as long as you use the right equipment and follow our instructions.
Sources:
- https://aaafoundation.org/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/aaa-debris-dangers-study/
- https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/cargo-securement/cargo-securement-rules
- https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/safetyplanner/MyFiles/SubSections.aspx?ch=22&sec=64&sub=132
