Anyone hauling equipment?

I haul small drill rigs occasionally on a step deck, what are you trying to do? start a business?

 

first off, what kind of trailer do you have? your going to need chains and binders, a headache rack or toolboxes to keep all of your flatbed stuff in, I personally prefer ratchet binders. You want 4 seperate points of contact, you usually put a chain and binder off of each corner of the peice of equipment, and all hydraulics must be chained, also you pull out at an angle because if you pull straight down it wont stay tight, especially with rubber tired stuff.

 

Lots of chains and binders. One company I worked for had a Landoll trailer which worked out well for equipment, forklifts, etc.

 

Get yourself an RGN or a Landoll

 

Do a logbook anyways, for your own protection. Lots of insurance, liability and cargo. Machinery is expensive and folks will try to ding you for damages, especially if you drive on/off your trailer yourself. I used to let customer do that for precisely that reason. Liability just in case something comes off and does damage.

Yes, do a BOL. I had my own printed up (wasn't that expensive) 3 copies at least per BOL. Make sure to note any pre-existing damage (the insurance angle again) and any "special instructions" from shipper/customer. Leave a large paper trail for everything you do. Sure, others will say that's BS, I don't do that. But first time you get threatened with a lawsuit your lawyer will love you for it.

And most important; don't do "freebies" for your "buds". They will screw you.

 

Here's one thread that lays out the basic steps. You'll have to find out what hoops to jump through for your state.

Becoming an Owner Operator - The steps, forms and info