It’s a tale as old as time: a small business owner, eager to save costs, hires a mate with a truck to move a loaded shipping container. Everything seems fine until the container suddenly shifts dangerously during a turn, damaging the cargo inside and causing a minor road incident. What began as a money-saving idea has now turned into a costly lesson.

Container towing might seem simple. All you’ve got to do is load it up, strap it and drive it. Right? 

In reality, it’s a task that requires absolute precision, the right gear, a deep understanding of road safety and ample experience in load handling.

Here are some of the most common mistakes amateur truckers make when transporting containers and why it’s important to hire professionals like GM Towing.

Improper Weight Distribution

One of the most frequent errors amateurs make is loading the container unevenly. Poor weight distribution can cause the truck to become unstable, especially during hard braking or turning. 

Professionals like GM Towing know how to balance loads correctly to reduce the weight on the truck and improve safety.

Using Inadequate Equipment

Not all trucks are designed to carry containers. Amateurs might use an average flatbed without twist locks or underrate their vehicle’s towing capacity. 

GM Towing uses purpose-built trucks and trailers that meet all the necessary safety and compliance standards to ensure secure and legal transport.

Skipping Pre-Trip Inspections

Inexperienced drivers frequently overlook essential checks on things like tyre condition, brake systems, load restraints and more. 

You need a professional team that is experienced enough to know what proper pre-departure inspections entail and who are smart enough to never start a job without doing one. 

Ignoring Route Planning

Amateur truckers frequently rely on GPS alone. However, many GPS apps don’t indicate potential hazards like low bridges, weight-restricted roads or tight urban corners. 

Professionals plan every route strategically to avoid these obstacles and ensure a timely delivery and avoid significant delays, fines and breakdowns.

Poor Load Restraint

Load restraint is both an art and a science. It takes experience and a deep understanding of load physics to get it right. 

Loose or makeshift restraints are a recipe for disaster, especially when dealing with heavy loads like shipping containers. A shifting container can cause damage to the cargo and pose a significant safety risk on the road. 

A professional crew will adhere to the Load Restraint Guide and use certified securing methods for every job.

GM Towing has built a reputation for delivering safe and efficient container towing services. If you want to work with a crew that has skilled operators, the right equipment and decades of industry experience, contact us for a quote today.