JOB PROFILES UNDER THE MAGNIFYING GLASS
Whenever goods with above-average dimensions or weights are transported by road, there is an interplay between several players. Only through the perfectly coordinated interaction of these different professional groups is it even possible to move loads in the heavy and machinery transport category safely – because these logistical services present those responsible with a variety of challenges.
SPECIAL CHALLENGES FOR HEAVY TRANSPORTS
Transport loads that are not suitable in terms of dimensions or load for normal goods transportation are defined as “heavy loads”. The road traffic regulations distinguish between four different categories:
- High-capacity transports
Large dimensions but relatively low weight, for example oil tanks
- Heavy haulage
Small dimensions but high weight, for example large concrete components
- Large and heavy transports
Combination of the first two categories, for example turbines, ships, machines
- Long transports
Transport goods longer than 20 meters, such as rotor blades for wind turbines.
Transport operations of this kind must be very well planned. It is not just a matter of obtaining the necessary permits or checking the route for suitability. Above all, the appropriate specialists must be planned and deployed for an undertaking of this kind in order to be professionally prepared for all requirements – because: heavy transport is teamwork.
It consists of at least three vehicles. Depending on the size of the caravan, however, considerably more personnel may be required. Overall, it is more economical to combine several transports into one caravan.
PERFECTLY COORDINATED COOPERATION AS THE KEY TO SUCCESS
Heavy haulage is not a one-man show, but a highly concentrated team effort. The driver of the actual truck is only one part of the overall organization. The following specialists are also required for a heavy transport:
- Planner
- Loader
- Companion
- Track marshals and preparers
JOB PROFILES IN THE HEAVY HAULAGE SECTOR
As already mentioned, many professions play a key role in logistics management such as the movement of bulky goods. The following list focuses on the key specialists who are deployed during transportation
DRIVER
The driver steers and maneuvers the transport truck along the planned route or along a specific section. Heavy-duty transportation should always be continuous and swift. This requires maximum concentration, especially on the part of the truck driver. For longer journeys, a replacement driver is therefore always required to take over the truck once the legally permitted driving time has been reached.
A person who has the following qualifications may drive a heavy goods vehicle:
- Minimum age 21 years
- Driving license class C or CE
- Driving aptitude register (points account in Flensburg) under three points
- health suitability
- good knowledge of German
The training for this area of activity is called “professional driver”. Specialists with this training, however, are specially trained for their tasks and thus acquire additional qualifications in order to be suitable for this particular challenge. Age and experience also play a role: it is very rare for a driver of the legally prescribed minimum age to be entrusted with a heavy haulage job. This is why these transports are usually carried out by experienced drivers who are a little older.
PLANER
In the run-up to a heavy transport, planners ensure that solutions are found for any logistical obstacles and challenges. They record the results of their preliminary work in documents that serve as the basis for the implementation of the project. They also monitor the success of the project using key figures and initiate countermeasures if changes are inevitable. They work in an interdisciplinary manner with all operational specialists and require the following skills:
- analytical and economic way of thinking
- communicative skills
- Reliability
- Many years of experience
- IT competence
- Problem-solving mentality
Planners must also approach their task with extreme concentration. Errors in preparation are absolutely fatal and, in the best-case scenario, mean considerable additional work. However, serious planning errors can also lead to the failure of the entire project. For example, a heavy goods vehicle cannot simply turn around if a passageway is too narrow – a truck that is too weak can be overwhelmed by the heavy load on inclines. In the latter case, for example, trailers that are self-propelled can provide a remedy.
One way to train as a planner is to study “Transport Manager”. However, career changers from other logistically demanding areas can also be considered for this role.
LADER
Transport goods on heavy goods vehicles are subject to a special duty of care when loading. As they do not fit into any standardized containers, they are usually transported open. They must be secured to the trailer using a calculated system with the appropriate clamping devices. Many different factors have to be taken into account and calculated precisely. Ideally, you have the following skills:
- Accuracy
- Very good skills in mathematics and physics
- High degree of personal responsibility
- Strong knowledge of applicable standards and laws
From precise alignment according to the center of gravity and adherence to the maximum width to the selection of suitable clamping devices, their quantity and their attachment points – all this falls within the loader’s area of responsibility. They are also responsible for attaching warning signs, reflectors and notices. Loaders also require special additional qualifications, which are usually based on training in warehouse logistics, transportation or vehicle technology.
COMPANION
Drivers of escort vehicles must first of all have a valid driving license for cars and vans. They should also not have had a traffic offense, have a good command of German and be able to concentrate at night. They also need special qualifications.
The exact job title is “Driver for escort vehicles for securing large and heavy transports with variable traffic sign system (BF3)” The variable message sign system here refers to the large sign with the inscription “Heavy goods transport”.
Training to become an escort driver takes approx. 2 days. It is valid for two years, after which a refresher course is required.
The requirements for the guides can vary from state to state. It is part of the planner’s job to obtain this information in advance and implement it accordingly. The VwV to §29 III StVO RN 134 also specifies exactly when the use of private service providers is no longer sufficient – for example, if the road conditions are classified as particularly challenging, if the goods to be transported are particularly bulky or if there is an increased risk potential.
Police escorts are required by law for such transports.
TRACK POSTS AND PREPARERS
Route marshals and route preparers normally ride with the attendant and are subject to his instructions. They carry out the manual tasks required to prepare the route. There is no special training for this. However, the following skills are essential for course marshals:
- manual dexterity
- Accurate work under time pressure
- Experienced handling of cut-off grinders, screwdriving tools and cutting torches as well as their maintenance and servicing
- Welding qualification
These manual skills are used to dismantle and reinstall traffic signs, railings and other obstacles quickly and professionally. A corresponding qualification is required for welding work. This must be carried and shown if necessary.
INTERACTION DURING HEAVY TRANSPORT
Heavy transport is a highly concentrated undertaking that relies heavily on the cooperation of the entire team. The planner defines the strategy in advance so that the driver can properly transport the goods that have been professionally loaded by the loader.
During the actual transport, everyone involved is equipped with radios. The route planners ahead use them to inform the driver whether the route is clear or whether obstacles are to be expected that the planner could not foresee.
It can always happen that a tree lies on the road or a traffic accident blocks the way. Stopping a heavy goods vehicle is a coordinated process that requires practice and preparation. This is why radio contact between the escort vehicle and the driver is essential.
The same applies to the vehicle behind. It informs the driver if another road user starts an overtaking maneuver in violation of the law. However, actively slowing down an overtaking vehicle is not permitted!
The seamless interaction of all players is absolutely essential, especially in the event of acute dangers. Although heavy goods vehicles travel very slowly at 20 – 40 km/h, the braking distance is disproportionately long due to the high transport weight.
CAREER PROSPECTS IN THE HEAVY HAULAGE SECTOR
Mechanical engineering is one of the most important industries in Germany. This makes heavy haulage a secure sector, as these services are practically always needed. Heavy haulage teams often form close-knit communities in which one can rely on the other. This makes this occupational field particularly interesting for strong team players. Anyone who has proven their ability to think for themselves, reliability and resilience will quickly find recognition in a heavy haulage team.
However, the high level of responsibility also requires the appropriate discipline and concentration. If you have problems working mainly at night, the world of heavy haulage is probably not for you. But if you are looking for exciting tasks, constant new challenges and good opportunities for advancement, you can realize your professional potential in the long term. With discipline and a willingness to learn, a career from simple transport attendant to full-time driver is definitely possible.
The world of heavy transport, which used to be dominated by men, has now also opened up to women. There are enough girls who are enthusiastic about technology to find their fortune in this exciting career field after leaving school.
TEAM WORK
As a member of a heavy haulage team, you become more valuable with every journey. Qualifications are good and important. But what really counts is experience. Beginners should therefore always keep their eyes and ears open and learn everything they can as quickly as possible. The better you get to grips with this world, the safer your job will be. Nevertheless, the world of heavy haulage is extremely demanding and requires a high level of concentration from everyone involved.
Due to the professional cooperation, accidents involving heavy goods vehicles are relatively rare compared to other professions with similarly high requirements. This makes the profession much less dangerous than that of a truck driver, for example.
The slow speed contributes to the fact that heavy goods vehicles are much safer on the road than normal road users. However, the main factor responsible for safety and success in machine and heavy-duty transport is the interdisciplinary interaction of all those involved.
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