Why Are There Only 2 Steel Coils Transported by Large Trucks?
2 Answers
Because steel coils are typically very large in volume and are generally difficult to secure. Below are some precautions for driving: Cold Engine Warm-Up: Proper warm-up helps form an "oil film" between engine components, reducing wear and tear. Timely Gear Shifting: When driving a manual transmission vehicle during the break-in period, shift gears promptly and appropriately. Avoid incorrect practices like high gear at low RPM or low gear at high RPM, and refrain from using a single gear for extended periods. Scheduled Maintenance: Simply follow the manufacturer's recommendations in the vehicle manual. After reaching a certain mileage or time, promptly inspect and maintain the vehicle, including oil and oil filter changes, and conduct a comprehensive check of the chassis system. Avoid Emergency Braking: Emergency braking not only shocks the braking system during the break-in period but also increases the impact load on the vehicle's chassis and engine.
After driving heavy trucks for many years, I've found that carrying only two steel coils is primarily due to weight and safety concerns. Each steel coil is extremely heavy, weighing around 10 tons, and trucks have maximum load limits, such as a total weight under 40 tons. Carrying two coils ensures proper balance on the axles, maintaining a stable center of gravity and reducing the risk of rollovers during turns. Transporting three coils would exceed weight limits, potentially causing tire blowouts or damage to the suspension system. There's also a high risk of steel coils rolling during road bumps, and there have been past incidents where unsecured coils slid off and caused injuries. Therefore, regulations mandate a maximum of two coils per load. I recommend always securing the coils tightly with chains before transport and avoiding the temptation to overload for extra profit—one accident could total the entire truck. Safety comes first. For long-haul trips, fuel efficiency is also important; overloading leads to drastically increased fuel consumption, which isn't cost-effective. In short, following the rules protects both yourself and the road.
