Concrete utility poles are built to last, making them a viable solution in areas that experience severe weather and high winds. However, they are often more expensive and heavier than steel or wood poles. Hauling concrete poles can challenge seasoned professionals, but in the right hands, they can be transported without problems or delays.
Read on to learn more about how to haul concrete utility poles even over a long distance.
Why Choose Concrete Utility Poles?
Despite their price and size, concrete utility poles have several advantages over steel and wood poles for your utility structures.
Durability
If you want utility poles to stand the test of time, dangerous storms, and wet climates, concrete poles can outlast steel and wood counterparts. Their weight helps ensure they will be less likely to fall long term.
Rot Resistance
Wood poles can rot, especially in perpetually humid climates. Even though poles can be treated to prolong degradation, concrete is physically tougher, making them ideal for tropical areas.
Fire Resistance
Although they can burn like most materials, concrete poles often prove resistant to fire. They typically will not add fuel to flames either, allowing them to be prime choices for regions that experience frequent forest fires.
Termite Resistance
Termites eat wood. Concrete is safe from pests. American wood poles, however, can become buffets for termites.
The Two Major Drawbacks of Concrete Utility Poles
Although concrete poles are often superior in terms of strength and resilience, there are two reasons why utility companies do not use them.
Price
Concrete is usually the most expensive material used to make utility poles. Their production can cost approximately $4,000. Their size occasionally necessitates a more expensive transportation fee, which can factor into the total amount companies must pay.
Weight
A typical concrete telephone pole can weigh nearly 2 tons. Hauling one requires special equipment and consideration, all of which can raise transportation costs. Although they can be extremely durable, moving concrete poles is not as easy as taking wood poles from material yards to worksites.
The Basics of Hauling Concrete Utility Poles
At its core, hauling concrete poles is no different from hauling other types of poles. The process entails detailed planning. In addition to knowing what you need, you have to know how to get everything together. This work can strain timetables and budgets, especially if one step goes wrong.
Getting the Trucks
Concrete poles require special attention when it comes to selecting the trucks that can bear their weight. You need more than just any hauling trailers, instead, you need a utility trailer suited for these massive poles. Choosing the wrong trucks can hinder transportation, which can set the project back.
Hiring Drivers
Trained operators who have experience delivering concrete poles may be best suited for the job. Their expertise can facilitate and expedite the process. Finding and hiring them can take time – time project managers might not have if they are on a tight deadline
Obtaining Permits
Depending on the load, permits might be needed. Knowing the laws and regulations can help ensure smooth transport. However, laws can differ from state to state. Researching each area the haul travels through can take time.
Unloading
Getting materials to worksites is just one part of the job. Unloading them can be a challenge in itself. Acquiring the right equipment, usually cranes, and possibly additional employees is just one more thing you would have to do if you are responsible for the project.
Blackwood Resources Can Haul Your Utility Poles
You have to know everything from what equipment to use to permitting if you need to transport utility poles. The logistics of such a venture can cost you time and money. What if you have to manage multiple projects? Can you split your attention among them and handle each one effectively?
If you need to remove the stress from a utility hauling job, Blackwood Resources can do all of the planning, loading, and transporting of new poles to job sites. You can be spared the aggravation of having to rent trailers and hire drivers. Instead, you will have more time to focus on everything else you must take care of.
We know you’re busy. We also know your job might depend on how fast materials arrive at your location. Our commitment to separate ourselves from competitors motivates us to meet the demands of our vital utility and infrastructure customers.
Who We Are
Since 2017, we have focused on forging a team of skilled professionals to operate our fleet of high-quality specialized equipment. We recruit operators and drivers with superior histories of safety and proficiency. Equipment only helps complete each job. People fill the whole equation, making them our most valuable asset.
We are proud to be a trusted partner within the utility industry. We understand the importance of electrical and communication utilities. Those companies have to meet their customers’ expectations. They must keep their infrastructures current to minimize service disruptions. We take pride in quickly adapting to heavy-demand markets while keeping our focus on our customers.
What We Can Do For You
Moving utility distribution poles among locations calls for top-rate mastery. Pole hauling should be performed by competent experts. Our skilled and professional operators can transport utility poles within the eastern United States. We can move your cargo carefully to wherever you want.
Our transportation services include getting appropriate trucks, equipment, drivers, and permits. Our services do not end with those essential items. We can support any “load and go” service. Our fleet of pole haulers is ready to mobilize at a moment’s notice. They can also maximize load capacity to increase transportation efficiencies and reduce costs, saving you time and money.
What else can we do for you?
We can:
Unload railcars: We are experienced in unloading railcars at their final destinations. Our operators can deftly handle overweight railcars, load shifts, and readjustments.
Provide relocation services: We can relocate materials from and to temporary contractor-yard set-ups and non-permanent distribution centers. Along with pole relocation, we offer bin-block transportation and set up for new and existing yards.
Transport wood and steel poles: We can transport materials up to 90 feet long. The organization of our project managers and the skills of our professional operators can all but guarantee a successful transportation and distribution process. We can also haul and unload steel poles for utility providers throughout the United States. Our operators can use boom-equipped tractors to easily self-load and unload materials at your site.
Respond to storms/emergencies: We know how important it is to restore electricity and communications after a natural disaster. Our roadside transport, clean-up, and staging services can be crucial elements in distressing times.
Specialty hauling can be difficult and rife with headaches. Letting a company take over everything that involves the process can make a world of difference.
Learn more about our utility hauling services today. Contact us at 812-676-8770 or jamie@blackwoodresources.com.