8 Safety Best Practices for Truck Drivers in the Rigging Industry

Truck drivers play a critical role in the rigging industry, transporting heavy equipment, materials, and structural components to and from job sites. These deliveries are often time-sensitive, high-risk, and require careful coordination with rigging crews working under tight safety regulations. Because the cargo often includes oversized or delicate loads, the margin for error is extremely small.

As the average age of truck drivers in the U.S. hits 54 years old, prioritizing safety has never been more essential. The physical and logistical demands of transporting rigging equipment require both experienced drivers and carefully designed protocols to avoid accidents, injuries, and costly delays. Below, we outline key safety best practices specifically tailored to drivers working within the rigging industry.

1. Conduct Thorough Pre-Trip Inspections

Before hitting the road, drivers should perform a comprehensive inspection of their vehicle and trailer. This includes checking tires, brakes, lights, mirrors, and fluid levels. When hauling rigging gear like slings, shackles, spreader bars, or A-Frames, it’s important to verify that all equipment is securely stowed and properly balanced to prevent shifting during transit.

A-Frames, for instance, are commonly used in rigging to perform equipment lifts from vessels, platforms, quayside, or for proof load testing. These structures can be configured to lift loads up to and beyond 100 tons. Transporting such heavy and sensitive equipment demands precise load balancing and properly rated tie-downs. Even a slight oversight can cause damage to the equipment—or worse, an accident on the road.

2. Understand the Load You’re Carrying

In rigging, no two loads are the same. Some deliveries might involve long steel beams, others heavy machinery or hydraulic lifting systems. Each load type has unique weight distributions and requires different rigging methods for safe transportation. That’s why it’s essential for drivers to be trained in load classification and the proper securing methods for various equipment types.

Partnering closely with rigging crews can give drivers important context about the load they’re hauling. For example, knowing if the delivery includes crane counterweights or modular lifting frames helps drivers adjust their approach to securement and routing.

3. Keep Up With Industry Training

Ongoing education is critical for any truck driver, especially those operating in specialized business industries like rigging. From DOT regulations to load securement updates and driver fatigue awareness, there’s always something new to learn. Drivers should participate in periodic training programs offered by their employer or third-party providers.

Given the advanced age of the average truck driver in the U.S., consistent safety refreshers help reduce risk associated with long-term physical strain, reflex time, and vision challenges. A good training program not only increases personal safety but also protects others on the road and on the job site.

4. Use Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Truck drivers in the rigging industry are often required to assist with loading and unloading cargo on-site. That means stepping into active work zones where rigging operations are underway. Drivers should always wear proper PPE, including steel-toed boots, gloves, high-visibility vests, and hard hats when outside their cab.

When transporting gear like A-Frames or hoists, the risk of falling or swinging components is real. Wearing PPE helps protect against common site hazards, especially in high-traffic or congested delivery areas.

5. Maintain Communication With Site Supervisors

Coordination with the job site crew is vital for safe and efficient deliveries. Drivers should stay in touch with the site supervisor regarding arrival times, access points, weather delays, and required unloading procedures. This is especially important when dealing with high-value or oversized loads that require cranes or other lifting mechanisms to offload safely.

Technology can help here. Mobile apps and two-way radios can allow real-time communication and GPS tracking, so crews can prepare for incoming loads and minimize unloading time. Well-timed coordination also reduces the risk of injury caused by rushed or last-minute unloading.

6. Follow Routing and Permitting Requirements

Not all roads are created equal—especially when you’re hauling equipment used in the rigging industry. Many jurisdictions require special permits for oversized or overweight loads, and some roads, bridges, or tunnels may have weight or height restrictions that impact your route.

Stay up to date on the required permits and make use of route-planning software that accounts for load type, time restrictions, and road conditions. The last thing any driver wants is to get stuck or turned around with thousands of pounds of sensitive rigging equipment onboard.

7. Embrace Technology to Improve Safety

Today’s commercial vehicles are equipped with a wide range of tech features designed to improve safety, from blind-spot monitoring and forward collision alerts to trailer stability assist and electronic logging devices (ELDs). Take full advantage of these systems to stay safe, compliant, and efficient behind the wheel.

Additionally, with the semi-trailer market expected to reach $42.8 million by 2027, manufacturers continue to develop trailers specifically designed for heavy equipment hauling. Investing in the right trailers—with features like air-ride suspension, lowboy platforms, and modular expandability—can make transport easier and reduce the risk of damage to rigging equipment during long hauls.

8. Prioritize Driver Health and Wellness

Fatigue is one of the biggest threats to truck driver safety. Long hours behind the wheel, irregular sleep schedules, and limited access to healthy food can take a toll. Rigging drivers often face added physical demands, including loading assistance or gear handling, which increases the risk of injury or burnout.

Truckers should take breaks as required by law, stay hydrated, stretch regularly, and maintain a balanced diet. Employers can support wellness by offering resources like health screenings, gym reimbursements, or ergonomic cab designs that reduce physical strain over time.

The rigging industry depends heavily on safe and reliable transportation. By following these best practices, truck drivers can help create safer business environments, protect valuable cargo, and maintain the high standards that keep the rigging industry running efficiently and safely.