HGV ROUTE PLANNING.

GETTING THERE WITHOUT GETTING STUCK.

Route planning in an HGV is not the same as putting an address into a sat-nav and pressing GO.

Your route has to be suitable for:

• your vehicle;

• your trailer;

• your actual height;

• your actual weight;

• your width and length;

• your load;

• any legal restrictions;

• the road conditions; and

• somewhere to actually put the vehicle when you arrive.

  
  

A sat-nav can help you.

It cannot take responsibility for you.

THE GOLDEN RULE

NEVER BLINDLY FOLLOW A SAT-NAV.

If the sat-nav tells you to go somewhere that does not look suitable for your vehicle:

DO NOT GO THERE JUST BECAUSE THE SCREEN SAYS SO.

PLAN BEFORE YOU MOVE

Before beginning an unfamiliar journey, establish:

• destination;

• suitable HGV route;

• vehicle height;

• vehicle width;

• vehicle length;

• vehicle and combination weight;

• axle weights where relevant;

• load considerations;

• road restrictions;

• tolls;

• weather;

• road closures;

• planned breaks;

• fuel requirements;

• suitable HGV parking;

• delivery/collection access; and

• what the final approach actually looks like.

  
  

Ten minutes spent planning before departure can save an hour trying to extract an HGV from somewhere it should never have entered.

USE AN HGV-SPECIFIC SAT-NAV

Where possible, use navigation designed for commercial vehicles.

An HGV sat-nav may allow you to enter information such as:

• height;

• width;

• length;

• gross weight;

• axle configuration;

• trailer;

• hazardous-goods restrictions; and

• other vehicle characteristics.

  
  

This can help it avoid roads that may be unsuitable.

But there is a very important word in that sentence:

HELP.

It does not guarantee that every suggested road is suitable.

Road layouts change.

Restrictions change.

Temporary restrictions appear.

Mapping data can be wrong.

A customer's postcode may take you to the wrong entrance.

And no sat-nav can replace what you can physically see through the windscreen.

GOOGLE MAPS IS NOT AN HGV ROUTE PLANNER

Google Maps and similar general navigation apps can be extremely useful for:

• checking locations;

• viewing satellite imagery;

• looking at road layouts;

• identifying landmarks;

• examining the final approach; and

• getting an overall picture of where you're going.

  
  

But a route suitable for a car is not automatically suitable for an HGV.

General navigation may send a car quite happily down a road containing:

• a low bridge;

• weight restriction;

• width restriction;

• tight village;

• narrow lane;

• unsuitable turn;

• weak bridge;

• impossible entrance; or

• nowhere for an HGV to turn around.

  
  

Use mapping tools as tools.

Do not outsource your judgement to them.

KNOW YOUR HEIGHT

Before driving an HGV, know its actual travelling height.

Not approximately.

Not:

“It's around four metres.”

Not:

“The last trailer was 4.2.”

Know this vehicle and trailer's height today.

Your height may change when:

• changing trailers;

• changing bodies;

• using demountable equipment;

• carrying machinery;

• carrying an unusual load;

• suspension height changes; or

• vehicle configuration changes.

  
  

If a cab height indicator is fitted, make sure it reflects the vehicle or combination you are actually driving.

LOW BRIDGES — NEVER GUESS

Bridge strikes can cause catastrophic damage.

They can injure people.

They can close roads and railways.

They can seriously damage vehicles and infrastructure.

And many are entirely preventable.

When approaching a height restriction, compare the displayed clearance with the known height of your vehicle and load.

If you are not absolutely satisfied that you have adequate clearance:

STOP BEFORE THE BRIDGE.

Do not drive underneath to “see.”

Do not assume.

Do not follow another HGV simply because it fitted.

Its height may be completely different from yours.

VEHICLE HEIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS THE WHOLE STORY

Consider the highest point of the entire travelling vehicle/load combination.

Depending on the operation, that may include:

• trailer/body;

• refrigeration equipment;

• machinery;

• plant;

• load;

• lifting equipment;

• exhaust or other equipment; or

• something projecting above the normal body height.

  
  

The important measurement is not simply:

“How tall is the truck?”

It is:

“What is the maximum travelling height of what I am driving right now?”

ARCH BRIDGES NEED EXTRA THOUGHT

A signed bridge clearance does not mean every part of an arched bridge has the same clearance.

The available height may reduce towards the sides.

Road positioning can therefore matter enormously.

Pay attention to:

• signs;

• road markings;

• permitted vehicle position;

• oncoming traffic; and

• the shape of the structure.

  
  

Never cross into an unsafe or prohibited position simply to obtain additional clearance.

If you cannot establish that you can pass safely and lawfully:

do not proceed.

HUMP-BACK BRIDGES

Humpback bridges create a different problem.

Even where height is not the issue, vehicle length and ground clearance can be.

A long vehicle or low trailer can potentially:

• ground out;

• become hung up;

• lose traction;

• damage equipment;

• obstruct the road; or

• become completely stuck.

  
  

Approach unfamiliar humpback bridges cautiously.

Look for warning signs and restrictions.

Consider:

• wheelbase;

• trailer length;

• ground clearance;

• overhang;

• gradient change; and

• the vehicle's breakover angle.

  
  

Just because the tractor unit can climb onto the bridge does not mean the rest of the combination can follow it.

WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Pay attention to weight-restriction signs.

They are not suggestions.

Restrictions may exist because of:

• weak bridges;

• road construction;

• environmental/access restrictions;

• unsuitable infrastructure;

• local traffic management; or

• other safety reasons.

  
  

Know your vehicle's relevant weight.

Do not assume:

“I'm empty, so I'll be fine.”

Whether a restriction applies depends on what the sign/restriction actually specifies.

If you're unsure whether your vehicle is permitted:

find out before proceeding.

AXLE WEIGHT MATTERS TOO

Being below your permitted gross weight does not automatically mean every axle is legally loaded.

Depending on the vehicle and route, axle restrictions can also matter.

Know:

• your vehicle;

• axle configuration;

• load distribution; and

• applicable restrictions.

  
  

This becomes especially important around restricted bridges and infrastructure.

WIDTH RESTRICTIONS

A road can look perfectly usable on a map and still be unsuitable for your vehicle.

Watch for:

• signed width restrictions;

• narrow bridges;

• traffic-calming measures;

• stone walls;

• bollards;

• parked vehicles;

• narrow village streets;

• temporary works; and

• road narrowing.

  
  

Remember to allow for:

• mirrors;

• trailer width;

• load width; and

• space needed to manoeuvre.

  
  

If you are looking at a gap thinking:

“That is going to be VERY tight...”

stop and assess it before committing.

NARROW LANES

Rural lanes deserve particular caution.

A road shown on a map may technically be a road.

That does not mean it is a sensible HGV road.

Potential problems include:

• no passing places;

• high banks;

• stone walls;

• soft verges;

• blind bends;

• steep gradients;

• low branches;

• narrow bridges;

• farm traffic;

• parked vehicles;

• nowhere to turn;

• and several kilometres before you discover any of this.

  
  

Look ahead before committing.

Once a long vehicle is deep into a narrow lane, your options can become very limited.

LOW BRANCHES & OVERHANGING TREES

Low branches are easily underestimated.

They can damage:

• roof equipment;

• refrigeration units;

• bodywork;

• trailers;

• aerials;

• mirrors;

• lights; and

• the load itself.

  
  

They can also conceal signs and other hazards.

Be particularly cautious:

• on rural roads;

• after storms;

• after heavy rain;

• when trees are in full leaf;

• on unfamiliar access roads; and

• when driving a vehicle taller than the one you normally use.

  
  

Do not assume that because other vehicles have used the road, your vehicle has sufficient clearance.

DON'T PUT AN HGV ON A SOFT VERGE TO MAKE IT FIT

When meeting traffic on a narrow road, you may feel pressure to move further left.

Be careful.

A soft verge may:

• collapse;

• give way;

• cause the vehicle to sink;

• pull the vehicle towards a ditch;

• destabilise the trailer; or

• contribute to rollover.

  
  

The driver of the car coming towards you may think there is plenty of room.

They are not sitting on top of your axles.

Use your own judgement.

UNSUITABLE ROADS

Watch for signs telling you a road is:

• unsuitable for HGVs;

• unsuitable for long vehicles;

• restricted;

• access only;

• weight limited;

• width limited; or

• otherwise problematic.

  
  

Even where there is no formal prohibition, an “Unsuitable for HGVs” warning deserves serious attention.

Don't think:

“The sat-nav wouldn't send me this way if it was really that bad.”

It absolutely might.

THE FINAL MILE

For an HGV, the last mile can be the hardest part of the entire journey.

You can travel hundreds of kilometres without difficulty and then discover that:

• the postcode takes you to the wrong gate;

• the entrance is around the back;

• the entrance is too tight from one direction;

• there is nowhere to turn;

• the yard is full;

• you're expected to reverse in from the road;

• there are low branches;

• parked cars block the entrance;

• access is through a housing estate;

• there is a height restriction;

• the delivery point has moved; or

• the route used by cars is not the HGV entrance.

  
  

PLAN THE FINAL MILE BEFORE YOU GET THERE.

CONTACT THE DELIVERY OR COLLECTION SITE

If you're going somewhere unfamiliar — particularly somewhere with questionable access — contact the site in advance.

Ask:

• Which entrance do HGVs use?

• Is there a separate goods entrance?

• Which direction should I approach from?

• Are there any low bridges?

• Are there weight or width restrictions?

• Is the access road suitable for my vehicle?

• Is there room for my vehicle combination?

• Can I turn around inside?

• Do I need to reverse in?

• Do I need to reverse out?

• Is there a one-way system?

• Where should I wait?

• Is there somewhere safe to park if I'm early?

• Are there opening/access times?

• Is somebody available to guide me if access is difficult?

  
  

And tell them what you're actually bringing.

There is a considerable difference between:

“I'm delivering in a truck.”

and:

“I'm coming in a full-length articulated combination.”

ASK THE PERSON WHO ACTUALLY KNOWS THE YARD

If possible, speak to:

• goods-in;

• warehouse;

• yard staff;

• transport office;

• site manager; or

• another driver who regularly delivers there.

  
  

Someone in a general office may tell you:

“Oh yes, lorries come in here all the time.”

They may mean a 7.5-tonne rigid.

You may be driving a 16.5-metre artic.

Be specific.

USE SATELLITE AND STREET IMAGERY — BUT DON'T TRUST THAT BLINDLY EITHER

Satellite imagery can be extremely useful for examining:

• entrances;

• yard size;

• turning areas;

• buildings;

• loading bays;

• nearby junctions;

• approach direction; and

• alternative entrances.

  
  

Street-level imagery can help identify:

• signs;

• bridges;

• road width;

• gates;

• walls;

• trees;

• junctions; and

• landmarks.

  
  

But imagery can be old.

A road may have changed since the image was captured.

A new barrier may exist.

A bridge restriction may have changed.

A yard may have been redesigned.

Use imagery to help plan, not as proof that the route is currently suitable.

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU'RE GETTING OUT BEFORE YOU GO IN

This is one of the best habits you can develop.

Before entering somewhere, ask:

“How am I getting back out?”

Do not wait until unloading is finished to discover that you cannot turn around.

Consider:

• turning space;

• trailer swing;

• parked vehicles;

• loading bays;

• other trailers;

• gates;

• walls;

• buildings;

• pedestrians;

• reversing space; and

• whether the yard will become busier while you're inside.

  
  

Sometimes it is safer to reverse into a site while you have the opportunity rather than drive in and later have to reverse blindly into traffic.

Site layout and circumstances will determine the safest option.

DON'T COMMIT UNTIL YOU'RE HAPPY

If an entrance looks questionable:

STOP BEFORE YOU ENTER IT.

Where safe and lawful:

• assess it;

• contact the site;

• get out and look;

• ask for assistance;

• ask somebody to move an obstruction; or

• establish another approach.

  
  

It is much easier to solve an access problem while the vehicle is still somewhere you can move it.

Once you've wedged yourself between two stone walls, your available solutions become rather less impressive.

IF YOU NEED A BANKSPERSON

If site procedures require or provide a banksman, make sure:

• you understand the signals being used;

• you can see the banksman;

• one person is clearly directing the manoeuvre; and

• you stop if you lose sight of them or become unsure.

  
  

A banksman assists the manoeuvre.

The driver remains responsible for controlling the vehicle.

If you don't understand an instruction:

STOP.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET OUT AND LOOK

If you cannot establish whether there is enough room:

stop safely, secure the vehicle and get out and look where it is safe to do so.

Check:

• clearance;

• ground;

• walls;

• branches;

• trailer path;

• overhead hazards;

• space behind;

• turning room; and

• anything else you're unsure about.

  
  

There is no professional award for completing a manoeuvre entirely from the cab when getting out for 30 seconds would have answered the question.

IF THE ROAD STARTS LOOKING WRONG

Pay attention to what is happening outside the windscreen.

Warning signs might include:

• road becoming progressively narrower;

• centre line disappearing;

• high hedges closing in;

• signs aimed only at local traffic;

• increasing gradient;

• low branches;

• weight restrictions;

• unsuitable-for-HGV signs;

• tight bends;

• road surface deteriorating;

• no visible HGV traffic;

• cars struggling to pass; or

• your internal voice saying:

  
  

“I really don't think I should be down here.”

Listen to that voice.

Find somewhere safe to stop before continuing deeper into the problem.

DO NOT KEEP GOING BECAUSE TURNING AROUND IS EMBARRASSING

One of the most dangerous thoughts in route planning is:

“I've come this far now...”

The road does not become more suitable because you've already driven two kilometres down it.

If continuing looks unsafe, stop and reassess.

You may need to:

• contact the site;

• contact your operator;

• find an alternative route;

• reverse to a safe location;

• seek assistance; or

• wait until the route can be made safe.

  
  

Embarrassment is considerably cheaper than a bridge strike, damaged trailer or recovery operation.

ROAD CLOSURES & DIVERSIONS

Diversions can create particular problems for HGVs.

A diversion sign does not always mean every possible vehicle can negotiate every part of the diversion without consideration.

Be alert to:

• temporary weight restrictions;

• narrow roads;

• low bridges;

• temporary traffic lights;

• roadworks;

• reduced widths; and

• tight temporary layouts.

  
  

If the diversion appears unsuitable for your vehicle, stop somewhere safe and investigate an alternative.

PLAN YOUR BREAKS

Route planning also means planning around drivers' hours and working time.

Before leaving, consider:

• how much driving time you have available;

• when you are likely to need a break;

• where suitable HGV parking exists;

• whether parking is likely to be available;

• whether you need fuel;

• whether facilities are available; and

• what alternatives exist if your preferred stop is full.

  
  

Do not plan a journey so tightly that one traffic delay leaves you desperately searching for somewhere legal and safe to stop.

Build contingency into the plan.

SAFE PARKING

Not every car park can accommodate an HGV.

When planning breaks or overnight stops, consider:

• HGV access;

• vehicle length;

• parking restrictions;

• security;

• lighting;

• CCTV;

• facilities;

• safe pedestrian access;

• whether the site fills early; and

• whether the load requires additional security.

  
  

For overnight stops, think about where you would be comfortable getting out of the cab at 3am — not merely where the map shows a parking symbol.

FUEL & AdBlue

Know:

• your fuel level;

• expected consumption;

• likely range;

• AdBlue level;

• where suitable HGV fuel stations are located; and

• whether your fuel card is accepted.

  
  

Do not assume every petrol station shown on a map can physically accommodate your vehicle.

Again:

think about how you're getting back out.

TOLLS

Check whether your route includes toll roads.

Consider:

• vehicle class;

• payment method;

• electronic tags;

• toll cost;

• company policy; and

• whether any toll route has restrictions relevant to your vehicle.

  
  

Do not reroute yourself through unsuitable roads simply to avoid a toll unless the alternative has been properly assessed.

Saving a few euro is not impressive if the alternative route ends with a recovery truck.

WEATHER CAN CHANGE YOUR ROUTE

Check conditions before travelling.

Weather may affect whether a normally suitable route remains sensible.

Consider:

• high winds;

• snow;

• ice;

• flooding;

• heavy rain;

• fog;

• fallen trees;

• road closures; and

• warnings affecting high-sided vehicles.

  
  

Your vehicle and load matter.

A route that is acceptable in a loaded rigid may not be sensible in an empty high-sided artic during severe crosswinds.

INTERNATIONAL HGV ROUTE PLANNING

International work introduces additional considerations.

Depending on the countries involved, check:

• HGV driving restrictions;

• weekend bans;

• public-holiday restrictions;

• environmental/low-emission zones;

• toll systems;

• vignettes;

• tunnels;

• mountain routes;

• winter tyre requirements;

• snow-chain requirements;

• vehicle dimensions;

• weight restrictions;

• dangerous-goods restrictions;

• border requirements;

• ferry/tunnel bookings;

• customs requirements;

• secure parking; and

• country-specific equipment.

  
  

Do not assume that because something is permitted in Ireland, exactly the same rules apply elsewhere.

Research the countries on your route before travelling.

LOW-EMISSION & ENVIRONMENTAL ZONES

Many European cities and regions operate environmental restrictions.

These may require:

• registration;

• permits;

• stickers;

• minimum emissions standards; or

• payment.

  
  

Some schemes must be arranged before arrival.

Do not wait until you're approaching a city centre to discover your vehicle should have been registered three weeks earlier.

FERRIES & TUNNELS

If your route involves a ferry or major tunnel, check:

• check-in times;

• vehicle restrictions;

• dangerous-goods requirements;

• vehicle height;

• load restrictions;

• documentation;

• route to freight check-in;

• drivers' hours implications; and

• contingency if delayed.

  
  

Do not automatically follow the car signs at a port.

Freight traffic may have a completely different route.

IF YOU MISS A TURN

You will.

Everyone does eventually.

The correct response is not:

PANIC AND TAKE THE NEXT ROAD.

Continue safely until you can:

• reroute;

• stop safely;

• check the map;

• find a suitable turning location; or

• obtain directions.

  
  

A missed turn is an inconvenience.

Turning a full-size HGV into an unsuitable residential lane to save five minutes can become an event.

Let the sat-nav recalculate.

IF THE SAT-NAV AND THE ROAD DISAGREE

The road wins.

Every time.

If the sat-nav says:

TURN LEFT

but the sign says:

7.5t WEIGHT LIMIT

the sign wins.

If the sat-nav says:

CONTINUE STRAIGHT

but the bridge says:

4.0 m

and you are higher than that:

the bridge wins.

If the sat-nav says:

TAKE THE NEXT RIGHT

and you're looking at a lane barely wide enough for a Transit:

the road wins.

If the sat-nav says you've arrived but the customer says:

“No, HGV entrance is around the other side...”

the customer probably knows their own yard better than your sat-nav.

QUICK ROUTE-PLANNING CHECK

Before an unfamiliar journey:

VEHICLE

☐ Do I know my actual travelling height?☐ Do I know my width?☐ Do I know my length?☐ Do I know my relevant vehicle/combination weight?☐ Is anything about the load changing those dimensions?

ROUTE

☐ Is this genuinely suitable for an HGV?☐ Any low bridges?☐ Any arched bridges?☐ Any humpback bridges?☐ Any weight restrictions?☐ Any width restrictions?☐ Any unsuitable roads?☐ Any narrow lanes?☐ Any roadworks/closures?☐ Any weather problems?

DESTINATION

☐ Have I identified the correct HGV entrance?☐ Do I know which direction to approach from?☐ Have I contacted the site if access is unclear?☐ Is there enough room for my vehicle?☐ Can I turn inside?☐ Will I need to reverse in?☐ Will I need to reverse out?☐ Is there somewhere to wait safely?

JOURNEY

☐ Enough fuel/AdBlue?☐ Break planned?☐ Suitable HGV parking identified?☐ Alternative stop identified?☐ Toll arrangements understood?☐ Enough contingency time?

INTERNATIONAL

☐ HGV restrictions checked?☐ Environmental zones checked?☐ Tolls/vignettes checked?☐ Weekend/holiday bans checked?☐ Winter requirements checked?☐ Ferry/tunnel requirements checked?

REMEMBER

Your sat-nav does not know what you can see.

It does not feel how narrow the road is.

It does not see the branch hanging across your trailer.

It does not necessarily know that yesterday somebody installed a new weight restriction.

It may not know that the customer's HGV entrance is on a completely different road.

And it certainly isn't going to get out and explain itself after you hit a bridge.

Use navigation technology.

Don't surrender your judgement to it.

Know your height.

Know your weight.

Read the signs.

Look at the road.

Check the final mile.

Speak to the delivery site.

Think about how you're getting out before you go in.

And if the route in front of you does not look suitable for your HGV:

STOP BEFORE YOU COMMIT TO IT.

Getting there five minutes later is considerably better than becoming the reason the road is closed.