Transporting hay safely is more than just good practice; it’s good business. Each trip down the road puts your time, equipment, fuel, and reputation on the line. And when things go wrong — whether it’s a lost bale or a traffic accident — costs can mount quickly. Let’s consider some practical considerations and safety tips for hauling hay and forage products that will help you move loads efficiently, legally, and safely.

For most producers, hauling hay means working within narrow time windows that are often at the end of long days and under pressure from weather or schedules. It’s tempting to load up and hit the road quickly, but public highways offer a mix of hazards. Drivers who aren’t familiar with farm equipment may underestimate how slowly hay wagons move or the width of a loaded trailer. A sudden approach by a fast-moving car can lead to dangerous decisions — swerving into oncoming traffic, clipping mailboxes, or misjudging a pass. Even minor accidents can turn costly if property damage, injury, or liability claims arise.

Mitigate load shift

A safe hay load starts with minimizing bale movement. One loose bale can cause serious accidents or liability. To prevent that, focus on these essentials:

• Inspect straps. Replace any frayed or cut straps. Defects can lead to fines and/or accidents.

• Limit forward and backward movement. Use headboards or ramps and secure round bales on top tiers to prevent rolling during stops or turns.

• Prevent side-to-side shifting. Run straps along the length of the trailer to keep bales from sliding or falling off.

• Pack even and tight. Center bales on the bed and close any gaps to create a stable load.

• Lock layers together. Stack square bales in a crisscross pattern to square and tighten the load.

• Do a quick visual check. If the load doesn’t look secure, add more straps. A few extra minutes can prevent costly damage.

Know the regulations

Hay haulers on public roads must meet Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for load securement (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Part 393). These include:

1. Minimum straps required:

• One strap for loads less than or equal to 5 feet in length and 1,100 pounds or more.

• Two straps for loads less than or equal to 5 feet but over 1,100 pounds.

• Two straps for 5- to 10-foot loads.

• One strap per 10 feet (or fraction) for longer loads. For example, a 25-foot trailer needs a minimum of three straps.

2. Working load limit (WLL): The total WLL of all straps must equal at least half the weight of the load. For example, a 30,000-pound load requires a combined WLL of 15,000 pounds or more. Use tagged, rated straps and replace any damaged ones (see photo).

3. Replace damaged or worn straps: A strap must be taken out of service when cumulative tears or worn areas across its tensioned width exceed limits based on the strap’s original width.

• 1 3/4- to 2-inch straps: Remove if worn or torn areas exceed 3/8 inch.

• 3-inch strap: Remove if worn or torn areas exceed 5/8 inch.

• 4-inch strap: Remove if worn or torn areas exceed 3/4 inch.

4. Forward movement protection: If no headboard or ramp protects the load, add a “penalty strap” at the front. A rear strap may be needed if there’s no gate.

5. Alternative option: A Federal Motor Carrier Administration exemption allows two front-to-back straps and at least four cross-straps for multi-tiered loads, but total WLL rules still apply.

Lighting and marking requirements also come into play when hauling hay. Other drivers can’t avoid what they can’t see. Properly placed lighting, reflective tape, and slow-moving vehicle (SMV) emblems are your best defense on the road. If you’re hauling after dark or in low visibility, make sure all trailer lights are clean and working.

Tires are the foundation

Don’t overlook your tires when loading up, because if they fail, all other safety measures are undone.

Examine tire condition and tread wear. A worn tire is an unsafe tire. Look for low or uneven tread wear or deteriorated rubber. Be sure to replace any damaged tires.

Check pressure requirements. Confirm the air pressure requirements of your tires and ensure that they are inflated to that level. This will avoid unnecessary wear.

Check load limits. Know the load limits of the tires on your trailer to ensure that you don’t carry more than they can safely transport.

Determine the speed rating of the tire. Be sure to check the tire sidewall to determine if they are adequate for the speed to be traveled.

Know the type and use of tire. Tires are built differently depending on their use. Look on the sidewall to ensure your tire is labeled for trailer use.

• P = passenger vehicle tire

• LT = light truck tire

• ST = special trailer tire

• T = temporary or spare tire

• R = radial construction, the most common for passenger tires

Accidents happen

Even the most careful hauler can face unexpected problems such as a blown tire, a shifting load, or a close call with an impatient driver. In those moments, how you respond matters.

Stay calm; move safely off the road, if possible; and use hazard flashers or cones to alert traffic. Never risk walking between lanes or trying to pick up fallen bales while vehicles are moving nearby. If there’s damage or injury, report the incident immediately and document the scene for insurance or liability protection.

A single accident can ripple through a farm’s operation — not only in repairs or replacements but also in lost time and potential claims. Following a consistent hauling plan reduces those risks dramatically.

Safe hay hauling isn’t just a task; it’s a mindset. It starts with routine equipment checks, continues with smart loading and strapping practices, and ends with defensive, alert driving. Each load you haul represents the hard work, time, and care you’ve invested in your farm.

Farmers who make safety a habit protect not only their operation but also their reputation within the community. Every trip on a public road is a shared responsibility between the agricultural and nonfarming public. The better prepared we are, the safer everyone will be. Taking a few extra moments to correctly secure a hay load is a simple way to ensure that you and the load make it safely to the planned destination.

This article appeared in the January 2026 issue of Hay & Forage Grower on page 12 and 13.

Not a subscriber? Click to get the print magazine.