Are you working in a busy work zone where there is a lot of heavy equipment? Or do you manage a construction, mining, or aviation business? With many machines around you and uneven ground, there is a higher risk of accidents or trailers rolling unexpectedly. In such conditions, it’s very important for you that your vehicles stay safe to avoid mishaps.
Wheel chocks are a simple and powerful solution for you. They ensure that no machines (either an RV, truck, or bus) move without control. Basically, wheel chocks are small blocks placed against your vehicle’s tires to stop it from moving.
However, there are multiple types of wheel chocks manufactured with various materials (like rubber, steel & plastic, etc). Therefore, in this guide, we will explain everything about wheel chocks, their types, how to use them correctly, and compliance related to them.
How to Use Wheel Chocks
If you are an automobile manufacturer, a truck engineer, have a repair shop, or do a transportation job. For maximum safety, you have to know about some important moves to place wheel stoppers. Follow this process step by step.
- Pick Wheel Chock According to Your Need: You should select the chocks that match your machine’s & tire size and weight. Because if the chock is too small and made of low-quality material, it can be dangerous.
- Shift the Vehicle into Park: Another important thing to consider is whether your vehicle is in park or in gear, if it’s manual. It helps to stop the tires from moving while you place the chocks.
- Find the Rolling Direction: Now, you should think about where the vehicle could move. For example, if the vehicle is pointed downhill, it will probably roll forward (place chocks behind the tires). And if the auto is facing uphill, it will likely roll backward ( then you place chocks in front of the tires).
- Ensure a Gap for Easy Movement: Well, it is necessary to leave a small gap between the tire and the surface. So that wheel chock can be fitted properly and prevent the car from moving.
- Set Chocks in Front of Each Tire: Fit the wheel chocks in front of each tire to prevent any movement. Plus, you have to make sure they are positioned in a good direction to block the tires and keep your car stationary.
- Check the Stability of the Vehicle: Finally, you can perform a balance test. In this way, assess if your auto is stable and not easily moved.
How Wheel Chocks Keep You Safe on the Roadway?
Wheel chocks help keep you safe by stopping your vehicle from rolling when it’s parked. It also protects you and your automobiles on both flat and sloped surfaces. During loading, repairs and long stops, they work by locking the wheels in place.
Additionally, they are the risk-free option for you in the construction and logistics industries. The reason is that wheel chocks can hold the heavy equipment from moving unexpectedly. We can say that without wheel chocks, you might face accidents or crashes (especially during mining & aviation).
Legal Standards for Wheel Chocks
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and FMCSA have designed some rules and regulations so you can avoid injuries on the job. So if you are a part of an industry that deals with heavy trucks and equipment, you should follow these safety standards.
OSHA Requirements
- Section 1910.178(k)-(1) says the brakes of highway trucks must be applied. You have to place wheel chocks under the rear wheels to protect the truck from rolling during loading.
- The rule 1910.111(f)-(9) tells you that if a trailer is carrying anhydrous ammonia, you must use at least two wheel chocks. You should put them under the tires when the container is parked for loading or unloading.
- According to the 1910.178(m)-(7) section, if you are using powered industrial trucks, trailers & railroad cars, then set brakes and wheel chocks too. If the trailer is not hooked to a truck, you might need to use strong stands to hold it up.
FMCSA Requirements
It’s all about guiding you on how to park heavy machines in the right way, no matter if you are working on the surface or doing underground mining. FMCSA Section 30 CFR § 56.14207 is for surface work and § 57.14207 is for underground mining, but both say the same thing.
When you leave mobile equipment, you must put the controls in the park position and set the parking brake if it has one. Moreover, if you pull over on a hill or slope, you must either place chocks behind the wheels.
7 Major Types of Wheel Chock
Wheel stoppers are used by truck, trailer, and automobile engineers to do their job without any risk. However, there are so many varieties available for these chocks.
-
Aluminum Wheel Chocks
Aluminum wheel chocks are tools used to keep equipment at their place. These wheel chocks are designed to secure your large vehicles such as trucks, trailers, heavy machinery and motor bikes as well. Furthermore, they can last longer and you can easily carry them too.
-
Rubber Wheel Chocks
Rubber wheel chocks are among the most commonly used types of chocks. The reason is its excellent and strong grip as compared to others. It is lightweight and is a go-to choice in many industries. You can use them to support airplanes, boats, motorcycles, trucks, and many more.
-
Steel Wheel Chocks
If we talk about stronger chocks than other types of wheel chocks, then the ideal option for you will be steel wheel chocks. Because you can use them for heavy machinery handling, manufacturing factories, and even in rough environments. Moreover, if you face bumpy ground & ramps, you can put steel chocks while fixing or parking.
-
Aircraft Wheel Chocks
As we all know, planes are big and parked on slippery smooth ground, so strong chocks are needed. Therefore, aircraft Wheel chocks are specially designed for this purpose. They are used during loading, unloading, refueling & getting checked by workers. You also place them at airports, airfields, and near helicopters (even military bases).
-
Pyramid Wheel Chocks
Basically, Pyramid wheel chocks are named after their shape. In this way, they look like small ramps or wedges with a flat base. They can strongly grip your cars and other autos as well. Both materials can be used in their construction, such as rubber or plastic. We suggest you use these chocks if you have a trailer or heavy vehicles.
-
Curved Wheel Chocks
Because of their curved shape, these chocks sit snugly against the wheel. Curved wheel chocks are available in different sizes. You can select smaller ones if you have cars and bikes. On the other hand, larger ones can support your trucks, trailers & machines.
-
Polyurethane Wheel Chocks
Polyurethane wheel chocks are made from a strong and durable plastic material called polyurethane. These chocks keep your machines from rolling or moving when they are parked and not being used. It is one of the ideal choices for you if you run an industry like shipping, construction, or an industrial setting.
Major Applications of Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks not only keep your car stable but also have many other applications. So that they are widely used by people and technicians in different ways and for multiple objectives.
- You can install them with airplanes to stop movement on the runway.
- Mechanics use these wheel chocks in their workshops or garages to ensure safety during vehicle repairs.
- Moreover, to protect heavy machinery (like trailers) from rolling backward or forward, chocks are placed. Additionally, if the trailer is on a slope, wheel stoppers give extra safety, too.
- During inspection and changing of tires, you can put wheel chocks to stop your auto from moving automatically.
- You can also use them as a safeguard in public, private parking areas, and train stations (even in home garages).
- Moreover, people depend on wheel chocks to help boats stay in place when they are loaded on trailers.
Industries That Use Wheel Chocks
Well, there are numerous varieties of companies that depend on wheel chocks for their well-being and protection. Here we list some of them in the table below.
| Industry Type | Purposes of Wheel Chocks |
| Shipping & Ports | At this place, you can keep containers and cargo safe when you shift them. |
| Mining / Resource | During the service and loading of heavy machinery, chocks are installed to provide an extra layer of safety for workers. |
| Automotive | Engineers take the help of tire chocks when they do repairs, maintenance & storage of vehicles, etc. |
| Agriculture and
Farming |
You can prevent the tractors and other equipment from rolling when farmers perform loading or unloading in fields. |
| Aviation | It gives stability to aircraft on the ground, and hence, you can avoid accidents and crashes. |
| Construction | This will minimize the risk of accidents and collisions during manufacturing and secure large-sized machinery as well. |
Benefits of Using Wheel Chocks
As we all know, safety and protection are something that should be prioritized by everyone in their workplace. In this case, wheel chocks play a critical role in providing a variety of benefits for both you and your automobile’s security.
- Prevention of Accidents: One of the main positive outcomes of wheel chocks is their ability to prevent accidents. For example, they can hold your car’s tires and heavy machines to provide stability. Without these chocks, the unintentional movement of your automobiles could lead to dangerous situations.
- Affordable Tool: If we talk about the less expensive but more beneficial product, then the smartest choice for you will be wheel chocks. It does not matter if you are working at a job site, in a warehouse or at home. In every condition, wheel chocks offer you strong protection without a big cost.
- Great for Slope: As we already discussed, wheel chocks work really well on sloped or uneven surfaces. In that scenario, if you have parked your truck on the hill or buses on the ramp, we can say wheel stoppers always give you extra control and a safe condition.
- Support Heavy Loads: When you are dealing with large-sized machinery and equipment such as forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, or cranes. Wheel chocks are enough to hold that type of load. Because they are made from tough materials, which makes them perfect for jobs that involve shifting heavy items.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have a clear idea about what wheel chocks are, how they work, and why they are so important in different industries such as construction, marine, aviation, and agriculture. We recommend you follow your local or Federal Government authority’s rules to use wheel chocks.
However, if you are searching for a trustworthy wheel chock supplier or manufacturer, Jackwin is a great choice for your business. We serve you with heavy-duty & durable wheel chocks that meet FMCSA safety standards, too. Contact us now to get a quick quote or ask our team if you need any customized services.
FAQs
What is The Wheel Chock Price?
Well, it depends on several factors like the type of wheel chock and the material from which it is made. But the average cost of a single unit of wheel chock is between $4 and $15. Also, if you buy in bulk from a wholesale supplier like us, you get highly affordable products compared to all other brands.
How Many Wheel Chocks Do I Need For a Car?
For a car, you basically need at least two wheel chocks. For example, one for each side of the tire to prevent the vehicle from rolling. We suggest that you always use a pair (parking on inclines), and for wet or slippery ground, you have to use multiple chocks.
Do You Need a Wheel Chock To Trailer a Motorcycle?
Yes, you definitely need chocks for such a scenario, and it is always recommended when trailering a motorcycle. Furthermore, it helps keep the motorcycle stable and prevents it from tipping over during transport.
Where to Place Wheel Chocks on Trailers?
Well, you should place wheel chocks behind the back wheels of the trailer. For more stability, you can set the other chocks in front of the front tire as well. Plus, if your trailer is on an incline, it’s also a good idea to use chocks on both sides of the tires for extra security.
How Many Wheel Chocks For RVs?
For most RVs, you have to install two wheel chocks, such as one in front and one behind a single wheel. However, this number varies according to RV types. For example, Class A motorhome RVs require four wheel chocks for better holding.
