Need to Ship Heavy Equipment? Here’s What You Should Know

Shipping is daunting in general – so how about shipping heavy equipment? It can be a tricky process, but if you know the right tips and tricks, you can make sure your heavy equipment reaches its destination safely and on time. Let’s discuss the key points to keep in mind when shipping heavy equipment with heavy haul trucking.

How Heavy Equipment is Shipped

Since shipping heavy equipment isn’t an everyday occurrence for most businesses, let’s start by breaking down exactly how heavy machinery is shipped. Heavy equipment is typically transported by truck or rail, depending on the size and weight of the machinery or vehicle. Heavy haul trucking is the most common method of transporting large, heavy equipment and vehicles from one location to another. The equipment is securely loaded onto specialized flatbed trailers or lowboy trailers and transported to its destination.

What Can You Ship?

The types of heavy equipment that can be shipped include bulldozers, excavators, cranes, heavy construction vehicles, industrial machinery, vehicles, and more. The size and weight of the equipment will determine how it is shipped and the type of trailer that will be required.

While almost any type of equipment can be shipped, a shipping company can give you the details of what they are able to move using heavy haul trucking.

Information You’ll Need Before Shipping

Before you can ship your heavy equipment, you’ll need to provide the shipping company with certain information, such as the size and weight of the equipment, the pick-up and delivery locations, and the shipping date. You’ll also need to provide proof of ownership and a detailed description of the equipment or vehicle you’re shipping.

If any special permits are needed to transport the equipment, you’ll need to obtain them ahead of time. The shipping company will be able to tell you what permits are necessary and help you get them if needed.

How to Choose the Best Shipping Method

Choosing the right shipping method for your heavy equipment is essential. The most common methods for shipping heavy equipment are flatbed trucking, lowboy trucking, and rail. Each method has its pros and cons and the choice will depend on your budget, the size and weight of the equipment, and the distance it needs to be shipped.

Heavy haul trucking is the most cost-effective and efficient method for a few reasons. First, it’s faster than shipping by rail and there are often more routes available for trucking than for trains. Additionally, since the equipment is loaded onto a flatbed or lowboy trailer, it can be transported directly from the pick-up location to the delivery location, without having to transfer it from one vehicle to another.

Factors that Influence the Cost of Heavy Equipment Shipping

The cost of shipping heavy equipment can vary depending on a few factors. The size and weight of the equipment, the distance it needs to be shipped, the type of trailer used, and the pick-up and delivery locations are all factors that will affect the cost of shipping.

While weight is a preliminary factor in assessing the overall cost of shipping, a company’s size, location, and special services may also influence the final price. If the equipment is rented, it might require additional fees or paperwork.

Should You Get Freight Insurance?

When shipping high-value items like heavy equipment, it’s always a good idea to get freight insurance to protect against potential damages or losses. Freight insurance can help cover the cost of repairs or the replacement of the equipment in the event of an accident or other unforeseen event.

Heavy haul trucking companies specialize in getting heavy equipment from Point A to Point B safely, but there are outside factors to consider like inclement weather, road closures, and other potential delays that could lead to damages. Freight insurance can provide you with peace of mind and help ensure your equipment gets to its destination in one piece.

Benefits and Advantages of Heavy Haul Trucking for Heavy Equipment Shipping

Heavy haul trucking is an efficient and cost-effective way to transport large, heavy equipment and vehicles from one location to another. Here are some of the key benefits.

No Need to Purchase Shipping Vehicles

You don’t need to buy special vehicles to ship your heavy equipment. Heavy haul trucking companies have their own trailers and vehicles that are designed to safely transport large, heavy loads. This eliminates the need to invest in additional vehicles and makes the process more cost-effective.

Heavy Haul Trucking Companies Take Care of Acquiring Special Permits

Shipping heavy equipment requires special permits in some cases. Fortunately, most heavy-haul trucking companies are experienced in obtaining the necessary permits and can handle the process for you. This eliminates the hassle of having to track down and submit the permits yourself.