It is not every day you see heavy-duty equipment being shipped because of their size and all the logistics involved in the process. But while it can be overwhelming and sometimes tricky, there are ways to make the process easier. If you have heavy equipment you want to transport, whether within or outside the country, this guide will explain key aspects of the process so you are familiar with it and find ways to cut costs if possible.
How Is Heavy Equipment Shipped?
Before checking the costs or distance involved in the process, the first thing to do is to decide which company to use. Not every shipping company has the logistics to move such cargo, whether on land or out at sea. So, make a list of the criteria you need from such a service; you can check here for detailed information on what makes for a competent company. Also, take the time to read reviews and check ratings before taking the leap.
One of the most important aspects of the process is the information you provide to the shipping company. For example, you must provide the specifics of the vehicles or equipment so the company can have a picture of what to expect and give you a reasonable estimate. The reason is that factors like weight and size can significantly affect how the cargo is moved and how much you pay.
Most companies with the capability to ship heavy equipment usually transport cargo such as forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, tractors, combined harvesters, excavators, construction vehicles, dump trucks, industrial machinery, and others like them. You can already guess the size and weight of these vehicles and equipment and the logistics involved in a successful transportation.
Then, there is the location, both for pickup and delivery, and the distance between the current location and the new one. You must also provide the required documents for the cargo so that the shipping service can legally and smoothly love your equipment. Providing the correct information makes the job easier for everyone.
What to Keep in Mind
It is important to note that the type of cargo will determine the shipping method. Such large vehicles and machinery require flat-bed trucks and trailers. In other words, the method that saves money and remains efficient is heavy-haul trucking.
It is the easiest method because the cargo is loaded directly onto the trailer or truck at the pickup location and moved directly to the new location, which eliminates the need for transferring from one truck to another. There’s the added advantage of the speed of delivery. Heavy-haul trucking has provided routes that leave the road clear and speed up the process.
So instead of using trains, which have limited routes, going by road using these trailers and trucks gets the cargo to its destination safely and within a shorter period. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose other methods, such as using trains or low-boy trucking, but choosing the most efficient method that doesn’t sacrifice quality service is crucial.
Moreover, you must consider your budget and which shipping method best fits into it. To understand why having a workable budget is important, follow this resource: https://www.incharge.org/.
Shipping heavy equipment and vehicles can be expensive. Regardless of the company you choose, create a flexible budget you can adjust when necessary. To get a bird’s eye view of what it costs to get the job done, get quotes from several companies offering those specific services you want and compare their prices. See what fits best into your plans and pick it accordingly.
But while you’re looking to save some money, also note that cheap services are not always the best. It may be more expensive to fix the damage of using a cheap service than it is to spend on a reliable but pricey service in the long run. The bottom line is to keep an open mind and have an adjustable budget without breaking the bank.
Perks of Using Heavy-haul Trucking
There are several benefits of using this type of shipping for your heavy equipment and below are a few of them.
1. Cost-Effectiveness
For many businesses that frequently use heavy-duty equipment, transporting them from one location to another usually means owning hauling vehicles. The reason is that finding shipping companies with the right trailers or trucks for the job is not always easy. Besides, when they are on a tight schedule and need to move as quickly as possible, they can get on the road within a short period.
However, these businesses no longer have to spend money on buying their own shipping vehicles for their equipment. They can now rely on specific shipping services to provide what they need when they need it. This eases the running costs of their businesses.
2. Proven Experience and Expertise
Another benefit is the experience needed to get the job done. No shipping company will undertake moving such expensive vehicles and equipment without the requisite experience and expertise. That is their expertise, and you can rely on them to deliver as promised.
It’s different when you use a shipping company that specializes in everything; there’s a chance it won’t deliver as agreed. But when it’s a company that specializes in the area of transporting heavy vehicles and similar cargo, you can rest assured that everything is in safe hands.
3. No Need for Special Permits
Additionally, there’s the benefit of getting special permits. Some equipment and vehicles require having special permits that allow you to move them across state or city lines. Also, some truck size and weight laws constrict movement in some states, while others have exemption laws.
While you, the owner, are required to get those permits, a professional shipping company can handle the permits aspect on your behalf. Since they are already in the business and know the ins and outs, doing it themselves is much easier and saves time instead of waiting for you to go through the stress and waste their time.
4. Easy Pickup and Delivery
Finally, the ease of pickup and delivery is second to none. You don’t have to face the hassle of moving the cargo to the shipping company’s office when it’s time to move it; they can simply load it onto the trailer or truck and take off from there. Then, they will deliver it at your doorstep once they arrive at the destination.
Conclusion
Moving heavy-duty equipment and cargo is no longer the hassle it used to be. Some shipping companies specialize in this field to ease the burden of movement of machinery in several industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing. You can take advantage of their services but keep in mind that they can be No Need for Special Permits.
Also Read: Industries that Need Shipping of Heavy and Oversized Equipment
