Back to top

A Helpful Guide To Heavy Equipment Shipping.

Heavy equipment shipping is vital in many industries, including construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Moving heavy machinery and equipment from one…

A Helpful Guide To Heavy Equipment Shipping

23rd January 2023

Heavy equipment shipping is vital in many industries, including construction, engineering, and manufacturing. Moving heavy machinery and equipment from one place to another is a large, complicated, and sometimes expensive undertaking, especially for those who have never done it before.

Thankfully, companies like Next Exit Logistics have specialized in unique shipments such as that of heavy equipment. Such experts will advise you on the best logistical solution for shipping your heavy machinery. It relieves you of the frustrations of handling such seemingly impossible shipments.

Other than hiring the right freight shipping company, there are a few more steps that you can take to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. This guide will provide the basics of heavy equipment shipping, including considerations and pros for successful heavy equipment shipping.

Types Of Heavy Equipment Shipping

First, what is heavy equipment? This term refers to any machinery or vehicle used in construction, farming, mining, and other industrial applications. The most common types of heavy equipment shipped include tractors, bulldozers, graders, excavators, cranes, and other large construction equipment. These types of equipment are mostly large and heavy, with some weighing several tons.

Before you can ship your heavy equipment, you need to understand the different types of heavy equipment shipping, such as heavy haul trucking. This type of freight shipping uses trucks and other large commercial vehicles, like flatbeds, to transport heavy equipment.

That said, the types of heavy equipment shipping solutions you need will depend on your equipment’s size, weight, and fragility. For example, if the equipment is too large or too heavy to be loaded onto a truck, you may need to use a flatbed truck or an oversized load service. It’s the most cost-effective option, but it’s crucial to ensure the equipment is adequately secured and can withstand the journey.

If the equipment is larger, heavier, fragile, or valuable, container shipping services may be the best option, as the container can provide additional protection during transit. It’s important to note that container shipping can be more expensive than flatbed shipping, as the equipment needs to be loaded and unloaded multiple times.

Also, whether the shipment is local or transcontinental will determine your solution.

Steps For Shipping Heavy Equipment

Shipping heavy equipment is challenging, as it requires careful planning, expertise, and a lot of experience before attempting to ship bulky items. Here are some helpful insights on how to safely and efficiently ship heavy equipment in three easy steps.

Step One: Research Appropriate Shipping Options

The first step to shipping heavy equipment is to research the available shipping options. Depending on the item, size, weight, and destination, a variety of specialized shipping services can accommodate your needs and ensure that it’s transported safely. Ground, air, and ocean freight are the most popular options.

Once you have determined the appropriate shipping method, the next step is to choose a shipping company.

Step Two: Choose A Shipping Company

The next step is to choose a shipping company to handle the shipment. It’s essential to research the company beforehand to ensure they are reputable with shipping heavy equipment. Another factor to consider when finding a shipper for heavy equipment is their experience.

It would be best if you look for a shipper that has a proven track record of successful shipments and can provide references from past customers. It will help ensure that you’re working with a reliable and experienced company that can handle your shipment. You must also ask for a quote before committing to a company to ensure the price is suitable for your budget.

Step Three: Prepare Equipment For Shipping

In this step, attach the necessary shipping labels and paperwork. It includes attaching a shipping label with the recipient’s address and contact information, the bill of lading, and other essential documents. Also, ensure that all paperwork is filled out correctly and signed before shipping the equipment.

This step also involves securing the item for shipping using straps or other fastening systems to ensure that the equipment doesn’t move during the shipping process. Once complete, the equipment is now ready for shipping.

Shipping heavy equipment can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Following these three steps, you can safely and efficiently ship your heavy equipment without any issues.

Considerations For Shipping Heavy Equipment

Cost and insurance are two of the most significant factors when shipping heavy equipment. Let’s know why below:

  • Cost vs. Quality

One of the considerations for shipping heavy equipment is the cost. Shipping heavy equipment can be expensive, depending on the size and weight of the item, the distance it needs to travel, and the shipping method. Researching different shipping companies and comparing prices is essential to find the most cost-effective option. Additionally, some companies offer discounts for bulk shipping, so it’s worthwhile to inquire about these discounts if you’re shipping multiple items.

It’s crucial to find the right balance between cost and quality when selecting a freight company to ship heavy equipment. While finding a cost-effective solution is significant, it’s also essential to ensure that the shipper is reliable and will provide quality services.

  • Insurance

The second consideration for shipping heavy equipment is insurance. Insurance is necessary to protect against any damages that may occur during the shipping process, and the cost of insurance varies depending on the equipment’s value.

Researching different insurance companies and comparing their policies and prices is necessary to find the most cost-effective option. It’s also vital to consider the insurance coverage provided by the shipper. It will ensure that you’re adequately protected if anything goes wrong during the shipping process.

Shipping heavy equipment requires careful consideration of these factors to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that the equipment arrives safely and on time.

Benefits Of Heavy Equipment Shipping  

Heavy equipment shipping is an essential part of the construction and manufacturing industries. Here are the benefits of the process:

  • Financial Benefits

Heavy equipment shipping is a cost-effective way of transporting large machinery. When you consider the cost of hiring a truck and driver, the cost of the truck itself, and the time it takes to move the equipment from one location to another, the cost of shipping can be significantly less. It makes it an attractive option for businesses that need to move heavy machinery regularly.

Heavy equipment shipping costs are also lowered because it’s often done through a third-party provider. These companies specialize in moving heavy machinery and can provide discounts and other savings opportunities.

  • Convenience  

Heavy equipment shipping is also a convenient option for businesses. You can quickly complete the process without disrupting the business. The process is also relatively easy to manage, as the third-party provider handles all the logistics. It eliminates the need for companies to hire additional staff to manage the transport process.

Heavy equipment shipping provides numerous financial benefits and is also convenient to manage. With the right provider, businesses can enjoy the many benefits of heavy equipment shipping.

Summary  

In conclusion, heavy equipment shipping is essential in many sectors and provides many benefits. It’s important to understand the different types of shipping, the many factors involved, and how it helps your company. Whether shipping a single piece of equipment or an entire fleet, you can ensure a successful and safe heavy equipment shipping experience.

Categories: Logistics

Discover Our Awards.

See Awards

You Might Also Like