Everything You Need To Know About Construction Equipment Shipping
Whether you’re an independent contractor, farmer, or large construction company, chances are at some point you’ll need to have your equipment moved. Knowing how to ship construction equipment safely is essential, not only for your machinery, but for the crews involved. An industry-leading logistics company, like Heavy Haulers, will provide you with all the information to prepare your construction equipment for transport, but let’s go into some details about it here.
Preparing Your Construction Equipment for Transport
It’s important to check and document the state of your construction machinery before transport. Make sure you clean it well and check the condition. Take pictures before and after your machinery is loaded onto the trailer. When you call for transport, know the make, model, dimensions, and weight of your freight. This helps the logistics agent determine the best trailer for transport.
Choosing the Right Trailer for Construction Equipment Shipping
There are multiple types of trailers capable of shipping heavy equipment. Different trailers have different benefits for transport, depending on the construction equipment being shipped. For instance, standard flatbeds are great for skid steer transport, while a lowboy would be better for an oversize bulldozer that needs to be lowered to fit height requirements. This allows clearance under bridges and highway overpasses. This is why knowing the dimensions of your construction equipment is important. It helps determine the best trailer for the safest transport possible. Here are the most common types of trailers used to ship construction equipment.
- Flatbed Trailers
- Drop Deck Trailers
- Double Drop Trailers
- Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Trailers
- Lowboy Trailers
- Step Deck Trailer
- Hot Shot Trailers
How to Load Construction Equipment
There are multiple ways to load construction equipment. For instance, if your machinery has wheels or tracks, and an RGN trailer is used, it can be driven directly onto the trailer. If it doesn’t have wheels or is inoperable, cranes or a forklift can be used for loading. Once the equipment is on the trailer, its secured with chains and straps to the regulations of the state. The driver should double check that the tie down points and equipment are secure.
Hauling Construction Equipment on the Road
Once the load is secure, the driver will head off. Ahead of time, the logistics agent will have planned a safe route that accommodates your construction equipment. All necessary permits and paperwork will have been gathered so that it’s a safe and legal transport. If pilot cars or escort vehicles are necessary, they are obtained ahead of time and ready to head off with the construction equipment.
What to Do When Your Construction Equipment is Delivered
When your construction equipment is delivered, make sure to check it for any damage that may have occurred during transport. While drivers always take the utmost care, sometimes things happen, such as flying debris, that are unavoidable. So you want to make sure that your equipment is in the same condition upon arrival as it was when it departed. Make sure to take pictures again. If you are satisfied with your equipment, sign the bill of lading (BOL). However, if there are discrepancies do not sign the BOL and instead call your logistics agent immediately to discuss any damages.
Construction Equipment Shipping Wrap Up
When it comes to construction equipment shipping, make sure you’re working with a reliable company, like Heavy Haulers. We’re licensed, bonded, and insured for construction equipment transport. We also have over a decade of experience, which gives us an edge when transporting. If you’re unsure about anything in regard to construction equipment transport, speak with your dedicated logistics agent. They are available to answer any questions you might have.
Some of the Most Popular Construction Equipment Transports Include:
· Excavators
· Backhoes
· Bulldozers
· Motor Graders
· Boom Lifts
· Compactors
· Cranes
· And More.
Get Your Construction Equipment Transport Quote Now!
Step 1: Fill Out Quote Form
Fill out the short & easy quote form.
Step 2: Speak With An Agent
We’ll pick up your heavy equipment or vehicle.
Step 3: Get Transported On Time
We deliver on time so you can get back to work.
