Transportation and shipping of heavy equipment can come with its share of challenges. It requires expertise and experience to get done successfully. Partnering with a 3PL or shipping provider to handle heavy equipment shipping can be advantageous. Shippers need to ensure that their freight is moved in a safe, reliable, and cost-effective manner. A 3PL company has reputable contracted freight shipping carriers at its disposal, so you don’t have to invest time and resources into running background checks.
Shipping heavy equipment requires specialized trailers that can handle oversized and overweight loads. Here are 3 tips to review when dealing with heavy equipment shipment:
Tip #1- Expect High Costs
You must be aware of the cost of shipping heavy equipment. It is understood that shipping heavy equipment can be expensive but how expensive the transport can turn out to be depends on the specifications of the loads. You must provide shipping carriers with precise details of the equipment, such as the model, make, dimensions, weight, and visual references. Photos of the equipment shot from various angles can help understand the scale of the heavy items. Unfortunately, the slightest miscalculation can lead to additional issues that lead to a rise in the cost of shipping.
If the equipment is on the smaller side, a freight option like LTL or partial load could be very useful. Sharing a single truck with other companies can decrease the cost. The space will be provided and costs might be cut but could add time to the delivery. In addition, getting incredibly low rates might be exciting at first, but be careful of potential scams, poor service, or hidden added fees.
Tip #2 - Choose the Right Equipment
Speaking of freight options, you need to choose what the best transport method will be for shipping your heavy equipment. The choice could depend on the way you want the equipment to arrive and whether special accommodation is needed because of its irregular size. Keep in mind that you may need a blend of methods to haul heavy equipment from one point to another. For example, you may need a flatbed trailer to get the equipment to a rail station where it is then shipped via rail. Then, eventually, the freight gets loaded back on a flatbed for the last stretch of the journey.
For heavy equipment shipping, there are most likely going to be flatbed trailers involved at some point. However, there are several types of flatbeds, do you need a step deck? RGN? Double Drop? How the heavy equipment would be loaded onto a truck can make a difference as well. For example, rolling on the equipment can be possible, or you might need a crane to lift the heavy equipment.
Overall, the options are limitless so make sure that you know what it is that you need.
Tip #3 - Invest in the Long Run
Investing in your shipping priorities can help you in the long run. You should have the right insurance that covers the many aspects that come with heavy shipping equipment. Consider circumstances like bad weather conditions, natural disasters, or driver errors when comparing liability coverage. Consequently, having insurance allows for peace of mind that your heavy-duty equipment is covered, regardless of what happens.
Having a trusted transportation provider can help you a lot in this aspect. Finding a partner to contract with is always beneficial over time. These benefits involve helping out when rates are rising, providing valuable insight and expertise, and even taking care of shipping entirely.
To find out how HTL Freight can improve your shipping operations reach out and contact us. We have been in the industry for over 35 years and in that time have developed the processes and team to ensure a high-quality shipping service.
