5 Questions to Ask Before Transporting a Combine Harvester from Auction

Are you eyeing a new combine harvester at an auction but feeling uncertain about completing the transaction? Does the shipping process feel daunting and worrisome? Trusted Dispatch is here to help. Here are five questions you should ask before you purchase any farming equipment at auction.

1. Where Is the Auction Location?

The location of the auction helps determine whether or not your combine harvester is worth purchasing, as the distance you need to haul the machine is a significant factor in the shipping cost. If you’re running on a certain budget, but your machine has a high price and is located a significant distance away, you may want to consider finding a closer auction. 

Keep in mind that if the auction is located on the opposite side of the Canadian-American border, there will be extra costs associated with the shipment that you’ll need to arrange with a customs broker.

2. What Are the Dimensions of the Machine?

Different machines require different trailers to be hauled safely, so it is important to know the height, width, length, and weight of the machine you’re interested in. The more experienced your driver is, the better equipped they will be to transport your shipment safely. 

Knowing the dimensions of your machine will also help you get your instant free quote from Trusted Dispatch. In our easy three-step process, all you need to do is enter the dimensions of the machine and the pick-up and drop-off locations.

If you are uncertain of the dimensions, Trusted Dispatch has a powerful Specs Tool with over 60,000 makes and models pre-loaded. By entering the make and model of the combine, the Specs Tool can find the closest match.

3. Does It Need to Cross the Border?

Knowing if the combine will need to cross the border is important, as cross-border shipping adds a few steps to the process. You will need to find a customs broker who can handle the paperwork for you. They will be able to help you decipher border regulations, get your documents and receipts prepared, and avoid any delays or issues at the border. However, this does add an extra fee to your overall shipping cost, as the brokers need to be paid for their services as well. It’s helpful to keep in mind that you may also be required to pay duties and tariffs to bring your machine over the border. 

For your convenience, Trusted Dispatch has a list of several trusted customs brokers to make crossing the border straightforward. To ensure you stay within budget, use our free instant quote calculator and get in touch with a customs broker before arranging the shipment. That way, you won’t have any surprises about the final cost. 

4. When Does the Combine Need to Leave the Lot?

Take note of the date your purchase needs to be removed from the auction lot so that you can arrange your shipment around that time. That means posting your load to our load board so that a driver can take on the shipment in time to pick it up from the auction lot before the deadline. 

5. What Is the Cost of Shipping?

There are many factors that play into the cost of shipping, and with the wrong company, it can quickly get complicated and expensive. Trusted Dispatch keeps it simple and provides professional shipping with fair rates for both customers and drivers. All you need to do to get your instant free quote is provide the dimensions and the original point for pick-up and final drop-off locations for your machine.

How to Find Fair and Reliable Backhaul Opportunities

You may be wondering if our backhaul trucking rates are lower than regular shipping rates. A backhaul load is a load where a driver picks up another shipment for their return trips after completing a one-way (head haul) load. A common misconception outside the trucking industry about backhaul logistics is the idea that they will cost less since the driver needs to return home regardless. Drivers still need to be paid fairly for their knowledge and skills involved in completing the service. Cheaper backhaul rates should be treated with caution, as they signal unfair payment of the drivers.

Find the Best Trucking Company in Canada for Auction Shipping

Trusted Dispatch keeps heavy haul trucking straightforward by providing free instant quotes in three easy steps. Our shipping rates are affordable for customers and fair to our excellent network of drivers. We strive to create a satisfactory, stress-free experience for everyone. We are available to answer any questions during regular business hours via phone, email, and online chat. To find out more about shipping with Trusted Dispatch, visit our website and get your instant, free quote today.