5 Things You Should Know About Shipping Construction Equipment
When you’re in the construction industry, equipment hauling is inevitable. You need to get construction equipment from one job site to another as efficiently as possible while minimizing any risk of damage or harm.
With our expert drivers in the Trusted Dispatch network, heavy shipping equipment is easy, safe, and effective. Our professional hauling services will allow you to rest easy, knowing that your machinery is in safe hands.
1. How to Prepare Your Equipment for Shipping
Prior to the loading process, you’ll want to prepare the construction equipment for shipping. Washing down the machine and checking it for damage before shipping day can help make the tie-down process easier.
After the equipment is washed and checked for damage, park it on even terrain. Rough terrain will make loading difficult and potentially dangerous. We also recommend ensuring enough room for the truck and trailer to park and load your machinery.
2. Oversized Machines May Need Disassembly
Some larger pieces of machinery may require disassembly prior to transportation. For example, an excavator bucket or arm may be removed so it will fit onto the trailer properly. Alternatively, disassembled pieces might need to be shipped separately due to weight restrictions. Ultimately, your driver will decide on disassembly on a case-to-case basis, and many factors will be considered when determining whether or not disassembly is necessary.
3. Oversized Loads Can Have Additional Requirements
If your load is oversized, there may be additional requirements for transportation. Depending on where the equipment is being sent, costs can increase for oversized loads. Additionally, some locations require ‘pilot cars’ that accompany oversized loads, either in width or length.
Tall loads are not uncommon when hauling construction equipment. If a load is particularly high, alternate routes may need to be arranged to avoid tunnels or underpasses, or other height restrictions. This may make transportation more costly since it often increases the distance and time spent travelling. You can get a free, instant shipping quote to estimate the total cost of transportation.
4. Experienced Drivers are Essential for Safety
Construction machinery is heavy and valuable, so hiring an experienced driver to transport it is a must. You need a driver who can properly load construction equipment onto the proper trailer and safely secure the shipment for the journey.
Trusted Dispatch works exclusively with highly-rated, professional heavy haulers. Every driver we partner with has years of experience, plenty of knowledge, and a passion for heavy hauling. With Trusted Dispatch, you can rest assured that your equipment reaches its destination efficiently and safely.
5. What Type Of Equipment Can Be Shipped?
Any heavy machinery can be shipped with the right trailer and truck. Additional axels are required for heavier loads, and depending on the machine being transported, different types of trailers must be used. The specs of the machine, as well as the height, will determine what trailer you need:
- Lowboys are used when a machine is too tall for the standard flatbed. This type of trailer can transport machinery up to 12’ in height and can typically accommodate 43,000-58,000 lbs.
- RGNs, or removable gooseneck trailers, are used for long, heavy items. The removable gooseneck creates a ramp, allowing you to drive machines directly onto the trailer.
- Step-deck trailers are versatile and can be used to move many different machines. They are low to the ground and easy to load, making them very common for transporting construction equipment.
Hauling Equipment to Construction Sites in Canada
Trusted Dispatch is your highly-rated expert on shipping heavy equipment. If you are in need of heavy hauling services to transport construction machinery to job sites in Canada, we are here to match your load with an experienced, professional truck driver. Get started today with a free instant quote.
