When you are new to heavy equipment shipping, you may not have a very clear idea of how to transport heavy machinery, so the process can feel unfamiliar. You may feel a little unsteady on your feet and uncertain of how to move forwards—which is why it is so important to work with an experienced driver.
Experienced drivers can help guide you through the machinery transportation process. There are also things you can do to help your driver out with the process, like providing photos of the machinery being transported. You’ll learn these things as you get more acquainted with moving heavy equipment, but here are some heavy machinery transport tips to get you started.
1. Provide Details on the Load
When you start looking to hire heavy-haul drivers to help you move equipment, it is important to provide as many details on the load as possible. Before they accept a load, drivers need to know what they are hauling, so you should provide the make, model, dimensions, weight, any information on attachments or extra pieces, and any other pertinent details.
2. Pick-Up Location
Be clear when you provide details on the pick-up location for the load, especially if it is in a rural area. Provide visual markers to direct them, send a Google Maps pin, and it may be helpful to even specifically mark your driveway so the driver is sure to spot it. In addition, make sure the loading area is free of obstacles and is relatively even ground. You may need to clear snow or debris to create space for loading.
3. Drop-Off Location
Just as you would provide information for a pick-up location, it is equally important to provide details on drop-off locations. To best avoid confusion, make sure that the location can be found by a person that has never visited the area. If it’s a rural lot or hard to find the place, ensure there are clear markers or an address indicator visible for the driver.
4. Include Your Contact Information
Lots of things can come up during transport, such as road delays, unexpected weather, paperwork issues, or otherwise, so it is important to establish a clear route of communication with your driver ahead of time. They need to be able to reach you quickly if something comes up, so effective communication is part of transporting heavy equipment safely.
5. Payment Agreement
When it comes to payment, independent owner-operators or freight brokers have their own rules. Things vary between drivers, too, but generally, it is good practice to set up a payment agreement before getting the load on the road. That way, there is no stress over when payment is being sent, how much is being sent and where it is being sent. With a guarantee of payment, the shipment will be delivered safely because the driver knows they will be paid for their service.
Experienced Heavy-Haul Equipment Transport
When you ship with Trusted Dispatch, you will always be looked after. All drivers in our network are highly experienced and knowledgeable and can help you through the shipment process. It is easy to connect with us if you need answers to your questions and get your load on the road sooner. We’re happy to provide customer service via phone, email, or online chat to assist you with your heavy-equipment shipping needs at any time.
Trusted Dispatch helps ensure both parties are taken care of (customers get their equipment safely delivered, and drivers get paid for their time) by holding payments in advance until the shipment is safely delivered. With our simple process, guaranteed payment, experienced drivers, and customer-friendly experience, you can always trust Trusted Dispatch! Get started by receiving your free instant quote today.
