There are a variety of reasons why you may need to ship your heavy equipment from one location to another. Maybe you are moving a combine harvester between farms, or you purchased a construction excavator from an auction. Whatever the situation, it takes time and preparation to transport your equipment safely. In this article, we discuss several factors you should consider when arranging to transport heavy machinery.
What Equipment Is Required for Heavy Haul Shipping?
If you are looking to transport heavy equipment, you cannot simply load your machine onto a U-haul or a friend’s pickup truck. Heavy hauling requires specialized heavy haul equipment to safely and securely transport these large machines. This includes trucks, trailers, chains, and adjustable straps. It also requires a skillful driver to handle your load effectively.
What Are the Special Considerations When Crossing Provincial and State Borders?
When crossing the border between provinces or states, it is important to research your route before starting the journey because restrictions can vary from region to region. This may include the need for special signage and specific limitations for travel.
What to Consider When Transporting Oversized Loads?
When travelling on public roads with heavy machinery, it is vital to ensure that the public is safe and that your load doesn’t cause any damage to the infrastructure such as roads, bridges and tunnels. This is particularly important for oversized loads that may be unusually heavy, tall, wide or long.
Permits
When you transport oversized loads on public roads, you are required to apply for a permit. Permits vary in their requirements; you will need one for each state or province you travel through. You can also purchase a permit for a single trip or multiple trips.
Pilot cars
Pilot cars are commonly seen travelling with oversized loads. The pilot car driver stays in close contact with the heavy haul driver and offers support during transit.
- They advise the heavy haul driver of any upcoming hazards or impediments to travel.
- They warn oncoming and surrounding traffic of the presence of an oversized load.
Special Signage
Heavy haul drivers are required to set up flags and signs on the front and back of the truck, warning of the oversized load.
Restrictions for Travel
Many states and provinces enforce stringent regulations for travel. They may have time restrictions when heavy haul drivers are not allowed to drive on the roads. They may also enforce lower speed limits that heavy haul drivers are expected to adhere to.
Use our free quote tool and get heavy hauling service anywhere in North America.
Prepare the Paperwork For Your International Cross-Border Shipment
If you’ve purchased equipment at an auction and your shipment is crossing the border between Canada and the United States, you need to provide several documents to facilitate travel.
These include the following:
- The Bill of Exchange (BOE) is proof of purchase of your machine and is provided by the seller.
- The Bill of Lading (BOL) lists all the items in the shipment and states where the goods came from and where they will be delivered.
- Proof of Delivery (POD) ensures that the merchandise has been received and signed for.
- The commercial invoice (shipping between Canada to the USA) holds all the details of the equipment shipped into Canada and includes their value.
- Canada Customs Invoice (shipping between the USA to Canada) provides all the details of the equipment shipped.
- A certificate of origin details where the shipment comes from and upholds the NAFTA regulations.
It is essential to have all your paperwork compiled and filled out correctly when you cross the border. You may consider hiring a customs broker to help you with the process; a customs broker understands the rules and regulations of cross-border shipping and helps to ensure the smooth delivery of your shipment with minimum delays.
What Types of Equipment Are Transported Across North America Each Day?
Construction Equipment
It is common to see bulldozers and excavators being transported from one job site to the next. Other types of machinery used in construction include backhoes, graders, tower cranes, and pile-driving machines.
Agricultural equipment
Agricultural equipment is routinely moved from one farm to the next. The late summer is a particularly busy season as equipment is shipped in readiness for the harvest. Smaller wheeled equipment can be driven on public roads for short distances and is a common sight in rural agricultural areas. However, tracked machines and wheeled machines that need to be shipped longer distances must be transported with a truck and a trailer.
Mining & Exploration
Mining and exploration equipment is shipped between mines or drill sites. Much like construction and agricultural machinery, this equipment can also be purchased at used equipment auctions across Canada and the United States.
Forestry Equipment
The forestry industry is huge in Western Canada, and a wide variety of forestry equipment is transported across these areas. They include feller bunchers, skidders, harvesters, and swing machines.
How To Arrange Heavy Haul Transport in North America
Connect With a Professional Driver
When arranging to get your equipment hauled, it is essential to connect with a professional heavy haul driver. A professional heavy haul driver:
- Has the skills and experience to ship your equipment safely
- Has extensive knowledge of state, provincial and cross-border shipping requirements
- Is fully cargo insured to ensure the protection of your machinery
There are several ways to connect with a professional heavy hauler:
- Use the services of a freight broker who will connect you with a professional driver
- Connect with an independent heavy haul owner-operator
- Connect with a driver on a load board
The Benefits of Using a Load Board
By posting your load to a load board, you can connect directly with the driver and cut out the middleman. When you use a freight broker, you must pay brokerage fees on top of shipping costs.
While connecting directly with a heavy haul owner-operator will eliminate these brokerage costs, working with a single driver may not provide the same cost benefits compared to competitively offering your job to several drivers on a load board.
For these reasons, load boards provide a more economical method of shipping your equipment.
How to Find a Reliable Heavy Haul Trucking Company
You’ve invested heavily in your machinery, so it is essential to hire a shipping company that you can trust.
Browse the Reviews
Online reviews are a great way to assess the kind of service you can expect from a shipping company. While five-star reviews are ideal, how does the company respond to bad reviews? Are they friendly? Do they appear to be willing to resolve any issues? How a company responds to good and bad reviews indicates the type of service you may expect.
Does the Company Work With Professional Drivers?
When it comes to heavy equipment shipments, it is vital to secure a professional driver. Special care and attention must be taken when loading and unloading machinery, so look for a company that only hires professional heavy haulers who are vetted for professionalism.
Is Your Driver’s Cargo Insured?
No matter whether your equipment is being transported a few kilometres down the road or from coast to coast, it is essential that your driver is fully insured. Check that your driver has cargo insurance to fully cover the cost of your equipment in case of an accident.
What Are the Shipping Costs?
It is helpful to know how much it will cost to ship your equipment. If you are planning to purchase equipment from an auction, you might want to factor this cost into your overall bidding price. At Trusted Dispatch, we offer a free quote tool so you can determine the costs beforehand. The quote your receive is the final price you will pay, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
Get Your Free Instant Quote For Shipping Services
Use the Trusted Dispatch app to get your instant shipping quote. Simply enter the following information:
- The pickup location
- The drop-off destination
- The size dimensions (length, width and height) and weight of the machine
If you are unsure of the specifications, use our powerful Specs Tool to find out. You only need to enter the make and model of your machine to find out your specs. Once you’ve received your free quote, save it or post it to our load board to connect with a driver.
Do You Have Any Special Instructions or Information About Your Shipment?
It may be helpful to post photos of your equipment to help the driver prepare for shipment. Include any additional information that may be useful to the driver. If you have extra attachments that need to be transported, let the driver know, as that may require a separate truck.
Check the Trusted Dispatch App to Connect With Your Driver
Most loads are usually claimed within 24 to 48 hours. Check your email or the Trusted Dispatch app to connect with your heavy haul driver. Once your load has been accepted, you will receive the contact details of your driver so you can connect and discuss the shipment.
How to Prepare Your Heavy Equipment Shipment for Delivery
Depending on where your driver is picking up your machinery, there are different procedures to be followed.
Pick Up from an Auction Site
If you are arranging for your new equipment to be delivered to you from an auction site, you should consider storage fees and cargo insurance.
Storage Fees
Most auction houses will only hold your equipment for a specified period of time after you win your bid, so try to arrange your pickup at this time. If you do need to delay the pickup, contact the auction house to arrange extended storage at an additional cost.
Cargo Insurance
Most reputable auction houses will require insurance documentation from your heavy haul driver before they release your equipment from the auction site. Used heavy machinery is expensive, so cargo insurance is essential to protect your investment.
Pick Up from a Job Site
If your driver is picking up your shipment from a construction site or a farm, we recommend taking the following steps.
Check Your Machine
When you prepare your machine for pick up, the first thing we recommend is to check that it is in good working order in readiness for the next job. It is probably best to have your machine inspected periodically to check its function and replace any parts that are damaged due to wear and tear.
Clean Your Machine
Dirt and debris are easily caked onto heavy machinery, so wash your machine prior to pick up. This is essential to identify any damage to the equipment and is also helpful for your driver as they can more easily locate the tie-down points on the machine.
Remove Your Personal Belongings
Remember to remove any personal items from inside the cab; valuables may get lost on the way, but loose items flying around the inside of the cab during transit may also cause damage to the windshield and windows.
Provide an Appropriate Area to Pick Up and Drop Off the Heavy Equipment
Your driver will need a flat, even surface to pick up and drop off your heavy equipment, so you will need to make sure that the area is large enough to accommodate the truck, the trailer and the heavy machinery.
Communicate With Your Heavy Haul Driver
Keep in contact with your driver and confirm your shipment before the pickup date. This way, you can pass on any new information and instructions, and your driver will have time to prepare. It is also advisable to stay in close contact with your driver during delivery so they can advise you on their progress or any delays that may occur along the way.
Transport Your Heavy Equipment Across North America
When it comes to shipping heavy equipment, there is no limit on the type of equipment we can haul and where we can haul it to. To set up your shipment, use our free quote tool and get heavy hauling service anywhere in North America.
How To Get Your Heavy Equipment Shipped In North America
There are a variety of reasons why you may need to ship your heavy equipment from one location to another. Maybe you are moving a combine harvester between farms, or you purchased a construction excavator from an auction. Whatever the situation, it takes time and preparation to transport your equipment safely. In this article, we discuss several factors you should consider when arranging to transport heavy machinery.
What Equipment Is Required for Heavy Haul Shipping?
If you are looking to transport heavy equipment, you cannot simply load your machine onto a U-haul or a friend’s pickup truck. Heavy hauling requires specialized heavy haul equipment to safely and securely transport these large machines. This includes trucks, trailers, chains, and adjustable straps. It also requires a skillful driver to handle your load effectively.
What Are the Special Considerations When Crossing Provincial and State Borders?
When crossing the border between provinces or states, it is important to research your route before starting the journey because restrictions can vary from region to region. This may include the need for special signage and specific limitations for travel.
What to Consider When Transporting Oversized Loads?
When travelling on public roads with heavy machinery, it is vital to ensure that the public is safe and that your load doesn’t cause any damage to the infrastructure such as roads, bridges and tunnels. This is particularly important for oversized loads that may be unusually heavy, tall, wide or long.
Permits
When you transport oversized loads on public roads, you are required to apply for a permit. Permits vary in their requirements; you will need one for each state or province you travel through. You can also purchase a permit for a single trip or multiple trips.
Pilot cars
Pilot cars are commonly seen travelling with oversized loads. The pilot car driver stays in close contact with the heavy haul driver and offers support during transit.
- They advise the heavy haul driver of any upcoming hazards or impediments to travel.
- They warn oncoming and surrounding traffic of the presence of an oversized load.
Special Signage
Heavy haul drivers are required to set up flags and signs on the front and back of the truck, warning of the oversized load.
Restrictions for Travel
Many states and provinces enforce stringent regulations for travel. They may have time restrictions when heavy haul drivers are not allowed to drive on the roads. They may also enforce lower speed limits that heavy haul drivers are expected to adhere to.
Prepare the Paperwork For Your International Cross-Border Shipment
If you’ve purchased equipment at an auction and your shipment is crossing the border between Canada and the United States, you need to provide several documents to facilitate travel.
These include the following:
- The Bill of Exchange (BOE) is proof of purchase of your machine and is provided by the seller.
- The Bill of Lading (BOL) lists all the items in the shipment and states where the goods came from and where they will be delivered.
- Proof of Delivery (POD) ensures that the merchandise has been received and signed for.
- The commercial invoice (shipping between Canada to the USA) holds all the details of the equipment shipped into Canada and includes their value.
- Canada Customs Invoice (shipping between the USA to Canada) provides all the details of the equipment shipped.
- A certificate of origin details where the shipment comes from and upholds the NAFTA regulations.
It is essential to have all your paperwork compiled and filled out correctly when you cross the border. You may consider hiring a customs broker to help you with the process; a customs broker understands the rules and regulations of cross-border shipping and helps to ensure the smooth delivery of your shipment with minimum delays.
What Types of Equipment Are Transported Across North America Each Day?
Construction Equipment
It is common to see bulldozers and excavators being transported from one job site to the next. Other types of machinery used in construction include backhoes, graders, tower cranes, and pile-driving machines.
Agricultural equipment
Agricultural equipment is routinely moved from one farm to the next. The late summer is a particularly busy season as equipment is shipped in readiness for the harvest. Smaller wheeled equipment can be driven on public roads for short distances and is a common sight in rural agricultural areas. However, tracked machines and wheeled machines that need to be shipped longer distances must be transported with a truck and a trailer.
Mining & Exploration
Mining and exploration equipment is shipped between mines or drill sites. Much like construction and agricultural machinery, this equipment can also be purchased at used equipment auctions across Canada and the United States.
Forestry Equipment
The forestry industry is huge in Western Canada, and a wide variety of forestry equipment is transported across these areas. They include feller bunchers, skidders, harvesters, and swing machines.
How To Arrange Heavy Haul Transport in North America
Connect With a Professional Driver
When arranging to get your equipment hauled, it is essential to connect with a professional heavy haul driver. A professional heavy haul driver:
- Has the skills and experience to ship your equipment safely
- Has extensive knowledge of state, provincial and cross-border shipping requirements
- Is fully cargo insured to ensure the protection of your machinery
There are several ways to connect with a professional heavy hauler:
- Use the services of a freight broker who will connect you with a professional driver
- Connect with an independent heavy haul owner-operator
- Connect with a driver on a load board
The Benefits of Using a Load Board
By posting your load to a load board, you can connect directly with the driver and cut out the middleman. When you use a freight broker, you must pay brokerage fees on top of shipping costs.
While connecting directly with a heavy haul owner-operator will eliminate these brokerage costs, working with a single driver may not provide the same cost benefits compared to competitively offering your job to several drivers on a load board.
For these reasons, load boards provide a more economical method of shipping your equipment.
How to Find a Reliable Heavy Haul Trucking Company
You’ve invested heavily in your machinery, so it is essential to hire a shipping company that you can trust.
Browse the Reviews
Online reviews are a great way to assess the kind of service you can expect from a shipping company. While five-star reviews are ideal, how does the company respond to bad reviews? Are they friendly? Do they appear to be willing to resolve any issues? How a company responds to good and bad reviews indicates the type of service you may expect.
Does the Company Work With Professional Drivers?
When it comes to heavy equipment shipments, it is vital to secure a professional driver. Special care and attention must be taken when loading and unloading machinery, so look for a company that only hires professional heavy haulers who are vetted for professionalism.
Is Your Driver’s Cargo Insured?
No matter whether your equipment is being transported a few kilometres down the road or from coast to coast, it is essential that your driver is fully insured. Check that your driver has cargo insurance to fully cover the cost of your equipment in case of an accident.
What Are the Shipping Costs?
It is helpful to know how much it will cost to ship your equipment. If you are planning to purchase equipment from an auction, you might want to factor this cost into your overall bidding price. At Trusted Dispatch, we offer a free quote tool so you can determine the costs beforehand. The quote your receive is the final price you will pay, so you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.
Get Your Free Instant Quote For Shipping Services
Use the Trusted Dispatch app to get your instant shipping quote. Simply enter the following information:
- The pickup location
- The drop-off destination
- The size dimensions (length, width and height) and weight of the machine
If you are unsure of the specifications, use our powerful Specs Tool to find out. You only need to enter the make and model of your machine to find out your specs. Once you’ve received your free quote, save it or post it to our load board to connect with a driver.
Do You Have Any Special Instructions or Information About Your Shipment?
It may be helpful to post photos of your equipment to help the driver prepare for shipment. Include any additional information that may be useful to the driver. If you have extra attachments that need to be transported, let the driver know, as that may require a separate truck.
Check the Trusted Dispatch App to Connect With Your Driver
Most loads are usually claimed within 24 to 48 hours. Check your email or the Trusted Dispatch app to connect with your heavy haul driver. Once your load has been accepted, you will receive the contact details of your driver so you can connect and discuss the shipment.
How to Prepare Your Heavy Equipment Shipment for Delivery
Depending on where your driver is picking up your machinery, there are different procedures to be followed.
Pick Up from an Auction Site
If you are arranging for your new equipment to be delivered to you from an auction site, you should consider storage fees and cargo insurance.
Storage Fees
Most auction houses will only hold your equipment for a specified period of time after you win your bid, so try to arrange your pickup at this time. If you do need to delay the pickup, contact the auction house to arrange extended storage at an additional cost.
Cargo Insurance
Most reputable auction houses will require insurance documentation from your heavy haul driver before they release your equipment from the auction site. Used heavy machinery is expensive, so cargo insurance is essential to protect your investment.
Pick Up from a Job Site
If your driver is picking up your shipment from a construction site or a farm, we recommend taking the following steps.
Check Your Machine
When you prepare your machine for pick up, the first thing we recommend is to check that it is in good working order in readiness for the next job. It is probably best to have your machine inspected periodically to check its function and replace any parts that are damaged due to wear and tear.
Clean Your Machine
Dirt and debris are easily caked onto heavy machinery, so wash your machine prior to pick up. This is essential to identify any damage to the equipment and is also helpful for your driver as they can more easily locate the tie-down points on the machine.
Remove Your Personal Belongings
Remember to remove any personal items from inside the cab; valuables may get lost on the way, but loose items flying around the inside of the cab during transit may also cause damage to the windshield and windows.
Provide an Appropriate Area to Pick Up and Drop Off the Heavy Equipment
Your driver will need a flat, even surface to pick up and drop off your heavy equipment, so you will need to make sure that the area is large enough to accommodate the truck, the trailer and the heavy machinery.
Communicate With Your Heavy Haul Driver
Keep in contact with your driver and confirm your shipment before the pickup date. This way, you can pass on any new information and instructions, and your driver will have time to prepare. It is also advisable to stay in close contact with your driver during delivery so they can advise you on their progress or any delays that may occur along the way.
Transport Your Heavy Equipment Across North America
When it comes to shipping heavy equipment, there is no limit on the type of equipment we can haul and where we can haul it to. To set up your shipment, use our free quote tool and get heavy hauling service anywhere in North America.
