Construction equipment shipping is a branch of heavy haul transport that Trusted Dispatch specializes in. To securely ship heavy construction equipment, your driver requires the right trailer and ramps, knowledge of securing the machinery to the trailer, and the expertise to map out the best route to drive. Certain highways have weight restrictions to protect the roads and maximum heights due to overpasses, bridges, and tunnels. Whether you’re shipping new or used equipment, you need it done safely and efficiently. We’ve helped hundreds of customers get their construction equipment delivered on time across Canada and the United States.
What Are Considered Heavy Hauls?
A heavy haul is a load that exceeds the legal limit on most roads and requires special considerations to be delivered safely. The exact regulations for truck shipments’ weight, height, and width will vary from province to province to territory in Canada. Our professional drivers are well versed in the restrictions of each region and will follow all legal protocols when shipping your equipment. This additional preparation can include getting the correct permits, choosing the appropriate trailer type, planning the route, and arranging oversized load pilot cars.
The most common types of construction vehicles our drivers have shipped include:
- Excavators
- Backhoes
- Bull Dozers
- Wheel Loads
- Skid Steers
- Graders and Scrapers
- Rock and Dump Trucks
- Cranes
- Cherry Pickers and Bucket Lifts
What Type of Trailer Does Construction Machinery Require?
Due to the large size and weight of construction machinery, specific trailer types are best suited for shipping. While smaller trailers can be used for smaller vehicles, the two main trailer types you’ll see are lowboy trailers and removable gooseneck trailers.
Lowboy Trailers or Double Drop Trailer
Machines such as wheel loaders, dump trucks, bulldozers, and other oversized vehicles, including cranes, are best transported by lowboy trailers because of their height. This trailer often features beavertail ramps that store vertically at the back of the trailer during transport.
A lowboy trailer has two deck heights; the upper deck is typically 6′ to 10′ in length while the lower deck is about 30′ to 32′ feet, making the entire trailer approximately 48′ in size with some variation. The width is the standard 8’6″ while the height of the upper deck measures 24″ and the lower deck measures 18″. The weight range generally covers 43,000 lbs to 58,000 lbs, depending on the number of axles. Expandable lowboy trailers can carry even more weight.
Removable Goose Neck (RGN) Trailer
RGNs are versatile trailers that can be configured as a double drop or lowboy trailers to accommodate different types of construction equipment. The feature of an RGN is the fact that the neck is removable. The semi-truck can detach from the trailer, allowing the front to drop to the ground and serve as a ramp to load long, heavy equipment from the front of the trailer. This type of trailer is typically used to transport heavy machinery such as bulldozers and excavators.
The length of an RGN can range from 24′ to 29′ on the main deck. The trailer has a standard width of 8’6″ and a height range of 18″ to 24″. An RGN can accommodate weights ranging from 42,000 lbs to 150,000 lbs, depending on the configuration and number of axles.
3 Tips for Choosing a Heavy Machinery Shipping Company
There are many heavy transport companies in Western Canada, but not all of them rank at the same level. If you’re looking for exceptional, quality service, here are three tips to consider when
searching for the right company.
Great Customer Service
Shipping construction equipment requires careful planning and professional service. Having customer service available to respond to your logistical questions is a must-have for an ideal transport company. At Trusted Dispatch, we are available on the phone during business hours and have a chat service on our website and mobile app to serve you during extended hours. If you have questions or concerns about your load or our system, we’re always happy to talk.
Fair Rates
Nobody wants to support a company that exploits its drivers and over-charges its customers. At Trusted Dispatch, we charge a fair rate to ensure you get an affordable cost to ship your equipment while our drivers are compensated for their expertise, equipment, and time. Once a load is confirmed in our system, the customer must pay their fee in order for the driver to pick up the shipment. In turn, the driver feels confident knowing the load is prepaid, and they will receive their compensation within seven days of the delivery. No middlemen or brokers are required, and everyone gets treated fair. That’s our operating model.
Expert Drivers
Our drivers range from independent owner-operators and small fleets with extensive experience hauling heavy loads, freight, and construction equipment. Knowing that your equipment and machinery are in professional hands gives you confidence that your load will be securely delivered on time.
When you’re running a project on a timeline and a budget, the last things you need are obstacles or delays in shipping. It’s a relief to know that professional drivers are transporting your equipment. The drivers in the Trusted Dispatch network have expertise when planning the best routes, as well as the knowledge to follow all applicable rules and regulations. You can see the loads that our drivers typically ship and see our drivers in action.
Heavy Equipment Transport in Western Canada
Trusted Dispatch is your go-to heavy equipment transport company in Western Canada with shipping across the country and the border to the United States. Our easy-to-use shipping system allows you to get your free shipping quote instantly when you input three simple details: pick-up location, drop-off destination, and shipment specifications.
