What to Look For In a Company That Specializes in Heavy Equipment Shipping in Canada

You’ve just bought a new harvester combine, or maybe you finally purchased that tractor you’ve been saving towards for years. You found the perfect machine for the ideal price, and it’s ready for pickup. Now you just need to get the equipment shipped to you, and you need the best heavy haul trucking company for the job. Here is what to look for in an excellent company specializing in heavy equipment shipping. 

Do They Specialize in Heavy Haul Trucking?

This can be easily determined by looking through the galleries on the company’s website. A trustworthy heavy haul trucking company will share images of the different loads their drivers have hauled. At Trusted Dispatch, we display our reliability by providing access to galleries of photos of many of our shipments, including where they were shipped to. We also discuss the process of shipping farm equipment, and we include many examples of farm equipment hauls that have been completed. When you get to the “Our Drivers in Action” page, you will see the variety of heavy haul loads our skilled network of drivers are able to complete.

Look at Customer Reviews

Customer testimonials are a great way to determine if the company in question is right for you. An abundance of good reviews is an excellent sign, and they might even answer some questions you have about the company. Trusted Dispatch has a multitude of five-star reviews detailing positive interactions. On our testimonials page, we display both Google reviews and direct quotes from previous customers so you can read about the honest experiences of our valued shippers.

Are The Drivers Experienced in Moving Heavy Equipment?

When moving valuable heavy equipment, you want to know that your driver is experienced enough to deliver your machine safely. You can depend on Trusted Dispatch’s network of drivers who are experienced and knowledgeable. 

Not just anyone can become a driver in our network, and we put potential drivers through a vetting process to evaluate their abilities. We look for drivers that are owner-operators, have their own truck and trailer, and have experience loading, securing and hauling heavy loads. They should have their own cargo insurance and the ability to haul safely and within the law. You can see the experience of our drivers yourself on the “Our Drivers In Action” page.

Do They Have Partnerships With Others in the Industry?

If a shipping company has other partners in the industries they serve, that is a great sign that they are reliable, as trusted individuals within the industry are working with and vouching for them.

Trusted Dispatch is proud to be partnered with AG Dealer. AG Dealer is a great place to buy and sell used farm equipment online, and Trusted Dispatch helps enhance the customer experience by providing a connection to heavy haul drivers.

Trusted Dispatch also a frequently used shipping company from many auction sites that specialized in heavy equipment auctions. Trusted Dispatch helps shippers connect with heavy haul drivers.

Which Industries Do They Provide Heavy Haul Trucking Services For?

A versatile and knowledgeable shipping company will likely serve more than one industry, as it takes skill and experience. Trusted Dispatch works with many industries, including farming, construction, oil, gas, and exploration. By servicing more than one industry, we are equipped with extensive knowledge about many types of heavy hauls. Whatever load you need us to carry, we are here to help.

Construction Equipment

Trusted Dispatch is ready to haul equipment for any of your construction needs. Here are some examples of common construction machines that get shipped:

• Excavators:

Despite the height of some large excavators, the drivers in Trusted Dispatch’s network can still get the job done. Trailers such as a Double Drop trailer can be used to carry the tallest of loads, and if the load is still too tall, pieces of the equipment can be removed to reduce its height.

• Dozers:

Doozers are heavy, bulky pieces of machinery, but our drivers have plenty of experience transporting them. They know how to load them and chain them down to keep the equipment and the roads they travel on safe. There are ways to accommodate large, heavy machines, even if some parts need to be shipped separately. Trusted Dispatch is here to help.

• Dump trucks:

At a loss for how to get your dump truck transported? Trusted Dispatch can handle it. Our drivers have experience hauling these large trucks, and they know how to load and properly secure them. All you need to do is post your load to find a capable driver to ship it. 

• Backhoes:

Your backhoes will be shipped with as much care as any other machine. All parts will be securely loaded and chained down, and the drivers will be able to accommodate even the heaviest of machines by adding booster jeeps or extra axles to the trailer or truck as needed.

Heavy Industrial Machines for the Oil, Gas, and Exploration

Transporting heavy industrial machines with Trusted Dispatch is a breeze. Here are some typical machines that get hauled:

• Earth movers:

Earth movers vary greatly in size and function (you might be handling a scraper, a dozer, a backhoe, etc.), but no matter the machine, Trusted Dispatch can get it to you. Knowing the dimensions of your machine and providing your driver with a photo of it will help your driver select the correct trailer to transport your load safely.

• Rock trucks:

Rock trucks are meant for moving large quantities of heavy material, such as rocks, earth, and debris. These heavy machines require an experienced driver to transport them, and Trusted Dispatch’s knowledgeable drivers are more than capable. They will be able to load and secure your machine with ease, and we guarantee your rock truck will arrive safely.

• Excavators:

Whether your excavator is small, medium or large, we can transport it. Our drivers will be able to accommodate the tallest of excavators, even if they need to remove pieces of equipment to reduce the height.

Agriculture and Farm Equipment and Implements

Farm equipment is shipped with Trusted Dispatch quite frequently, so our drivers are well equipped to handle loads of agricultural equipment. Here are some machines that we frequently haul for farmers:

• Tractors:

Tractors are incredibly versatile machines and essential for any farmer. This is a machine you want to be shipped in the best hands possible, and Trusted Dispatch will ensure that happens. Only a driver with the right experience will pick up your load.

• Harvester Combines:

Combines have the important job of harvesting the sellable grain from the rest of the plant. These are huge machines and require an expert driver to transport them safely. A driver may choose a trailer such as a Removable Gooseneck trailer, as they can carry heavy hauls and are very versatile.

• Seeders:

These machines get the growing process started by precisely and efficiently planting seeds. Trusted Dispatch drivers will be able to load and securely chain down the equipment in order to get it to you safely.

• Implements:

These pieces of equipment are important accessories to other machines such as a tractor. They make the farming process more manageable, and with Trusted Dispatch, the shipping process will also be a breeze.

• Balers:

You don’t want your baler to get damaged in transport, and you can be sure that Trusted Dispatch will keep it safe for you. Our drivers are experienced in transporting all kinds of machinery and know how to handle your load with care. 

Does the Trucking Company Have Experience With Oversized Loads?

Trusted Dispatch not only has experience with oversized loads but specializes in them. All our drivers understand the rules and regulations for hauling oversized loads and are very capable of getting your equipment delivered to you safely. They can determine what trailer needs to be used to transport the load, and they know how to ensure the weight of the equipment is properly distributed on the trailer. 

In Western Canada, the regulations vary between provinces. It’s the job of our drivers to worry about these regulations, so you don’t have to, but here’s a rundown of some rules:

British Columbia Rules and Regulations

In British Columbia, the overall height of a semi-truck and trailer shouldn’t be over 4.15 metres or 13’6″. The overall length shouldn’t be over 23 metres or 75′, and the overall width shouldn’t be more than 2.6 metres or 8’6″. 

For other trucks, the restrictions may vary. Beyond those restrictions, the load becomes oversized. All oversized loads must be marked with red flags on the four corners of the vehicle. The need for a pilot car or scout vehicle depends on the route travelled. A scout vehicle is probably necessary if there are many sharp corners and blind hills.

Alberta Rules and Regulations

In Alberta, the overall height of a load shouldn’t be over 4.15 metres or 13’6″. The overall length shouldn’t be more than 27.5 metres or 90′, and the overall width shouldn’t be more than 2.6 metres or 8’6″. Beyond those restrictions, the load becomes oversized. All oversized loads must be marked with flags on the widest part of the load. If the load is 3.05 metres or 10′ wide, it must be marked with signage indicating it as an oversize load. Loads over 3.85 metres or 12’7″ wide must be accompanied by a trail car, and loads over 5.5 metres or 18′ wide should have a pilot car and trail car. Oversized loads are prohibited from travelling on highways during certain peak travel times.

Saskatchewan Rules and Regulations

In Saskatchewan, the overall height of a load shouldn’t be over 4.15 metres or 13’6″. The overall length shouldn’t be over 27.5 metres or 90′, and the overall width shouldn’t be more than 2.6 metres or 8’6″. Beyond those restrictions, the load becomes oversized. Pilot and trail cars depend on the number of lanes on the highway and the time of travel.

Manitoba Rules and Regulations

In Manitoba, the overall height of a load shouldn’t be over 4.15 metres or 13’6″. The overall length shouldn’t be over 20 metres or 65′, and the overall width shouldn’t be more than 2.6 metres or 8’6″. Beyond those restrictions, the load becomes oversized—the larger the load, the more restrictions. There are specific guidelines regarding pilot cars, flags, and peak travel times.

Farm Equipment Exemptions

In the prairie provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, the height, weight, and length restrictions for farm equipment generally remain the same, but farm equipment is nearly exempt from width restrictions.

Our drivers will be knowledgeable about all these rules and regulations and will be able to follow the rules as they transport your shipment. If you’re still curious about the varying regulations, you can read our other articles on oversized loads in Western Canadaoversize loads in Eastern Canada. You can also check out our drivers in action for documentation of their expertise in hauling oversized shipments.

Do They Offer International Shipping?

Trusted Dispatch ships heavy equipment from anywhere in the United States and Canada. Our free, instant quotes calculate your shipping cost from the pickup location to the drop-off destination, so you know what cost to expect, whether you need long-haul shipping from Texas to Alberta or just a short-haul from Montana to Saskatchewan. 

We are dedicated to making the process as straightforward for shippers as possible. On our website, we provide a list of trusted customs brokers that you can hire to help you through the paperwork and avoid any difficulties at the border. A qualified customs broker will help you decipher border regulations, duties, and tariffs in order to make crossing the border as stress-free as possible. With a customs broker, you’ll also get a clear idea of any taxes or tariffs you’ll be required to pay, so you don’t have any surprises on the final bill. 

How Is Their Customer Service?

Our customer service team is friendly, patient, and knowledgeable and can be reached via phone, email or online chat! We respond promptly to all inquiries and are here to make the shipping process easier for you. If you have questions, we’re happy to help get you answers. 

Why Trusted Dispatch Is The Best Heavy Haul Company in North America

Trusted Dispatch is dedicated to making the heavy equipment shipping process as straightforward as possible for you. We know how great it feels to have your valuable equipment arrive safely, and we want to help you create that experience. With our excellent customer service, simple process, and skilled drivers, heavy equipment shipping in Canada and the United States is as easy as 1-2-3! Get started with a free, instant quote today!