Equipment Shipping Made Easy

Types of Heavy Equipment

• Military Equipment
• Commercial Equipment
• Industrial Equipment
• Aggregate Equipment
• Batch Equipment
• Construction Equipment
• Mining Equipment
• Oilfield Equipment

Towing Heavy Equipment

For short distance moves, towing may be an option for moving your equipment. Make sure that you know what needs to happen to safely tow your machinery, such as preparing the gearbox and tires for towing conditions. Specialty towing companies will be able to handle many types and sizes of equipment.

Preparing for Heavy Haul Transport

To be ready at pickup, speak to your transporter beforehand and make sure they have all the necessary permits for transport. Also, ask them how you can help prepare your equipment for transport. They will give you tips based on their experience and your specified shipment. For example, your transporter may advise you to bubble wrap fragile levers within the cab of a tractor or secure the doors of a crane shut with zip-ties. Talk with your provider ahead of time to work out any necessary permits.

There are a few steps you can take to prepare your equipment for shipping:

• 1. Check the Manual: The manufacturer’s manual is the first step to getting your machinery ready. You may have the manual yourself, or you can look it up the manufacturer’s website. This manual may advise you to take certain measures, such as disconnecting batteries, emptying engine fluids, or securing loose parts.
• 2. Obtain the Necessary Permits: The FMCSA has specific guidelines for securing and transporting heavy equipment. Oversized and overweight loads will require special permits to be transported on the road. Remember that large equipment loaded on a trailer may be too tall to go under power lines and bridges, or travel certain roads. You should work with the transporter before the pickup date to secure these permits, preventing delays or legal complications.
• 3. Cover Vulnerable Parts: Remember that your equipment will be probably hauled in the open air, and will therefore be exposed to the elements. Cover any parts that will be vulnerable to rain and wind. In the winter months, prepare against damage to the tanks and lines due to cold and freezing temperature. You may also need to protect equipment against heat. Referencing the owner’s manual should provide guidance on protection.
• 4. Be Prepared for Pickup and Drop-off: You will need an open area at the pickup and drop-off points to load and unload your equipment. There may also be added equipment necessary for loading and unloading, such as loading docks, ramps, or cranes.

How to Choose a Heavy Haul Trucking Company

Heavy equipment hauling can be a difficult task and it is important to choose a company that specializes in the business. Whether you choose to work with a broker, shipping company, or owner-operator, you should always make sure to do some of your own research, and verify all credentials.

Searching for heavy equipment hauling companies that are right for you? uShip makes it easy to choose your equipment shipping company. Just check out the following:

• Feedback on the Transporter uShip Profile: Your heavy equipment transporter's uShip profile will have extensive feedback on the carrier’s past performance. Look for customers who had used this carrier to transport similar shipments in the past. This will give you an idea of the level of service and safety that you can expect to receive, and should help you make a more informed decision.
• Licensing and Reviews: Make sure that your transporter is licensed. Ask your transporter for their USDOT and MC numbers, listed on their uShip profile, and check the information listed on FMCSA SAFER. This step will provide you with useful information on the service provider, including their safety rating. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau. These steps will let you fully investigate the background of your transporter.
• Delivery Time: The delivery time given by the transporter should also factor into your decision. An exceptionally long haul can mean that the transporter is making many transfers, which can lead to more wear and tear on your equipment. Shorter moves with fewer transfers lead to a safer move for your equipment. You should also be wary of moves that seem unusually short. In these cases, make sure to inquire about the transporters on-time delivery rate.
• Insurance: Haulers are required to have a certain amount of insurance. Make sure you inquire about the insurance and the transporter claims-to-damage ratio, which should be below 1.5%. Should you need more coverage, your transporter may provide the option of purchasing more insurance, or you can acquire it through a third party. Vehicles transported through uShip are eligible for uShip Cargo Insurance. When accepting a bid, you will have the option to purchase additional coverage. This policy is all-risk covering approved goods against damage, lost or stolen claims subject to the terms and exclusions of the policy. Learn more about uShip Cargo Insurance here. This is a great option for additional insurance for Heavy Equipment valued under $500,000.

Make sure to ask your transporter any questions, and be ready to answer their questions. Providing information for the transporter will help them give you a more accurate estimate for your shipment and allow them to anticipate any special needs. The cost and time of the move can be influenced by many factors, including the working condition of the equipment, the availability of loading docks, ramps, or cranes, as well as any special precautions that are necessary. Answering these questions ahead of time can help ensure that you receive a complete estimate.