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SHIPPING MACHINERY WITH USHIP



When deciding to ship a piece of machinery, let uShip take the stress out of the process. From small personal lathes to 30' wide water jets, we can help find shipping options for both domestic and international shipments. Our services will guide you through figuring out how to ship machinery, provide shipping rates from reliable transporters, and give you some tips along the way.

MACHINERY COMMONLY SHIPPED THROUGH USHIP



Although uShip ships a variety of machinery, the following are the most common types of machinery shipped:

  • Lathes (Large and Small, CNC or Manual)
  • Mills (All Sizes, CNC or Manual)
  • Laser Tables
  • Saws
  • Drill Presses
  • Shears
  • Presses & Stamps
  • Welders & Plasma Cutters
  • Tubing Benders
  • Water Jets
The side of a piece of machinery to be shipped

FREIGHT MODES FOR SHIPPING MACHINERY



Depending on the size, cost, and timing of your shipment, machinery can be shipped using several different freight shipping modes. Below is a list of the possible shipping modes that can be used:

  • Full truckload (FTL): FTL freight shipping is generally used for shipments that require an entire trailer and weigh over 15,000 lbs.
  • Less than truckload (LTL): LTL freight shipping is used for shipments that weigh between 200 and 10,000 lbs. and do not require a full trailer.
  • Intermodal: Intermodal shipping is used when a variety of transportation modes are required, such as: rail, trucks, or ships.
  • Flatbed: If dimensional flexibility or loading from the side is required, flatbed shipping is recommended. Weight cannot exceed 46,000 lbs. and length must be under 53 ft.
  • Expedited: Use expedited shipping for machinery shipments that are time sensitive.
Drill, tape measure and building plans for construction

SHIPPING OVERSIZED FREIGHT



When shipping machinery, there is a high chance that it will be classified as oversized. This means that your shipment is too large for standard shipping. Slightly higher costs should be anticipated if your shipment is classified as oversized, due to extra handling and special equipment needed.

There are several factors that need to be considered when shipping oversized freight:

  • Travel escorts: Depending on the states that are being traveled through, shipments over 12 ft. will require a travel escort. This is to warn flatbed drivers of any road work, incidentals, or accidents.
  • Schedule: Some states have time restrictions for oversized freight that requires a travel escort. Weekends, nights, and holidays are commonly deemed as off limits.
  • Special markings: Shipments with certain materials need to have specific symbols, lights, or flags attached to the trailer or tractor when traveling.

How to Transport Machinery



Transporting machinery with uShip is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1 | Create Your Listing

Shipping machinery requires planning. Start by creating a shipment listing that details your machinery transportation needs. The more information you can provide in the listing, the more accurate quote that you will be provided. Include the following information:

  • Consider your dates, timeframe, and locations for both pickup and delivery.
  • Do your best to know any special equipment the transporter may need to load or unload your shipment.
  • Be prepared with the make, model, dimensions, and weight of the machinery.
  • Include any tool heads or extra items that need to be shipped alongside.
  • Notate if you'd like it crated and if any hazardous or flammable liquids are present.
  • Upload photos of the equipment if possible.
Man in yellow shirt measuring machinery
Tablesaw on piece of wood in workshop

2 | Choose the Best Machinery Shipping Company

Once your shipment listing is complete, you’ll start getting rates from transporters as they compete to be awarded your machinery shipment. This ensures that you get the best shipping rates from the most reliable heavy haul companies. As the quotes come in, make sure to ask the transporters questions about their services and experience in shipping machinery like yours.

Furthermore, every transporter with uShip has a carrier profile with their transportation history, safety records, and customer rated feedback. Be sure you review these profiles to find out more about the transporters’ history with machinery shipping and the experiences their previous customers have had. You can also make sure they have any special licensing they may need and see that they have cargo insurance to cover your equipment. After talking with the transporters and reviewing their profiles, you can feel confident you’re choosing the best machinery shipping company. If you are needing additional reassurance for your items, cargo insurance can be purchased through uShip.

3 | Machinery Shipping & Delivery

After you have chosen your transporter, contact them directly with any additional details, concerns, or questions you may have about your machinery transport. Be sure to communicate with them regarding any special instructions for pick up or delivery. Provide any third-party contact information that may make for a smooth shipment. Communication with your transporter throughout the shipment is of great importance, and if you have any issues communicating with your service provider, let us know. We’re here to help before, during, and after your machinery shipment is complete.

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Man using table machinery

HOW MUCH DOES MACHINERY SHIPPING COST?



The cost to ship machinery depends on quite a few things. Depending on the machinery you choose, your price will vary from shipment to shipment. The following are some of the factors that are used when calculating machinery shipping cost:

  • Transport distance
  • Timeframes
  • Dimensions
  • Weight
  • Freight class
  • Handling
  • Loading charges

The average cost for shipping machinery is $0.71 per mile for shipments under 1000 miles, and $12.39 per mile for shipments under 100 miles. Visit our cost to ship heavy equipment page for more insight into what your machinery shipping may cost and the shipping process with uShip.

USING USHIP TO SHIP MACHINERY



uShip’s marketplace is perfect for finding the best machinery shipping company at the best rate. Create a shipment listing that details your machinery transportation needs. Service providers who specialize in hauling machinery will then give you shipping rates. You can ask them questions and review their carrier profile, so you know you’re working with the best. Should you need any help along the way, contact us and we’re happy to provide some roadside assistance.

Want to Learn More?



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