Written by: Emily Joswiak • April 13, 2021• Business

Tips for Preparing Heavy Equipment for Shipping

Shipping anything can be challenging, let alone heavy equipment. But by preparing equipment properly, you can avoid transit damage. Our tips tell you how.

Shipping anything can be challenging. Insurance for haulage use and the carriage of own goods, government regulations, fuel prices, and loading equipment are all things that you need to consider. Then add to that heavy equipment? That just adds to the challenges. But by preparing equipment properly, you can avoid transit damage. Our tips tell you how.

If you’ve ever sent someone a gift for their birthday, you know that shipping can be complicated. You must choose a service, find the right box, and package it. Even then, it still may get broken in transit. So how much more challenging is it to ship a 45-ton excavator to a new site? You must ensure that the export documentation is in place, especially if the shipment is international, in order to avoid being held up by customs authorities. This is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of all the paperwork that needs to be done. Read further to know more about how to prepare for these shipments.

Even though transporting machinery can be a logistical nightmare, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to do it safely. Moving big machinery doesn’t always require large equipment. For instance, the Large Equipment Moving Skates are a good example of machinery movers that is not very difficult to use. It’s all a matter of preparation, and our tips for preparing heavy equipment for shipping can help you.

Select a Trailer

Selecting a trailer for your heavy equipment is the equivalent of choosing a box for your package. The size and type of package will determine how you prepare the contents. The type of trailer will determine how you prepare your heavy equipment for shipping.

When choosing a trailer, you have to consider the size and weight of the equipment you’re shipping, as well as any necessary ramps to get into the trailer. A few options include:

Step-deck trailer
Travel axle trailer
Goose-neck trailers
Low-bed trailers
Tilt trailers

Also, keep in mind that the vehicle hauling the trailer must suit the trailer’s size and shape.

Perform an Inspection

Establishing the condition of the equipment allows you to identify any damage that occurs during shipping. For instance, forklift forks are incredibly sturdy. However, if they bend even a small amount, they may need to be replaced. Before shipping them, carefully determine whether they’re parallel and write detailed notes about any damage. Taking photos is also a good way to document any issues for comparison.

Have an Experienced Operator On-Site

Any equipment operator will tell you that driving a bulldozer is different from driving a truck. If you just bring anyone along to drive your machines onto their trailers, it increases the chance of damage. An experienced operator will also offer valuable insights into how to best break down machinery for transport, if needed.

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