- How To Spot The Best Equipment Transporting Companies Near Me
- Equipment Haulers Near You - Types Of Equipment Haulers In Your Area Now
- How You Can Find The Lowest Priced Heavy Haul Services?
- Here's The Deal…
- How You Can Find The Most Inclusive Heavy Haul Trucking Rate
- How You Can Find The Best Value Heavy Equipment Hauling Rate
- That's Pretty Obvious, Right?
- You Need To Approach The Transporting Process With Realistic Goals
- Finding The Best Equipment Hauling Rate Doesn't Matter; Service Quality Does!
- Putting All Of This Information Together To Find The Best Equipment Hauling Companies
- How To Make Equipment Hauling Companies Contact You!
- Find The Best Shipping Company
- Equipment Transporting Is Easy
- You Could Also Try This…
- Heavy Haulers And Shippers Near You
- How Much Will It Cost To Ship Heavy Equipment?
- Contact A-1 Auto Transport For Heavy Equipment Hauling And Shipping Nationwide
How to Spot the Best Equipment Transporting Companies Near Me
Looking for “heavy haulers and shippers near me?” Look no further than the industry leader A-1 Auto Transport. We specialize in heavy equipment transport and hauling services, and we can provide you with the quality services you need to get your equipment where it needs to go.
We operate nationwide and have a full fleet of trucks, heavy haul truck drivers, and trailers ready to handle your heavy haul services & auto-transport needs. Whether you need to send a piece of construction equipment or industrial equipment across town – or across the country – we're here to help.
Equipment Haulers Near You - Types Of Equipment Haulers In Your Area Now
Tractor & Farm Equipment Oversize Carriers
From tractors and farm ATVs to combine harvesters and other pieces of large farm equipment and agricultural heavy machinery, The industry-lead A-1 Auto Transport is here to help. We can handle projects of any size and transport your farm equipment and agricultural machinery safely, quickly, and efficiently. We're always ready to provide both emergency and scheduled equipment hauling anytime.
We know that your equipment is the lifeblood of your farming business. Without the right farm machinery, your operations will grind to a halt. That's why we make it a point to put the safety and security of your vehicles and machinery first – no matter what.
Whether you need it sent to the next town or across the country, you can trust us to take great care of your valuable equipment during the auto-transport process. Contact us now to learn more about our tractor & farm equipment auto-transport services and permitted oversized load hauling. Get a quote for your specific needs.
Backhoes
From small backhoes for home renovation jobs to large, commercial-grade construction equipment, we've got experience moving backhoes of all sizes. You can trust The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport to provide you with a reasonable quote when transporting heavy equipment and take great care of them.
We haul with the best drivers, trucks, high-quality trailers, oversized load pilot car escorts, and all other industry best practices to make sure that your backhoes and construction equipment stay safe throughout the trip.
Delays and interruptions caused by unreliable construction equipment auto-transport can put the brakes on your project – so don't trust “the other guys.” At The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport, we've been moving backhoes and construction heavy machinery for decades. We're the best in the business – so contact us now to learn more and get started.
Large trucks and heavy vehicles
From transporting multiple large pickup trucks to semi-trucks, box trucks, dump trucks, and more, we can haul large trailers and heavy vehicles of any kind. If you need to transport a long-distance truck, The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport is the right company for your specific needs.
At our transporting company, our drivers put freight safety, reliability, and quality customer service above everything else. When you trust our drivers with your large trucks and other heavy vehicles, we pride ourselves in maintaining that trust above all else. With experienced heavy haul drivers, reasonable rates, and the best customer service of any heavy equipment transporting company, we'll get your job done right.
So don't trust just anyone to haul your valuable load. Get in touch with The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport now to get a quote for moving large trailers and heavy vehicles.
Forklifts
Replacing your forklift? Sending it out for the best service? Selling it? No matter the form of shipping service you need to haul your forklifts, we're here to help. Our heavy haul truck drivers are trained in the best practices for skid steers and forklift transportation, and we can ensure that your forklifts are protected throughout their trip. With covered transportation available, you can ensure that your overside loads are in good hands when you work with The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport.
We've been in business for years and are proud to serve commercial and industrial client-focused companies with quality skid steers and forklift transportation services. We know that even a short delay or issue with your drop deck forklift can set your company back – which is why the safety and security of your cargo are always our drivers' top priority. To learn more and get a quote for moving your skid steers or forklift, contact The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport now.
Bulldozers
Moving a bulldozer – particularly an oversized machine – can be extremely difficult to handle on your own. So don't try to haul a bulldozer on your own, and don't just trust any haul services specialist with your valuable construction oversize loads.
At The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport, our goal is to provide our customers with the fast, reliable, consistent and quality service that they deserve – and to ensure that your driver gets your deliveries on time. We understand how important it is to meet our promises and ensure your bulldozers and other construction loads make it to your worksite by your deadlines.
That's why we're the best choice for bulldozer transporting. We haul trucks in the entire country, and we can haul your bulldozer to the next county – or from coast to coast. To learn more about our freight haul services and how we can help you, just contact The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport now.
Cranes
Need to haul a truck-mounted crane or crawler crane? Not sure how to do so? The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport is here to help. We can help you haul cranes of all sizes and types – our heavy haul drivers have experience of over a decade, moving construction loads. We can haul everything – even heavy loads!
We understand that the safety and security of your crane are of paramount importance. Late delivery or unexpected damage to your crane can be an enormous setback, which is why we pride ourselves in using industry-standard best practices to care for your crane during the haul process – and to document its condition when loading and unloading. Thousands of heavy haulers have already trusted us with their construction equipment – and you can, too! Give us a call to learn more about our freight services, and get a quote for moving your crane.
Anything else, give us a call!
Don't see your needs listed on this page? Just give us a call! This list is not exhaustive – just an example of some of the jobs we've taken on in the past. If you have equipment or heavy machinery that needs transporting anywhere in America, we're here to help.
If it can fit on a truck, we can help haul it – that's an The A-1 industry-lead & professional auto-transport guarantee. So don't wait. Give us a call at 1-888-230-9116 now to get started and get an instant quote.
How You Can Find the Lowest Priced Heavy Haul Services?
This is not as simple as it seems. The simplest solution may seem to simply choose the lowest quote you are provided. This would provide you with the lowest haul services rate possible for your needs, but this is hardly the best choice.
But if you want to find the lowest heavy haul services trucking rates, you need to understand what factors determine prices in the first place. Things like:
- Specialized transporting
- Distance
- Gas prices
- Auto-transport method
- A route's geographic location and access to major highways
- The season
Finding the most affordable prices isn't hard if you know what you are looking for.
Here's the deal…
Who doesn't like a good deal? But, similar to other sectors, the shipping industry is one in which you receive the service you pay for. Before settling for the cheapest option, do some homework on the company you're considering.
Verify that the security of your heavy cargo is not being compromised in order to save money. Keep in mind that it will be much more expensive to repair your load if it is damaged during transit than it would have been to employ a more trustworthy transportation business in the first place.
How You Can Find the Most Inclusive Heavy Haul Trucking Rate
There are two ways to find the most inclusive heavy haul trucking rate.
The first way is the simplest: the rate provided to you by the haul services company will be the most inclusive one you receive.
The second way is slightly more complicated: negotiation.
Negotiating a more inclusive rate is simple. Compare all the quotes you have received from the various auto-transport and client-focused companies that you have consulted. Then, make a list of the freight services that you value.
Finally, contact the various auto-transport and client-focused companies from which you receive a rate, but not the services you want, and ask for these freight services. You will be surprised what you can get simply by asking for it.
Most client-focused oversize carriers are willing to upgrade your freight service and provide you with the little extras because they are unwilling to lose a contract over something that will cost them almost nothing to throw in.
A-1 Auto Transport Ships Worldwide.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Heavy Equipment Shipping Quote.
or call us to do it for you:
How You Can Find the Best Value Heavy Equipment Hauling Rate
The best value shipping quote depends on what you value.
That's pretty obvious, right?
If you value a lower cost, the cheapest equipment transporting rate will do.
If you value better auto-transport options, the best haul services rate will be one that provides you with more equipment transporting incentives (like a better oversize carriers option or route for your money).
It may seem not easy to find the best value heavy haul trucking rate, but there is a simple process to determine this:
- Make a list of the rate services that you want
- Confirm whether you are receiving these services at comparable rates
- Contact shipping heavy haulers that you feel are overcharging, and ask them to lower the rate (they may refuse, but it does not hurt to ask).
Best value is subjective, so what may seem like a great value heavy haul trucking rate may differ from one transporting job to another. You will need to evaluate the best value on a case-by-case basis.
Just remember this…
You need to approach the transporting process with realistic goals.
- Set a haul budget that has a little wiggle room
- Determine what you want out of the shipping service
- Decide how much you are willing to spend for the little extras (extra insurance, quicker delivery, etc.).
- Shop around to get the best haul rate
The more informed you are, the better the rate you will negotiate because you will know exactly what you need.
Finding the best equipment hauling rate doesn't matter; service quality does!
The best equipment hauling rate may not be the lower, the most inclusive, or even the best value for service. If you think about it, the best heavy-haul trucking rate is the one you are content with.
If you receive a slightly higher quote than expected, but the company is reputable, the shipping process will be simple and seamless.
Here's a tip…
See what past clients are saying about the hauling company. If their reviews are legitimate and they are happy with their service, that is a good indication that the company is reputable and worth working with.
Putting All of This Information Together to Find the Best Equipment Hauling Companies
Now that you know the service you want and have a general idea of the shipping rate, the next step is to contact heavy haul trucking companies near you.
If you have already contacted these client-focused companies to get the initial quotes in the first place, great! If not, you can use the rates you have received as a sort of “industry standard” to ascertain which local company is best.
You should take advantage of the many modes of communication available for you to contact client-focused heavy-haul trucking companies near you. Here are some examples of communication platforms:
- Telephone
- Text
- Website Contact Form
- Instant Messaging Platforms
First, search for customer-driven heavy haul trucking companies in your zip code. Then, go to each of the company's websites. Each website will have contact instructions, and some of them may even have shipping calculators. Follow these instructions. Each company is different and has different preferences for contacting them. Some embrace social media, while others keep it conventional with emails only.
How to Make Equipment Hauling Companies Contact You!
Not many people know how to make heavy haulers reach out to them. It is possible, but you need to think outside the box.
Find The Best Shipping Company
You may even realize that there are customer-driven heavy haul trucking companies in your area that you never even heard of. Some heavy haulers have a limited clientele and choose not to be listed in directories or online. No matter the form of transport situation, if a good shipping opportunity comes along, they will jump on it.
Equipment Transporting is Easy
We've taught you what to look for and how to shop for the best rates. Whatever you decide, always prioritize the quality of service above all else. Time is money, and you will only waste your time fixing heavy loads damaged during the shipping process.
You could also try this…
Contact The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport. We've been working in the heavy haul trucking business for over a decade, and we know how to transport heavy equipment.
Here's what we can tell you:
We give our clients access to competitive and most affordable prices
For over a decade, we have had a positive reputation, and our clients love us
Your vehicle will get from point A to point B on time, and in the same condition you shipped it
Call us today for a free, no-pressure quote if you want to simplify the heavy haul trucking process.
Heavy Haulers And Shippers Near You
At The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport, we specialize in heavy haul trucking and oversize carriers. If you've been Googling for “heavy haulers and shippers near me,” you've come to the right place.
We can haul heavy equipment of all types and sizes. From bulldozers to excavators, front-end loaders, cranes, farm loads, and so much more from manufacturers like Caterpillar, Bobcat, John Deere, Peterbilt, and more. If it can fit on the back of a truck, we're here to help.
Our team of experienced oversize loads and machinery hauling and shippers focus on keeping your cargo safe during transit and ensuring that it arrives at your site intact and ready to operate. We understand how tight deadlines are in the construction industry and other heavy industrial operations – and that's why we make it our goal to haul by offering the most reliable heavy equipment transporting and shipping services in America.
Whether you need to transport a small skid loader or two, or you need heavy equipment transporting and shipping services for an entire fleet of heavy equipment, our team is always here to help. Get in touch now to tell us more about your project and get a quote for the price of our heavy equipment hauling and shipping services.
How Much Will It Cost To Ship Heavy Equipment?
There are a variety of different factors that can affect the cost of shipping your oversize loads. Here are some of the most influential factors that will affect the cost of shipping your equipment.
Size (dimensions) – The overall size & dimensions of your oversize loads will influence the cost of shipping your heavy equipment. The heavier and larger your oversize loads, the more it will cost to transport, in most cases. This is because it's more difficult, expensive, and time-consuming to arrange the logistics of loading, shipping, and unloading bulky and large items.
Weight – The weight of your heavy equipment is also a significant factor in the cost of shipping it. Oversize loads will cost more to transport. In some cases, it may even be necessary to partially disassemble extremely heavy equipment to spread it between two or more trailers, which will incur further costs for reassembly once it arrives at your job site.
Distance – The farther your load needs to be transported, the more you'll pay for our equipment transporting & shipping services. Counter-intuitively, though, you typically will pay a higher price-per-mile if you transport for short distances. Shipping a longer distance will cost you more overall, but your price-per-mile will be lower.
Domestic vs. overseas – Shipping overseas will be much more expensive compared to shipping domestically. You'll need to pay fees for importing, cover the cost of shipping the loads on a cargo freighter, and so on. If you work in a multinational company, it may be wise to consider the costs of transporting and shipping your equipment compared to purchasing or renting new equipment in the destination country.
Required transit time – Depending on your required shipping deadline, the price of your heavy equipment transporting and shipping job may vary. If you need rush shipping and need your equipment shipped urgently to make a particular deadline, you'll pay more than you would for standard shipping. You can save money if you plan and give yourself adequate time for your equipment to arrive.
While some other factors tend to influence the cost of heavy equipment transporting and shipping, these tend to be the most common. For more details and an accurate quote, we recommend contacting the team at The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport now.
Contact A-1 Auto Transport For Heavy Equipment Hauling And Shipping Nationwide
At The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transporting company, we're a trusted heavy loads transporting company, and we've been leading the industry for over a decade. So don't wait. Get a quote for heavy equipment hauling and shipping near me now – contact us online to get started, or give us a call at (888) 230-9116.
Frequently Asked Questions
haul Auto Transport partners with heavy At The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport, we can help you find the right solutions to transport just about any type of heavy equipment imaginable. Our professionals can facilitate shipping for loads such as:
Forklifts
Whether you need to transport a single forklift, drop deck, skid steers or an entire group of machines, The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport partners with heavy haulers to make sure that our drivers deliver your loads safely. Your loads will be efficiently loaded onto our carrier’s trailer and promptly delivered to the final destination by a professional driver.
Heavy Trucks
Commercial trucks are the backbone of your company. Without them, you cannot carry out essential tasks or keep your job site running. With the assistance of The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport, you can ensure that your heavy trucks arrive safely and on time. We can facilitate single truck hauling or transport your entire fleet of heavy machinery.
Farm Equipment
Many oversize carriers do not have the capabilities to transport large farm loads. Fortunately, The A-1 trailer haul Auto Transport and our quality heavy haulers can transport virtually any type of farm load, including:
- Tractors
- Combines
- Harvesters
- Plows
- Fertilizer Spreaders
- Seeders
Just contact our sales team and let them know what type of loads you need to be transported. We will haul it from there!
Backhoes
Backhoes are large, cumbersome loads that require specialized equipment and transporting expertise. A-1 Auto Transport has extensive knowledge of what it takes to transport this type of heavy machinery. We will guide you through obtaining permits and ensure that your backhoe arrives at the job site in good working order.
Non-Mobile Machinery Without Wheels
Non-mobile machinery without wheels like pumps, generators, and cranes can be challenging to transport. But they are often essential to your on-site operations. Whether you need your heavy machinery hauled across the state or the country, A-1 Auto Transport is a fully licensed and bonded customer-driven service provider that can help!
A-1 Auto Transport and our partnered heavy haulers are required to carry oversize carriers' insurance. However, our insurance policy does not provide enough coverage to replace your machinery in the event of a total loss.
While our customer-driven heavy haulers will haul your loads with the utmost care, accidents do happen. The actions of other truck drivers on the road or severe weather events could endanger your equipment.
With this in mind, we recommend that you purchase a supplemental shipment insurance policy. That way, your machinery will be covered in the event of a catastrophic incident. You can obtain this policy from a third-party vendor or your current insurance provider.
Yes, the weight of your loads will have a huge impact on shipping rates. The heavier your shipment is, the fewer total shipments a truck transport trailer can transport on their trailer.
If your machinery is oversized or exceeds load limits, then permits and special load-transporting equipment will be required to transport your shipment. As a result, the heavy haulers will have to charge a higher rate to offset these additional costs.
The load limit for a standard shipment transported via a semi-truck is 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. This includes both the truck and trailer, not just your loads.
The average tractor-trailer combination weighs approximately 35,000 lbs. This means that a transportation trailer can accommodate roughly 55,000 lbs of load on a standard trailer.
An oversized or overloaded shipment means that your loads exceed the load or dimension limitations set by the Department of Transportation. If your machinery is either oversized or overloaded, the transportation trailer will need special permits and equipment to haul it. Otherwise, they may be subject to fines or damage to their trailer.
Transporting oversized loads requires advanced logistical planning. While A-1 Auto Transport will be happy to facilitate the transporting of any machinery, we ask that you book your services early. This gives us the time to make necessary arrangements, including:
Obtaining Permits
Permits are required anytime a transportation trailer is transporting loads that are oversized or overloaded. If your equipment is being hauled through multiple states, the transportation trailer must obtain permits for each jurisdiction. This is because the exact regulations in each state vary.
Developing a Plan
In addition to obtaining permits, our transportation trailer will need time to plan out its route. This is especially important if your loads are unusually tall. The transportation trailer will need to ensure that they avoid any low bridges or underpasses to avoid causing a massive traffic shutdown.
They may also need to arrange for a lead and follow vehicle, depending on the size of your equipment and the regulations for the states that they’ll pass through.
Choosing the Right Equipment
A-1 Auto Transport will have to determine what type of equipment is required to load and unload your machinery safely. Without this equipment, your loads could be delayed.
Permits are not required for all kinds of equipment transporting services. Most states only require permits if your machinery exceeds the set load and dimension limits. However, these limitations vary greatly from state to state. That is why you should check with your state’s Department of Transportation to learn more.
The best place to seek out information about heavy loads permits is your state’s DOT website. However, A-1 Auto Transport’s experienced team can help you locate this information if you have difficulties. Just call us and let us know where your shipment is being picked up and where it needs to be hauled to. We will give you a quote and walk you through the process of obtaining permits.
The sooner you can book your services, the better. In general, A-1 Auto Transport recommends scheduling in-state transporting services two to three weeks in advance. If you need to have loads shipped across the country, you should contact our team approximately three to four weeks ahead of time.
While we are a fully licensed and bonded company that's happy to accommodate last-minute shipping requests, it can be challenging to book your transporting services on the desired pickup date. In addition, it is more difficult for our sales team to find you discounted rates when you book transporting services on short notice.
If your goal is to maximize savings, book early and let our sales team find you a great rate.
Yes, A-1 Auto Transport offers free quotes. All you need to do is call our sales team, and we can provide you with a free estimate in just a few minutes.
You can also use our free quote software and have an estimate sent straight to your email. The only things we need are the pickup and delivery destinations and some basic info about your loads.
Due to the complex nature of equipment transporting, A-1 Auto Transport can only guarantee quotes until the end of the business day. The various factors that impact shipping costs can change overnight, so we cannot guarantee your rates for a longer period.
However, we will gladly provide you with a new quote if you cannot reserve our services before the close of the business day.
Transporting heavy loads is a complex process that involves intricate logistical planning. As you might expect, many different factors can impact your equipment transporting rates. Some of these include:
Fuel Costs
The cost of fuel is one of the most basic variables that our heavy haulers must account for. If fuel costs are on the rise, then shipping rates will go up. On the other hand, load-hauling services are more affordable when the price of fuel drops.
If fuel prices have recently increased by a large margin, then your hauling rates will reflect this change.
Load Size and Weight
Aside from the distance, the size of your loads will play the biggest role in determining the overall cost of your transporting services. The heavier your equipment is, the fewer items that a transportation trailer can accommodate in a given heavy load. As a result, the transportation trailer will need to charge more to haul your loads to offset the cost of the trip.
In addition, special permitting will sometimes be required, further raising the overall cost of transporting services.
Distance
For domestic transporting services, A-1 Auto Transport and our partner heavy haulers calculate rates by the mile. The per-mile rate typically decreases as the overall distance increases.
For instance, the per-mile rate may be $4 for a piece of machinery if you need it hauled between 500 and 1000 miles. That rate may drop to $3.50 per mile if shipped between 1,000 and 1,500 miles.
Destination
Certain states, like California, have extremely restrictive transportation laws. If your loads are transported to or driven through one of these jurisdictions, you may need to purchase additional permits. This will ultimately increase the cost of your transporting services.
Season
The summer months are the time when the demand for equipment transporting services is highest. As a result, shipping your loads will be more expensive during these months.
If at all possible, we recommend waiting until non-peak seasons to transport your loads. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if you need to haul an entire fleet of machinery.
A-1 Auto Transport cannot guarantee your delivery date, but we will provide you with an accurate “delivery window.” The longer the distance that your loads will be hauled, the larger the window will often be. For instance, if your loads are being hauled 300 miles across a particular state, then the delivery window may be between one and two days.
The projected delivery window will be broader if you partner with us for more complex shipping services.
For example, let’s assume that our partner transportation trailer is transporting your machinery from Florida to California. During this 3,000+ mile journey, there is an increased potential for a delay. As a result, we will provide you with a projected delivery window of seven to ten days.
If your equipment has not arrived, but you are still within the projected delivery window, there is no cause for concern. The transportation trailer likely experienced minor delays during the transporting process and should arrive within the estimated time frame.
If the transportation trailer experienced a more substantial setback that will cause your loads to be delivered late, A-1 Auto Transport will notify you as soon as possible.
When you’re securing your oversized equipment transporting services through A-1 Auto Transport, we strive to accommodate your desired pickup date. However, this is not always possible.
If you need your loads loaded on a specific day, we recommend booking your transporting services at least three weeks in advance. This increases our ability to facilitate the request.
On the day of pickup, the transportation trailer cannot provide you with a specific pickup time. Instead, they will contact you 12 to 24 hours ahead of time and give you an expected arrival window. For instance, they may give you an estimated arrival time between 9 am and 12 pm.
Yes, A-1 Auto Transport can accommodate any shipping demands. We can help you transport a single piece of machinery or an entire job site worth of loads.
However, we recommend booking services as early as possible, especially if you have a large transporting request. This gives us ample time to coordinate with our partner heavy haulers and facilitate your hauling services.
When the transportation trailer arrives to retrieve your loads, they must be ready to go. Otherwise, it will delay the shipping process and could even cause you to incur additional fees.
While preparing your machinery for hauling, we recommend that you:
Cover the Stack
While your heavy equipment is used to enduring a tough working environment, you must take steps to protect it during the transporting process. One simple way to do this is to cover the smokestack. This prevents dirt and debris from accumulating in the stack.
Take a few extra minutes to complete this simple task before our transportation trailer arrives.
Disconnect the Battery
When your loads arrive at the final destination, you will expect them to be in good working order. While A-1 Auto Transport and our partners take every precaution when transporting your vehicle, there is a chance that a button or switch could be activated during the transporting process. If this happens, you will be left with a dead battery and a machine that won’t run.
Avoiding this issue is easy. All you have to do is disconnect the battery before the transportation trailer departs with your machinery. This can save you some major frustration and prevent the battery from being drained during transport.
Latch the Doors
When the transportation trailer reaches the open highway, the winds can blow your load’s doors wide open. This can cause damage to your equipment and endanger other truck drivers on the road. That is why you must latch and secure your doors before the transportation trailer leaves with your equipment.
Wash the Equipment
A great way to prepare your loads for our transportation trailer is to wash the interior and exterior thoroughly, removing loose debris and dirt; you can help protect other vehicles on the road.
In addition, it will be much easier to inspect your loads when they arrive at the final destination.
Remove the Propane Cylinder
If A-1 Auto Transport is hauling your forklifts, you may want to remove the propane cylinders before the transportation trailer arrives. While forklifts can be transported on an open trailer with the propane tanks installed, removing them is a good idea to guard against theft. If the carrier is transporting your forklifts thousands of miles, they will need to park at a rest area or other trucking facility overnight. Unfortunately, propane cylinder thefts are a common occurrence in some of these locations.
Photograph Your Loads
You have invested thousands of dollars into your heavy equipment. Isn’t it worth protecting your investment? We think so, too, which is why we recommend taking photographs of your machinery before the transportation trailer takes possession of it.
By having detailed photographs of your loads, you can easily inspect it for damage when it arrives at the final destination. In addition, these photographs will make it easier for you to file a claim if the equipment is damaged during the hauling process.
Lower the Boom and Remove the Scoop
Certain states do not allow front loaders and backhoes to be transported with the scoop attached. If your machinery is being transported to or through one of these states, then you must remove the scoop before the transportation trailer arrives.
If you are unsure of the requirements for your state, check with DOT or contact our sales team.
In addition to removing the scoop, make sure to retract all booms or other hydraulics to a neutral position. This will minimize the height of your machinery and make it easier for the transportation trailer to haul the loads.
Use Up Any Excess Fuel
Some types of loads can store hundreds of gallons of fuel. While it is generally a good idea to have a full fuel tank, the opposite is true when you’re arranging load-hauling services.
Remember, you are being charged by the weight of your load and the distance that it is being hauled. Fueling up before the transportation trailer arrives can add to the cost of your hauling services.
If possible, use up most of your fuel reserves before the transportation trailer arrives. You only need about a quarter of a tank of fuel in your heavy equipment.
Before you contact the A-1 Auto Transport customer-driven sales team, you must have vital details about your equipment prepared.
While we strive to provide our customers with accurate quotes, we base these estimates on the information that you give us. If the details that you provide are inaccurate, then the quote will be as well.
To provide your estimate, we need to know the following information about your load:
Dimensions
Make sure to gather the exact dimensions of each piece of load that you need to have hauled. This information is available in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.
If you cannot locate the dimensions with either resource, then you will need to measure the load yourself. The dimensions of your machinery will let our team know whether it will be considered “oversized” or if it can fit on a standard flatbed.
Weight
The weight of your load should also be available online or in the owner’s manual. In addition, it should be located on a VIN tag, which is usually placed in the door jamb.
It is vital that you provide our team with an accurate load. Otherwise, the machinery could cause the transportation trailer to be overloaded, which would result in fines and could even delay your shipment altogether.
Loading Equipment Needed
If you have shipped your machinery in the past and it required specialized loading equipment, make sure to notify our sales team. We will relay this information to your partner carriers so that they can acquire the appropriate equipment.
If you fail to provide us with this information and our transportation trailer arrives without the proper equipment, then you could forfeit your deposit.
Status
A-1 Auto Transport and our partners can haul just about any type of machinery. This includes non-mobile freight without wheels and inoperable load. However, loading and unloading inoperable machinery require specialized tools. If your load is not functioning, please notify us when you’re arranging your hauling services.
By giving us plenty of notice, we can minimize delays and haul your load to its final destination efficiently.
Permitting Requirements
A-1 Auto Transport has decades of experience in the load-hauling industry. For over a decade, we've been accustomed to the permitting process and the unique demands of shipping heavy equipment.
With that being said, it is generally the responsibility of the load owner to acquire the necessary permits. If you are having difficulties acquiring the needed permits, let our team know to assist.
How to Prepare It for Shipping
The guidelines above are some general steps that you should take to prepare your load for shipping. However, every piece of machinery is unique. In addition to the suggestions above, you should refer to your owner’s manual.
A-1 Auto Transport works with a vast network of partnered heavy haulers. When you reach out to our team for load hauling services, we will use the experience we've garnered for over a decade to match you with the cargo trailer that best suits your unique needs.
A-1 Auto Transport only partners with established heavy haulers that share our core values and commitment to our clients.
Yes, A-1 Auto Transport has several discounts and cost-saving opportunities available. Not all of these discounts are available at all times, which is why we recommend calling our sales team to find the best rates. We offer discounts to seniors, veterans, students, and dealers. Contact us to learn more.
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