- What To Look For And How To Find The Best Heavy Equipment Shipping Rates
- Don’t Worry, We’re Going To Make It Easy For You
- Here’s What You Need To Do First
- Ask Yourself This Question
- This Is How You Can Get Even Cheaper Prices
- That Was Step One – Here’s Step Two
- Try This Method Too
- But There’s More
- This Next Step Is A Lot Easier
- Ro-What?
- Roll-On/Roll-Off
- Flat Rack Shipping
- Container Shipping
- Lift-On/Lift-Off
- Your Close – Now What?
- This Is How You Can Save Even More On Heavy Equipment Shipping Rates
- That’s Where We Step In
What to look for and how to find the best heavy equipment shipping rates
thought of shipping a piece of heavy equipment can be stressful if you purchased or are looking to purchase one.
.Heavy Equipment Pricing & Time To Ship Examples
| Shipping To/FroM | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waco to Elizabeth | $2859 | 1634 miles | 5 - 7 days |
| Kent to Miramar | $2366 | 1352 miles | 4 - 6 days |
| Sterling Heights to Norman | $1859 | 1068 miles | 4 - 6 days |
| Minneapolis to Allentown | $1990 | 1137 miles | 4 - 6 days |
| Bridgeport to Ann Arbor | $994 | 568 miles | 3 - 5 days |
| Fayetteville to Palm Bay | $1384 | 791 miles | 3 - 5 days |
| Birmingham to Westminster | $455 | 260 miles | 3 - 5 days |
| Overland Park to Gresham | $443 | 253 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Don’t worry, we’re going to make it easy for you
There are several things that influence heavy equipment shipping rates.
- The overall size of the shipment
- The weight of the shipment
- The type of vehicle
- How fast you need something shipped
- The country or region you are trying to ship to
- Delivery method
- Whether the location is on a major shipping route
- Insurance
- Fuel prices
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it will be cheaper for you to ship something regionally within the United States than it would be to ship it across foreign borders.
Here’s what you need to do first
You need to do a little homework before you pick up the phone.
Ask yourself this question
“Do I want to ship this on my own or hire help?”
Domestic shipping is hard enough as it is. Now, try and imagine how much more difficult international shipping is.
Do you want to try and take that on? Probably not.
But that doesn’t mean you can skip the homework part. It still needs to be done.
This is how you can get even cheaper prices
Plug your trip into the Travel Math driving calculator. This useful resource will tell you how far something is, it will tell you the estimated fuel costs, how long the drive takes, and a lot of other useful information.
The more you know, the better heavy equipment shipping rate you can negotiate.
Get a Free, No Obligation to Buy, Heavy Equipment Shipping Quote.
Get my free quote now or call us to do it for you:
That was step one – here’s step two
Open your browser again and visit Equipment World’s spec guide. Find your piece of heavy equipment in that list and write down its specifications. You need to find out how much it weighs, its dimensions, and the type of engine it uses.
Try this method too
You can try World Freight Rate’s heavy equipment shipping calculator if you want a rough estimate of the heavy equipment shipping rates from point A to point B. It isn’t perfect, but it will help you understand how much you should expect to pay.
This may seem like a lot of work, but a few simple searches can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you don’t like saving money, feel free to skip this step.
But there’s more
Another easy way to reduce your heavy equipment shipping rates, especially in the United States, is to try and ship your machinery along major transportation routes.
This is one of the easiest ways for you to say money while transporting large shipments across the country.
This next step is a lot easier
Now you have to choose which shipping method you want to use after determining all of the necessary specs for your piece of heavy equipment.
The most common methods for shipping heavy equipment include:
- Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
- Flat Rack Shipping
- Container Shipping
- Life On/Lift-Off (LoLo)
Ro-what?
Shipping heavy equipment is a little more challenging than a regular vehicle. But the two types of vehicles share a lot of similarities when it comes to shipping.
All those shipping methods lifted above are viable options for shipping your heavy equipment, but the one you choose will depend on your budget, how soon you need your machinery delivered, and where you are shipping it.
By now you are probably sensing a common theme. Heavy equipment shipping rates are heavily influenced by time, distance, weight, and size.
Roll-On/Roll-Off
RoRo is one of the most popular methods for shipping vehicles.
The vehicle is simply loaded by driving it on to a flatbed ship. This tends to be one of the more effective and cheaper options, but in some cases, there are strict height and weight restrictions.
One of the reasons why this is the best method is how easy it is to load and unload the shipped vehicle.
Flat Rack Shipping
Flat rack shipping is often used to ship boats, RVs and other pieces of heavy equipment.
The shipment is secured on flat racks that sit atop of the ship. This method is a cheap alternative to some of the more expensive methods, but it does leave your machinery exposed to the open air.
Container Shipping
Container shipping is the most recognized form of shipping when it comes to international trade. We’ve all seen them at some point.
One of the main reasons to choose container shipping (if your heavy equipment fits) is because it provides an additional layer of protection by shielding your machinery from the elements.
Lift-On/Lift-Off
LoLo is typically the more expensive option because of the extra labor required to prepare your shipment.
This method involves your shipment being loaded and unloaded from a ship using a crane.
It is usually used for non-operable vehicles like farm equipment, disabled heavy machinery, or large engines.
Your close – now what?
One question that a lot of people forget to ask is whether their shipping company carries insurance. Most companies will carry the minimum amount required.
You’ll need to find out whether the cost of your heavy equipment is covered and whether you want to purchase additional insurance to protect it.
Base level insurance may be more than enough if you are shipping heavy equipment regionally within the United States or to a safe country like France or England. However, you’ll probably want to increase your protection if you are shipping longer distances to dangerous countries.
This is how you can save even more on heavy equipment shipping rates
Work with a reputable shipping company. This isn’t a marketing ploy to get you to strike a deal.
It’s the truth.
Reputable shipping companies have spent decades developing their contacts. They know which companies are offering the best rates at a specific time.
You can certainly try and ship a piece of heavy equipment on your own – and you may get a great price – but more often than not you will pay more.
Shipping companies know all the right people, have domestic and international connections, and understand the market.
Getting the best price possible can be difficult unless you have that knowledge.
That’s where we step in
Here at A-1 Auto Transport, we believe in being transparent and offering the best rates. The shipping industry is complex and competitive and there is no need to pay more than you have to.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of shipping a piece of heavy equipment, get into touch with us and we will do our best to clear it up for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
As you research different equipment hauling companies near you, it is important to look for companies that are fully licensed and insured. You also want to see that they have experience and positive reviews from previous clients.
At A1, we can help you ship and transport any type of equipment. It is common for us to help haul bulldozers, loaders, tractors, trucks, excavators, backhoes, forklifts, cranes, and other important equipment.
An equipment hauling company will first determine the size and weight of your equipment and where it is going to be shipped. They will also determine the price of your project after considering distance, gas prices, shipping method, access to major highways, the season, and whether any special hauling considerations need to be made. Keep in mind that it will also be more expensive to ship equipment overseas.
It can be tempting to always go with the lowest quote for equipment hauling, but that isn’t necessarily always the best idea. You need to consider exactly what you are getting for your money. Not all companies will include the same services. In addition, not every company adheres to the same standards when it comes to customer service. Instead of thinking about the cost, try to think about the value you are getting for your money. Also, beware of any quotes that are significantly lower than competitors. As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Some common types of trailers include:
- Lowboys can drop down in height to allow for easy roll-on, roll-off loading and unloading.
- Flatbeds are a popular option for transporting equipment and materials. It is a basic trailer that is open on all sides.
- Step-deck trailers have a top and bottom level and come with ramps for easy loading.
- Removable gooseneck trailers are perfect for transporting taller equipment like cranes. The trailer is detachable and can be dropped down on one end to create a ramp.
- Dual-lane trailers are designed to haul the heaviest payloads that can’t be transported by traditional trailers.
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate the cost of your equipment hauling. As you review quotes from different companies, look and see if they all offer the same services. Make a list of the services that are most important to you and ask companies to include these as a part of their services.
When it comes to researching equipment hauling companies, the internet is a great resource. Even the quality of their website can speak to their overall professionalism. Also, take the time to read reviews from previous customers. They can provide you with valuable insights into their own experience and what you can expect from the company.
A reputable company will provide different communication tools. For the fastest response, call the company directly or take advantage of their instant messaging platform. You may also be able to fill out an online contact form or reach out to them over social media platforms.
The idea of hauling large and expensive equipment can seem overwhelming, but for an experienced company, it can be a lot easier than you think. The right company will have a proven strategy that they have successfully employed in the past. They will also be able to provide you with expert guidance when it comes to acquiring the right permits and completing necessary paperwork.
At A1, we have over 25 years of experience with equipment hauling.
The cost of your hauling project will depend on the size of your equipment, how far you will be transporting it, and whether it is a domestic or international shipping project. For a free, detailed quote, you can contact us directly.
Again, transportation times will depend on a variety of factors including, where you and shipping your equipment and whether there is easy access to major highways. The time of year and weather can also play a role. We can provide you with an estimate that will help you with the planning process.
An equipment hauling company will do their best to calculate shipping times. They will take into account how long a driver or transporter is allowed to work, the length of the trip, and speed limits or capabilities along the intended route. However, traffic congestion, construction, mechanical issues, weather conditions, and other factors can cause delays. While we can’t control every factor, we will do our best to deliver your shipment on time.
Yes, we offer international equipment hauling and shipping. Your equipment can be delivered to almost any location.
A1 prides itself on offering excellent customer service. If you are having any problems or have questions about your equipment hauling, you can contact our customer service experts.
We recommend that you clean the equipment, cover the stack to prevent debris from entering, disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining, secure the doors with a zip tie, and make a detailed list of any existing damage or scratches.
Overload refers to when the gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds the weight capacity of the trailer and hauling vehicle. Weigh stations are placed along highways to help prevent overload, which can cause damage to the hauler and the equipment.
Your hauling company should be covered by their own insurance that will extend to your equipment. However, it is always a good idea to contact your own insurance company and inquire about any extra coverage they may be able to offer.
There may be logistical issues that prevent us from dropping heavy equipment and other items directly to your door. Narrow roads and other obstacles can prohibit our trucks from entering. However, we will work with you to make arrangements so that you have a safe and convenient drop-off point.
Yes, we offer all-inclusive quotes so that you can have an accurate idea of all the services you will receive during the course of your equipment hauling project.
Yes, we provide satellite tracking for all our customers so that you can easily track your shipment.
Yes, reputable equipment hauling companies will have extensive insurance to protect both you and themselves.
It is essential to accurately determine the weight of your equipment. The weight can determine the type of trailer and vehicle that is necessary to transport your equipment. Heavier equipment may also require special permits. If the right permits aren’t properly secured, there could be fines and other penalties involved.
Depending on the size of the equipment you need to haul and regulations in the states through which it will be transported, you may need special permits. You can learn more by contacting the DOT in relevant states. However, your equipment hauling company should be aware of any necessary permits and take the steps to secure them before transportation.
We can transport practically any type of equipment. Farm and construction equipment are common types of equipment, but we are capable of safely hauling all types of equipment to any destination.
The United States Department of Transportation works to help oversee and regulate equipment hauling. The Federal Motor Carrier Administration is a division of the federal DOT and works to set and enforce restrictions on the length, width, and weight of shipments that can be hauled on commercial highways.
If you are shipping heavy equipment, special permits may be required. Your equipment hauling company should be able to handle this aspect of the project so that both you and they can avoid extra fines and fees. Permit applications should be submitted as soon as possible since they can take a few weeks to process. You don’t want to have shipments delayed because of paperwork.
Share on Facebook 
Share on LinkedIn 
Share on Twitter 
