How to Prepare Your Heavy Equipment for Transport

Preparing Your Heavy Equipment for Transport

With any form of heavy load or machinery transport services purchased, it’s always important to prepare for the process. Not only must you provide the proper documentation, but you must prepare the cargo for loading. Depending on the details of your heavy vehicles, their shape, and dimensions, the preparation process differs. The objective, however, is the same. When you prepare to transport heavy equipment, it will not only keep your equipment safer, but those caring for its shipping process protected also. The transport company holds most of the responsibility but preparing according to their standards is the one thing they expect from their customers.

Failing to prepare your heavy equipment for its transport increases the risks involved. An accident may happen to the trailer conveying it, resulting in injury or damages to the cargo and the equipment used to haul it. Regardless, these are scenarios we would all like to avoid. Not to mention, if your heavy weight equipment was ill prepared for its transport, it is likely that the transport company’s insurance company will deny your claim in the case of accidents. Although the transport company will carry out some inspection and risk assessment on the vehicle and its path to the shipping destination, you still have the responsibility to ensure that all is well at your own end of things.

.Heavy Equipment Pricing & Time To Ship Examples

Tips for Preparing Your Heavy Equipment for Transport

Here are some important tasks and procedures to follow when preparing your heavy equipment

• If the heavy equipment is to be packaged for its transportation, refer to the owner’s manual for proper packaging techniques and materials. If you don’t own the manual, contact the manufacturer or check their website.
• Disconnect any batteries, alarm systems, or any other thing that can cause hazards
• Empty any fluids
• Ensure the security and adequate protection of all loose parts; front, right, left, and center
• Remove dirt and debris from the vehicle
• Make lots of room for the equipment transport company to come retrieve the heavy equipment - in addition, ensure there are enough access roads to get to the outfit sites
• Have all the required permits ready or make sure the transporter has them ready in time, to avoid fines and restrictions on the road
• Cover any parts of the equipment that you do NOT want exposed to outside elements and weather if it is being shipped by means of open air ground transportation
• If you plan to transport your heavy equipment with the RO/RO method, it may need to be operational - the tire pressure needs to be intact
• Disclose any concerns about your equipment to the vehicle components transport company during inspections so that potential obstacles can be sorted ahead of the shipping date

Lessen the risks involved in heavy equipment transport by fulfilling the requirements above. Some transport companies may have other stipulations too. Pay close attention to the details and get the job done right. When everything and everyone is prepared properly, you will notice how much smoother the shipping process goes. It relieves both you and the driver of stress and unnecessary risks.

Relevant Statistics

• Approximately 95% of damage to heavy equipment during transport can be prevented through proper preparation.
• Adhering to a comprehensive checklist can reduce the risk of delays during transport by 80%.
• Using specialized tie-down methods, such as employing at least four chains per machine, decreases the likelihood of equipment shifting by 75%.
• Implementing regular equipment inspections can result in a 90% decrease in maintenance issues during transportation.
• Preparing detailed documentation and securing all necessary permits increases the efficiency of transporting heavy equipment by up to 60%.

General Facts

• Inspect the equipment thoroughly for any damage or mechanical issues before transport.
• Secure all loose parts and accessories to avoid damage during transit.
• Drain any fluids from the equipment that may pose a risk during transportation.
• Make sure to obtain the necessary permits and documentation for transporting heavy equipment.
• Use proper loading and securing techniques, such as using ramps or cranes and utilizing straps or chains, to ensure safe transportation.

Hire A1 Auto Transport

A1 Auto Transport is an industry leader when it comes to safe heavy equipment transportation processes. We operate in compliance with best practices, safety measures, regulations, and guidelines of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Our drivers are well trained and they have experience shipping all kinds of heavy loads. We have expertise in road movement and ocean freight shipping. We can ship equipment components and accessories in whole or in parts and pieces from chains, tires, straps, gears, brakes, lights, booms, cradles, wedges, knobs, buckets, chocks, tie-down points, attachment points, working tools, and other equipment attachments in a secure truck or transportation vehicle. We can ship within a state and across multiple states within the country. We'll take care of everything from the loading, transportation, and unloading process at the destination place. We have shipping equipment like lowboy, step deck, and flatbed trailers and trucks. We also have experienced crew, personnel, and escort vehicles.

Contact us today for your free quote and let's help get your heavy equipment transportation process done stress-free!