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How to Ship a Helicopter?

Published by Joe Webster.

How to Ship a Helicopter?

Shipping a helicopter is different from moving other vehicles. The reason is simple: helicopters are much bigger and need more space. They also require specialized care when being hauled.

You might be wondering why ship when it can simply fly to its new destination. Right? Most people think that it is flown there. But that's not true. More often, they are moved there.

But the question is, "Is delivering something so big to its new destination possible?"

Well, it's possible to ship to their new location. "But, how?" you might think. This article will answer all your queries regarding moving and exploring different ways.

Let's begin.

Why Are Helicopters Shipped Instead of Moving Them Through Flying?

Mostly, helicopters move from one place to another and are used for sightseeing or moving people. And they make money from it.

So, every time it flies, it has to be making money.

If you fly to a new place, you'll have to bear maintenance expenses before and after the flight. Also, you'll have to take care of everything taken into account before a flight.

That's a lot of hassle and an expensive option. Thus, it's better to move rather than fly it.

Makes sense?

a man and woman stand beside a chopper
Pinned
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What Are the Different Ways to Move?

Like other freight, they are also moved in three ways: by air, sea, and land.

  1. By Air: The quickest way is by air. It is the most expensive option, but it will get the job done quickly. Many companies specialize in dispatching by air. They have the proper equipment and know "how" to get it to its destination safely.
  2. By Sea: Moving by sea is more complicated than moving by air. It takes a bit longer, but it is usually less expensive.
  3. By Land: Hauling by land is the most common way. It is also the least expensive option.

How Firms Haul?

The essential thing while carrying out a move is careful planning. You need to think about every step involved and make the necessary arrangements. The same goes for moving; firms are pros at planning the moves.

There are several reasons why people might want to move.

It could be because they are moving to a new country or the owners need to get it to a particular destination for repairs. Choosing a company you can trust to get the job done correctly is vital.

Ensure you choose an agency that always carefully selects its carriers and partner offices. And ensure their specialists also help load and unload at the port or airport. And they stay with the cargo until it is delivered to the destination.

You have to ensure that all the subcontractors and offices involved in the process understand your instructions clearly.

But it's not enough to give them the instructions. You also need to follow up with them to ensure that everything has been understood and handled properly.

Firms specialize in moving domestically and internationally/ However, to understand the process, we shall look at the domestic process below.

Domestic Delivery

Shipping by road requires a lot of skill and knowledge. The most affordable way to do this is using a special flatbed trailer designed for hauling.

Some people might think that an auto hauler would work for moving, but that is not the case every time

because a helicopter must be smaller than usual for this to be considered a safe option!

The most common option for moving domestically is flatbed trailers. However, the second-best option for the relocation is through trailers.

It is a specialized task that requires proper handling and delivery. You need to take care of many things if you want to move. Such as:

  • You have to make sure it is safe to haul.
  • You also need to make sure all the parts are handled safely.
  • Finally, you have to remove sensitive instruments and blades to prevent damage.

Why Is a Flatbed Trailer the Top Choice?

Moving is often more expensive than delivering a large car. The reason is that they are bigger and heavier than cars. They also have more things to check off and account for. Even small ones can't fit on a standard truck that dispatched cars.

So, many corporations that offer services will also haul them using a flatbed carrier. There are not many other ways to ship domestically than this method.

You will need a vehicle that has a flatbed. A lowboy is also necessary in some cases because it is longer and rides lower than a flatbed vehicle.

Sometimes, the flatbed is not perfect. That is why many movers only use them to ship to ports. Roll-on/roll-off containers are much more protective of a helicopter than flatbed trucks. But this is only if you are moving overseas.

Delivery Trailer

Specialized trailersoffer an enclosed shelter for smaller or medium-sized ones that protect it from bad weather and road debris. Most trailers designed for this purpose now have retractable tarps, making them the standard choice for carriers dedicated to haul.

Retractable tarps offer protection from the elements and keep it hidden from public view.

Even though it provides extra protection, there are several other reasons why it is essential to have an enclosed environment.

  • You should never underestimate theft and vandalism, so having a safe place to keep a helicopter is essential.
  • On-board cradles are designed to work with many different types of landing gear. This helps keep it from touching anything except the landing gear attached to the deck.
  • Another feature of trailers is storing removable components, such as rotor blades and landing gear.

Many enterprises offer customized services to fit your needs.

For example, they may have a unique landing gear stand for hauling oversized ones without damaging the sensitive parts.

Larger ones, like the Bell 525 and the AW 139, would need to use an expandable or open-deck trailer.

Low-bed versions of trailers can haul a Bell 412 by removing the blades. These trailers are straightforward to use.

a chopper parked on the runway

10 Things To Take Into Account

To haul, you need to be very careful about every aspect of the move. It would help if you communicated with everyone involved to ensure everything went smoothly. Below, we shall discuss some things you need to consider when relocating.

Get Multiple Quotes.

It would help if you always got multiple quotes before selecting a company.

It will give you a better idea of the market rates, and you can choose an agency that offers competitive prices. When getting quotes, be clear about your requirements so that the agency can give you accurate estimates.

Also, ask them if any hidden costs are involved to know exactly how much you will have to pay.

Choose Your Agency Wisely.

When looking for a firm to help you with the shipment, make sure you know what you are getting. Ask how much the service will cost and get everything in writing. This way, you won't be surprised by hidden costs or a service that is different from what you agreed to.

It is possible to avoid these problems if you are careful about who you deal with. And follow some safety precautions to prevent any future issues. Set a criterion to find your best bet. Once you have found a corporation that meets these criteria, you can be confident that your equipment will be shipped safely and on time.

Get a Detailed Estimate.

The company should be able to provide you with a detailed estimate before moving. Ensure the estimate includes the cost, insurance, and other fees.

Ensure Company's Credibility.

Make sure they consider your helicopter move credible.

One way to do this is to look at the reviews on their website and learn what their clients have said about them. Reading online reviews helps you gauge how reliable they are and how satisfied their clients are.

Another way to find out if it is reliable is to talk to your family and friends to see if they have any experience with them.

Ask About the License And Insurance.

Ask about their qualifications, licensing, and insurance when considering an enterprise. In addition, they should be licensed to move. You can check this by asking them for their license number.

And make sure that the ones you choose are insured. It will protect it in case of any damage.

Ask them for proof of insurance and ensure it is up to date because this means that if something happens to it, you will be covered.

Check Their Customer Service.

A company is required to save your time and money.

If you always have to chase them, this can increase your stress levels and delay the process. The one you choose should have excellent customer service. They should be able to answer all your questions and concerns.

Also, they must be able to provide you with updates on the status of your shipment. Choose a corporation that is easy to reach and is available 24/7. This way, you can get in touch with them anytime.

Ensure that your company pays attention to your needs and goes above and beyond your expectations.

You can check their social media accounts to see their interaction with their customers. That is a good sign if they are responsive and try to resolve customer issues.

On the other hand, if they ignore customers or delete negative comments, that is a red flag, and you should avoid working with such a firm.

Check for the Company's Reputation.

When finding the best agency, you should also consider its reputation in the marketplace.

An enterprise with a good reputation is likely to provide better service. Make sure that the one you choose has a good reputation. You can ask other businesses if they have worked with them before and if they were happy with the service.

Checking how long they have been in business and its reputation can help you make a more informed decision.

Know About the Cancelation Policy.

Before you finalize the deal with them, ask about their cancellation policy.

If you're unsure if you want to use their services, ask if they have any cancellation policy. You should also ask if there are any extra charges for canceling. Finally, if you don't want to pay in advance or the total amount, find out if you can pay in installments.

Ask if the company offers any unique plans for their new customers.

You should know about the refund policy and other things related to it. This information will help you if you need to cancel the contract.

Avoid Cheap Options.

Many offer cheap services.

However, it would help if you avoided such firms as they might not be able to provide the level of service you expect.

Also, check the reviews of such agencies before hiring them. There have been many cases where people have lost their vehicles or have had them damaged because they chose a cheap and unreliable one.

You might think that a lower price means getting a better deal. But be careful! If the company is too cheap, they might be unable to provide you with good service.

Spending a bit more and getting the job done right the first time is always better.

a chopper soars above a mountain landscape

Shrink-Wrap Your Heli for Added Safety.

One exciting way to protect it it is by shrink-wrapping it. , itThis method is most useful for domestic delivery, but it can also be used when hauling overseas.

The shrink-wrapping process is quite fascinating. It ensures that the item receives three layers of protection.

The first layer is scratch-resistant and ventilated foam, the second layer is flame-retardant, and the third layer is a polymer film.

The only downside to shrink-wrapping is that it is costly and time-consuming, so retractable tarp trailers are more common for everyday moving.

Conclusion

Moving can be daunting, but it can be done relatively quickly with careful planning and execution. However, hauling requires much knowledge and experience, regardless of the type. For example, people who work on helicopters must know insurance details and how to assemble and disable them.

They also need to know a lot about moving and loading it.

Each type has its own needs, so it is crucial to be detailed when planning each shipment. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can be confident that it will arrive at its destination safely and securely.

You will be able to choose the company best suited to your needs and get it where it needs to go. Hopefully, this article has given you some insight into shipping.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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