How to Ship Heavy Equipment

Before you can ship a piece of heavy equipment, you have to find someone who has the ability to do so. Not every auto transport company offers this kind of service, so finding one with the credentials to do so becomes imperative. You have to be able to identify the characteristics of a reputable shipping company if you want to move heavy equipment safely.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself:

• Is the company registered, bonded, and insured?
• Do they meet my budget and exceed my expectations?
• How much experience does this company have transporting heavy equipment?
• How does the company accept payment?
• Is this company too good to be true?
• Are my needs met with exceptional customer service and all of my questions answered?

Once you find the right shipping company to transport your heavy equipment, you need to make sure to compare the pricing for the best deal with the highest safety protocols. The best way to choose a company is to get quotes from several using all of the required factors.

There are many different types of shipment methods for vehicles – but only a few are ideally suited for heavy equipment shipping. In fact, there are four methods that are used most frequently by heavy equipment transport companies:

• Container Shipping – Containers are box-like structures that surround the heavy equipment on all four sides and easily stack on top of one another. This method is preferable to others because it protects the equipment from the elements. Shipping containers come in many sizes, which make it possible to accommodate heavy equipment in them. This is one of the more expensive methods of shipment.
• Lift-on/Lift-off – Lift-on/Lift-off is also referred to as LoLo and is used when the shipment has no ability to be driven or “rolled” into position. LoLo requires the use of a crane to lift the equipment on and off of the platform or trailer it is being shipped on.
• Roll-on/Roll-off – Roll-on/Roll-off is also referred to as RoRo. It is one of the simplest ways to load and ship a vehicle, especially heavy equipment. Using RoRo for equipment is a cheaper form of transport.
• Flat Rack Shipping – Flat rack shipping solves the problems that can exist in trailer and space capacity for heavy equipment. Flat racks make it possible to stack equipment without being limited by the space surrounding it.

You can also assume that most of these use a flat trailer in some aspect. You have likely seen the “wide load” or “oversized load” trucks on the interstate – these are often found carrying heavy equipment transports.

Loading heavy equipment onto a trailer or into a container safely is not an easy task. It may require additional equipment or knowledge to load and unload it. If this is necessary, it might require that the shipping company have additional certification or insurance coverages. Safety should take priority when transporting heavy equipment.

The first step of being safe is preparing for the shipment. Shipments require inspections, including inspecting the equipment before and after transport. The shipping company will provide a document called a Bill of Lading which serves as the receipt of the shipment – a contract, so to speak.

Once you have narrowed it down to a few transport companies and decided which way you plan to ship your heavy equipment, you must discuss the distance with the transport company. In most circumstances, the distance of the transport will play a large role in the price you pay. Short distances tend to be more expensive per mile than longer distances. 

Not all transport companies work with long-distance transports. If you find yourself in need of shipping heavy equipment long distances, you should discuss with your shipping company of choice if they are able to accommodate your request.

In addition to finding the right shipping company, comparing the price of transport is the next step of the process. Each company will likely offer different pricing options and discounts. Several factors may influence the price you pay for a vehicle shipment. Some of these may include the time of year, the weight of the shipment, the type of trailer used, the day of the week, and the distance of the transport.

The weight and the size of the equipment play the largest role in the shipment, though. Most heavy shipments are priced per mile. Depending on the distance, you could be looking at a shipment that costs $500 to $5,000, and the more miles, the lower price per mile. 

Shipping during the off season is one of the most price-efficient times to ship any type of vehicle or equipment. When the schedule is not overcrowded, you are more likely to get a better rate. The same applies to choosing a day in the middle of the week for shipping versus the weekend when most people plan their transports. Many transport companies even offer incentives for shipping during these times to help even out their demand.

Once you have determined what companies to quote for shipping your heavy equipment, the method you plan to ship it with, the distance, and the pricing options, it is time to make a decision on which company you want to use. When you choose the company, they will work with you, discussing where pickup and drop off of the heavy equipment will occur. 

At pickup, the shipping company representative will do an inspection with you, noting all the information on the Bill of Lading. This document serves as a legal contract between you and the company. The same inspection will be completed after the shipment is completed, ensuring that no damage was caused during the shipment. 

There are some circumstances where shipments may qualify for door-to-door shipping. This type of shipping is when the company picks up your heavy equipment from its current location and then drops it off at the location of your choice, like the job site you need it at. Not all companies have the ability to offer this type of service, but A1 Auto Transport is proud to be a full-service transport company.

When you work with A1 Auto Transport to ship your heavy equipment, we take the highest safety precautions necessary to ensure your heavy equipment makes it to its destination on time. We provide you with the best rates and the highest quality of service, getting your equipment where you need it without high prices or inefficiency. Shipping your heavy equipment doesn’t have to be complicated, not when you have the best on your side.