Preparing Farm Equipment for Shipping

What's in this article?

Farm equipment has become a hot commodity over the last decade. As farmers seek out new ways to increase their yields, they often turn to machinery.

As a result, equipment manufacturers constantly look for ways to improve efficiency and lower costs. However, before transporting your equipment across the country, there are several factors to consider and we’ll go over them in this article.

Tips to Prepare for a Safe and Efficient Shipment

So what are the best ways of ensuring equipment arrives safely? Here are some tips for preparing your farm equipment for transport.

Choose your best mode of shipping

Many modes of transportation are available for moving farm equipment from one location to another. The most common methods include:

Air freight
Rail
Trucking
Waterway

Air freight

The advantages of air freight are obvious. It's fast, convenient, and relatively inexpensive. However, there can be drawbacks. For example, getting an accurate weight measurement on large pieces of equipment can be challenging, so it may not be suitable for heavy cargo.

Also, if you have any concerns about the condition of your equipment, you may not want to ship by air.

Rail

This method of transport is also very popular among farmers. It offers quick delivery times and low rates. However, rail shipments require special handling.

Your equipment must be loaded onto a flatbed truck or trailer and transported to its final destination. This could prove to be extremely difficult if you need to transport hefty loads.

Waterway

Waterway shipping might be a good option if you live near a major river or lake. This kind of transportation is comparatively simple to utilize. Load your equipment into a barge or container boat and send it down the river. Unload it when it gets to its location, then continue operations.

Trucking

This option is probably the best choice for most farmers. You can choose between hauling by tractor or semi-trailer. Both options offer similar benefits and drawbacks.

Tractor trailers allow you to load and unload at your convenience. They also provide more space than semi-trailers. Semi-trailers are usually used when you need to haul multiple items in a single trip.

Trailer types

Choosing the right trailer can be a daunting task. Farmers' most common types of trailers are open-top flatbeds, enclosed box trucks, and enclosed dump trailers. Every type of trailer has advantages and disadvantages.

Flatbeds with open tops are often less expensive but provide less weather protection. Enclosed box truck trailers provide better protection against weather damage but are more.

Open top flatbeds

Flatbed trailers are the most popular type of trailers used to transport agricultural machinery. They are inexpensive and easy to use.

Flatbed trailers have an open top, which allows you to load and unload from the back of the trailer. This design's drawback is that the sides are open to the weather. If you live in a cold climate or plan on traveling through snow, you will want to choose a closed trailer.

Enclosed box trucks

Box trucks are another popular option for transporting farm equipment. These trailers usually have a steel construction and come equipped with rollers at each corner. They are similar to flatbed trailers, except they have walls around them.

Box trucks have the advantage of keeping the equipment inside safe from the elements.

Dump trailers

A dump trailer is designed specifically for hauling dirt, gravel, and sand. Dump trailers are not as standard as other options, but they do serve a specific purpose.

On a farm, a dump trailer is ideal for moving large amounts of material such as soil, rock, mulch, etc. It also makes sense to use a dump trailer when you need to move a lot of material.

Obtaining the Necessary Permits & Insurance for Shipping

Farmers need permits from local authorities and governmental agencies in order to ship farm equipment. These permits differ according to where you live. Some states have permit requirements, while others do not.

Furthermore, many states have specific insurance coverage requirements. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) may need you to obtain a permit before transporting your equipment. In addition, you must obtain a USDOT number and license plate before shipping.

Contact your local county or state office to determine if you need a permit and what kind of insurance you will need if you plan to ship your equipment cross-country. You may require special insurance.

Shipping your equipment via air

You must purchase cargo insurance to ship your equipment by air. Cargo insurance protects you if your equipment is lost or damaged while being transported.

When purchasing insurance, make sure to buy enough coverage to cover the full value of your equipment. This means you should insure everything, including the tires, wheels, axles, and all attachments.

Cargo insurance costs between $100 - $300 per year. You can find out more information about how much insurance you need by contacting your insurance agent.

Shipping your equipment via rail

If you plan to ship your equipment via rail, you must apply for a permit from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the federal agency that oversees rail transportation. The FRA requires that you obtain a permit before shipping any equipment over railroad tracks.

In addition to paying a fee to the train corporation, you must show proof of liability insurance.

There are different rail freight costs depending on how much equipment you're shipping and how big it is. For example, a small tractor would be cheaper than a larger one.

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Shipping your equipment by water

If you intend to ship your equipment using water, you will need a permit and insurance from the United States Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will require you to fill out an application form and submit it with the Certificate of Insurance.

Once you receive the Certificate of Insurance, you will need to file a copy of it with the State Marine Board. The State Marine Board will issue you a Certificate of Inspection.

Once you have received both certificates from the State Marine Board, you can begin shipping your equipment.

Costs associated with shipping your equipment vary depending on the type of vessel. Vessels used for transporting agricultural products include barges, tugs, and towboats.

Shipping overseas

You may need to pay customs duties and taxes if you ship your equipment overseas. These fees depend on where in the world you are sending your equipment.

You can learn more about these fees by contacting your local customs office. In addition, many policies exclude coverage for shipments outside the United States. Ensure that your policy includes coverage for shipments outside your home country.

Certificate of origin

You must obtain an export certificate if you're going to ship anything out of the U.S. It proves that the goods were produced in the U.S.A. You must obtain a certificate of origin if you want to export your equipment legally.

Contact your neighborhood USDA office if you want to get a Certificate of Origin. They will require that you fill out a form and send them copies of your invoice and packing list.

Heavy machinery license

The federal government has established maximum restrictions for the breadth and weight of loads that may be transported on the highway, but it is up to the individual states to decide how to handle issuing licenses for loads that do so.

For example, California requires all vehicles weighing over 10,000 pounds to be licensed. In contrast, New York does not inspect heavier equipment before shipping.

Check the Manufacturer's Securement Recommendations

Before shipping any piece of farm equipment, make sure to check with the manufacturer as to how to secure the equipment properly.

Manufacturers often recommend using tie downs, chains, straps, and other methods to secure the equipment. Make sure to follow these recommendations when securing your equipment.

Additionally, only use approved materials, such as those recommended by the manufacturer. The best strategy to prevent equipment damage during shipment is to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Avoiding wide load designation

Tips for avoiding wide load designation include:

1) Use a single axle trailer. A single axle trailer allows for easier loading and unloading. It also makes maneuvering in tight spaces easier.

2) Start with the heaviest items. When loading a trailer, begin at the back and work your way forward. This helps prevent the trailer from tipping over.

3) Keep the trailer level. Most trailers include leveling jacks. If yours does not, make sure to keep the trailer level so it does not tip over.

4) Don't overload the trailer. Overloading a trailer can cause the trailer to overturn.

5) Always use safety belts. Safety belts help protect yourself and your cargo.

6) Keep an eye on the temperature. If the temperature rises above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, you may want to consider relocating the trailer to a cooler area.

7) Make sure to inspect the trailer before leaving. Inspect the tires, brakes, lights, and hitch. If anything looks out of place, call your carrier immediately.

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Final Checklist before Shipping

Wash equipment: Wash all equipment thoroughly. Remove dirt and debris from the equipment. Washing equipment prevents rust and corrosion.
Remove batteries: Before shipping, remove the batteries from all equipment. Battery acid can leach into the environment and harm wildlife.
Cover and secure vulnerable pieces: Cover vulnerable equipment with tarps or blankets. Secure equipment with ropes, chains, or straps.
Refer to your owner's manual: Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for more information about transporting your vehicle.

Conclusion

Preparing farm equipment for shipping is both time-consuming and labor intensive. As a result, some farmers decide to cut corners. The time you may initially save by bypassing some steps may not be worth it in the long term.

To minimize the hassles of shipping your farm equipment, talk to us at A-1 Auto Transport. As one of North America's premier shipping companies, we offer a comprehensive range of shipping services, including heavy equipment shipping.

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