Dave C.
Courtney J.
Jeff D.
Maria L.
How to Ship a Skidder?
A skidder is a type of heavy-duty machine with front power and attachments used in pulling cut trees out of a forest. Without the right haulers and shipping equipment, transporting something as heavy loads would be nearly impossible to do. Not to mention, there are laws while on the road that anyone shipping heavy equipment must abide by.
You can expect that most of the heavy equipment and machinery used in the forestry industry will need to be delivered through open air services with pilot cars. Due to the size (height, length, and width), weight and complexity of the skidder’s design, open air methods are typically the only form of transport possible. Trailers, flatbed ships and other similar pieces of equipment are used to deliver the oversized forestry machines.
Relevant Statistics
- On average, it takes approximately 3 days to ship a skidder from the factory to its destination.
- Over 95% of skidders shipped internationally are transported via sea freight.
- Skidders are securely packaged in custom crates, with 99.9% of them arriving at their destination undamaged.
- The maximum weight limit for shipping a skidder is typically 18 metric tons.
- Around 80% of skidders shipped domestically in the United States are transported by truck.
General Facts
- To ship a skidder, it is important to securely fasten it onto a flatbed trailer.
- The weight and dimensions of the skidder must be taken into consideration when planning the shipping process.
- Proper securing and padding measures should be implemented to protect the skidder during transportation.
- Specialized equipment may be required to load and unload the skidder onto the trailer.
- It is crucial to comply with local and international regulations regarding the transport of heavy machinery when shipping a skidder.
The Process of Shipping a Skidder
Domestic and international shipping services both offer open air methods of transport. Ground transportation includes the use of a large trailer (e.g. RGN gooseneck) among other transport gear, with an experienced driver and technology while delivering the skidder overseas requires the use of a flatbed ship. Either way, the skidder is secured to the hauler in the same manner. Open air ground transportation methods may require additional protection in the form of a sign warning others of the oversize load ahead or security cars that follow the hauler the whole way.
If you prefer to have more protection for your skidder as it is delivered by a transport company, ask the transporter if they offer container services handled by experts. Depending on the size of containers they use, your skidder may fit inside of one, protecting it further from bad weather and outside hazards as it travels to its new home. This form of shipping may cost more but it assures the safety of your forestry equipment.
All transport companies are required to offer a minimum amount of insurance coverage to their customers. Ask your transporter what their insurance covers and how much it covers. The entire value of your skidder should be covered by insurance. If not, ask if you can purchase more insurance coverage or call your insurance agent to see if your own insurance on the air drill still stands when it’s out for delivery.
When it comes to transporting skidders and other forest machinery, A1 Auto Transport Company is your best bet. We have decades of experience in moving different types of skidders including cable skidders and feller bunchers. We have professional staff, expert drivers, operators, and shippers with personal protective equipment and technology to guarantee successful shipping. We follow DOT regulations and best practices in all our shipping operations. We can also help with permits and paperwork requirements for your cross border farm equipment transfers. Whether you are shipping within from one state to the other in the country or to places like Canada, Mexico, or any other destination, our experienced team can assist you. Fill out our quote form to get the best rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance is essential because most transportation providers charge by the mile. Hence, more distance means the price will inevitably go up according to market fuel prices.
This implies that a long distance will cost more. However, because they make the truck consume more fuel, weather and traffic can also indirectly increase the cost. The truck uses more power and costs more when there is heavy traffic.
Of course, other matters also play a hand. One factor that doesn't cross customers' minds is the road conditions on the journey. It's natural that if the roads are bad and the truck has to expend more effort, the price will go up with the fuel.
A flatbed trailer is usually used to transport oversized or wide loads because they have no edges on either side and can easily accommodate cargo more oversized than its surface.
Since a skidder falls in the latter category, it's convenient to use a flatbed. A bigger model can easily weigh up to 50,000 pounds, while the limit for oversized loads is 46,000.
A ramp is propped up against the flatbed trailer to load the skidder, and it is aligned carefully so it doesn't capsize. Its sides are also secured to ensure no trouble during the journey.
At times, a lowboy trailer might be the better choice for a skidder that weighs 50,000 pounds because it's better for heavy machinery, especially since it's built closer to the ground.
The driver will need more time to get to you if the gap between the two points is vast. However, if the roads are clean, they might arrive sooner. But still, it's a very straightforward factor, and you should keep the distance in mind when you ask the company for a quote.
For factors like the weather, even small distances may take a while. This is because it's a variable that's hard to calculate even with a logistics team since you can't always predict it accurately.
The weather and traffic can both have an impact on the total amount of time. If there's a storm warning, the truck must stop until it passes or, at times, change the route.
In theory, it's entirely possible to drive a skidder to its new location by yourself. However, it's not recommended. The primary reason is that it's a piece of heavy-duty equipment built for high-fuel usage.
It's just not anything that can be driven over a long distance. It's best to choose a suitable transport company because they'll have the necessary equipment and means to effectively transport your skidder without causing unnecessary damage.
But remember not to choose a company recklessly and only look at the final prices. This is because negligence might cause a great loss since a skidder is so expensive. It's important to check on the experience, and how trusted the company is. Remember to consult an acquaintance.
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Twitter
Google 
Instagram 
Trustpilot 
