Shipping a Skidder
Without the right haulers and shipping equipment, transporting something as heavy and large 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. Due to the size, 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.
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 among other transport gear 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. 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.
Written By:Joe Webster
Joe Webster began his journey in the auto transport field by attending the University of Southern California (USC), where he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Marketing.
After college, he started his career in the auto transport industry from the bottom up and has done virtually every job there is to do at A-1 Auto Transport, including but not limited to: Truck Driver, Dispatch, Sales, PR, Bookkeeping, Transport Planner, Transport Manager, International Transport Manager, Brokering, Customer Service, and Marketing. Working with his mentor Tony Taylor, Joe Webster has learned the ins and outs of this industry which is largely misunderstood.
With over 30 years experience in the industry, we've been helping people ship their vehicles, motorcycles, RV's, heavy equipment, household goods and more across the country or overseas without a hitch. Ask us anything.
