How to Ship Boom Lifts
Shipping boom lifts is often necessary. Due to their large size and heavy weight, trying to transport a boom lift using improper or insufficient means is dangerous and usually impossible.
Although the designs of boom lifts vary, some heavier and bulkier than others, open air transport methods are usually preferable.
Open air transport methods lack to provide coverage from bad weather but with the durability of the equipment, it is unlikely it will suffer any harm. When an open air shipping method is used to transport the heavy equipment, depending on where it’s traveling an open framed trailer and hauler, or flatbed ship may be used.
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No matter the type of hauler used to transport your boom lift, licensed transport professionals will use the latest shipping technologies and tools to assure its safety during the delivery process. They’ll see that is properly and tightly fastened to the hauler before it makes its way to its new home, even if it’s to travel a short distance to make it to its next site.
About Insurance Coverage during Transport
Whenever shipping services are purchased through a professional transport company, ask about their insurance coverage. All transport companies are required to provide the minimal amount of insurance during a transport. Nonetheless, when it comes to shipping valuable construction equipment, it is better to have coverage up to the full value of the boom lift. This ensures that any repairs or replacements are covered should an accident happen during its time with the transport company.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost to ship a boom lift?
Even a 60 feet boom lift weighs over 20,000 pounds, and the limit for oversized cargo is 46000 pounds. And when lowered for transport, it's only approximately 8.5 feet high, so it doesn't exceed the 13.5 feet height specification either.
These specifications mean that it'll cost a lot for a company to transport a boom lift, and you'll also be charged more. Of course, the biggest part is the distance since even if the fuel prices are lower, your destination is far away, and the cost will be higher.
The fuel plays a large indirect role in deciding the price, especially regarding the industry's per-mile cost.
What is the best option to ship a boom lift?
A boom lift is usually transported using a flatbed, lowboy or step-deck trailer. The final choice depends on your model and the company's requirements.
Flatbed trailers are a common choice for transporting heavy equipment. They allow the company to load it however needed because they have no borders or limitations. It can take weigh up to 40,000 pounds.
But since a boom lift has an upper platform that might need support, a step-deck or lowboy might be used because both have two levels, the lower one for the base and an upper one for the platform.
A step deck also has its ramp, which makes loading easier because a flatbed trailer requires a ramp to be put against it before the lift can be pushed onto the platform. Its weight limit is near the flatbed trailers.
How many days may it take to ship a boom lift?
Of course, the distance decides how long the journey will take.
Even in this direction, there are two aspects. One is that farther away locations in remote areas are harder to access, and it'll naturally take longer for your delivery to reach.
But on the other hand, it'll also take a while if you're near a metropolitan and traffic becomes troublesome. An example is passing through a city like New York.
It's the next factor affecting the journey because shipping around national or local holidays will affect your delivery time. The shipping company has to consider the traffic flow before setting a route for the driver.
Why should I ship a boom lift?
A professional transportation company is well-equipped to load and unload the boom lift, and they can make sure it reaches its new destination without damage. Doing it yourself is impossible because companies might require a crane to load the rail.
While cranes are available at shipping stations, ordinary people still can't use them to load them onto a trailer, so it's better to leave the process to the professionals. At times, if a company needs to use a crane, a layman obviously can't acquire it.
Remember also to be careful when you're selecting a company because you can cause damage to yourself. Refrain from being attracted to lower prices because you will be handing over something very expensive to them at the end of the day.
How is a Boom Lift Transported Over Long Distances?
A boom lift is usually transported using a flatbed trailer, though a step-deck or lowboy can also be used.
Flatbed trailers are a common choice for transporting heavy equipment. After all, they allow the company to load it however needed because they have no borders or limitations.
But since a boom lift has an upper platform that might need support, a step-deck or lowboy might be used because both have two levels, the lower one for the base and an upper one for the platform.
A step deck also has its ramp, which makes loading easier because a flatbed trailer requires a ramp to be put against it before the lift can be pushed onto the platform.
How is a Boom Lift Prepared and Secured for Transport?
Some preparations are standard, like having the boom lift cleaned thoroughly and emptied of fuel until it's at least only 1/4th full. Any wires must also be disconnected and secured.
Then there are specific requirements. First, the lift must be loaded horizontally to the trailer, and a turntable rotation lock pin is used to ensure the machine stays off during transport.
The lift and platform must be lowered into their lowest position, and any jibs and axles should be retracted. A lowboy or step-deck trailer is helpful at this step because the upper platform will give extra support to the lift platform while the main body is on the lower part.
At least six chains are used around the chassis to ensure it doesn't budge during the journey. Nylon straps reinforced with foam, rubber, or wood are used on the machine strap guides, being cautious not to apply too much force so there's no damage to the machine.
Are Special Permits or Licenses Required to Transport a Boom Lift Across State Borders?
There are no special permits for transporting a boom lift over a long distance as long as you have an experienced company. The reason is that a lift doesn't exceed any state-imposed limit and doesn't fall in the oversized or wide load categories.
Even a 60 feet boom lift weighs around 20,000 pounds, and the limit for an oversized cargo is 46000 pounds. And when lowered for transport, it's only approximately 8.5 feet high, so it doesn't exceed the 13.5 feet height specification either.
However, it's essential to load it correctly because the weight is measured per axle basis, so a good company must load it correctly and safely.
How Do I Choose the Right Company to Transport My Boom Lift?
As mentioned, a boom lift has many parts that must be lowered and retracted before transport. Since there are so many aspects to remember, it's different from equipment like a loader which is mostly one big unit.
An experienced company will load the lift carefully and know which areas require more care so that the loaders won't apply too much pressure. It's imperative to secure it, so there's no damage to the lift during the journey.
The best way to choose a reliable company is to visit public forums where you can find reviews or consult an acquaintance who has hired a company before.
Speak with their customer service to ensure you’re comfortable with entrusting them with your possession before finalizing your choice.
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