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Heavy machinery shipping is a vital step in many critical supply chains. Manufacturing and construction, for example, rely on a wide range of machinery and equipment to run their operations. If a shipment containing essential machinery and equipment doesn’t arrive as expected, production can’t move forward.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for oversized shipments keep people and equipment safe. Heavy machinery transportation typically uses various flatbed trailers, thanks to their flexibility of loading and unloading. It’s important to find a carrier that has the right equipment and a compliant safety record.
Heavy Haul and Oversized moves machinery shipments every day for our shipping partners. Our reliable transportation and world-class customer service make us a leader in shipping machinery. Find everything you need to know about heavy machinery shipping in our comprehensive guide.
Heavy machinery can be shipped using different methods, depending on the size, weight, and shape of the equipment. There are several transport solutions for shipping heavy machinery, each with its own pros and cons. The two primary methods of shipping heavy machinery are dry van and flatbed transport.
Freight trucks move massive machines all across the U.S. every day. Speed and safety are the top priorities, and trucks meet both of these needs.
Most often, machines are securely strapped and palletized before being loaded onto a truck. Palletizing heavy machinery makes it easier to load and unload the shipment using standard equipment such as a forklift.
When machines can’t fit on a pallet, they are loaded directly onto a truck using special lift equipment.
It’s also important to think about the internal components of different heavy machinery. Some equipment will have internal mechanisms and materials requiring it to stay in an upright position. Failure to do this can cause extensive damage, resulting in a significant financial loss.
Examples of machinery with internal components that need careful balancing include:
Be aware of the balancing needs of your machinery and clearly communicate this when seeking quotes from transport companies.
Heavy Haul and Oversized isn’t new to moving sensitive and high-quality freight. We handle and safely transport challenging freight every day. Your valuable machinery is handled with the proper care and attention that it needs when you ship with us.
Dry van shipping is a common shipping solution for transporting heavy machinery. This method involves loading the equipment onto a specialized dry van, which is then driven to its destination.
Dry van shipping is ideal for shorter distances and can be more cost-effective than other methods. For protection, a dry van does get the job done with coverage for the machinery on all sides.
On the downside, a dry van is enclosed, so the equipment being shipped can’t exceed the trailer dimensions. In a dry van, you’re also limited when loading and unloading. Your equipment will have to enter and exit through the rear of the vehicle with standard equipment (forklift or pallet jack).
Examples of when dry van shipping may be appropriate include:
Get a no-obligation, personalized quote from our industry experts. Your valuable machinery is handled with care and attention when you ship with us.
Flatbed shipping is another popular method for transporting heavy machinery. Shipments that don’t fit inside a dry van trailer can easily be hauled on a flatbed. This method involves loading the equipment onto a flatbed trailer, which is then driven to its destination.
Flatbed shipping is ideal for oversized or overweight equipment, as well as for longer distances. There are also many kinds of flatbed specialty trailers such as step deck trailers and lowboys.
Examples of when flatbed shipping may be appropriate include:
Since a flatbed trailer can be loaded and unloaded from all sides, it offers a few distinct advantages:
By understanding the different methods of heavy machinery shipping and their advantages and disadvantages, you can choose the method that is best suited to your needs. Whether you opt for dry van shipping or flatbed shipping, it is important to work with an experienced and reputable shipping company that can ensure your equipment arrives at its destination safely and securely.
Heavy Haul and Oversized has the knowledge and experience to ensure that your valuable machinery is shipped on the right trailer and handled properly.
If digging is required at a job site, then read our article on backhoe shipping.
The transport of heavy machinery is subject to federal and state regulations to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. These regulations cover weight restrictions, route restrictions, permits, and approvals, and safety regulations for loading, unloading, and transportation.
Adding even more complexity to this is the fact that each state has their own regulations for shipping oversized equipment. For interstate heavy haul machinery shipments, all details of the shipment will need to be carefully planned out to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Heavy haul shipping regulations for each state can vary in terms of:
Make sure you contact with an experienced heavy haul company experienced in the legal logistics of heavy and oversized freight.
The transport of heavy machinery involves several risks and hazards that can cause accidents, damage to equipment, and injury to personnel.
Heavy machinery used in the mining and construction industry are extremely heavy and if not properly loaded and secured, pose a serious liability. Not to mention, any damage results in a hefty price tag as well.
| Equipment | Operating Weight |
| Asphalt Pavers | 40,000 – 45,000 lbs |
| Draglines | 8.5 – 9.1 million lbs |
| Drill Rigs | 124,000 – 141,000 lbs |
| Hydraulic Mining Shovels | 648,000 – 892,000 lbs |
| Pipe Layers | 90,000 – 170,000 lbs |
| Off-Highway Mining Trucks | 851,000 – 1.37 million lbs |
Even simple mistakes in shipping such machines can result in damage to critical components. It’s important for carriers in the heavy equipment industry to plan ahead for common dangers to ensure safe delivery of even the biggest machines.
Some of the most common dangers of heavy machinery shipping include:
As you can see, there’s a lot involved with heavy haul machinery shipments. Heavy Haul and Oversized knows what it takes to safely handle these loads for you. When you’re ready to move your machinery, our team can provide you with quick and transparent heavy haul freight rates.
Heavy equipment transport is a crucial aspect of many industries that rely on large machinery to get the job done. From construction to mining to agriculture, heavy machinery is essential for completing complex projects and meeting production goals.
These industries rely on specialized equipment and experienced professionals to ensure the safe and efficient transport of their equipment.
The construction industry is one of the most significant users of heavy machinery transport services. Construction projects require a wide range of equipment. Transporting it to job sites can be a challenge, as most of the equipment requires specialized trucks and trailers. Additionally, many construction projects are located in remote or hard-to-reach locations, making heavy machinery transport even more crucial.
Examples of equipment commonly transported by the construction industry include:
The shipping process must be planned out from start to finish, ensuring all laws are followed and the right equipment is used.
The mining industry is another major user of heavy machinery transport services. This industry requires the transport of large mining equipment, such as drilling rigs, conveyor systems, and earth movers. This equipment can weigh several tons and requires specialized trailers and heavy haulers for transport.
Examples of equipment commonly transported by the mining industry include:
Heavy machinery transport services can provide the necessary equipment and expertise to move this equipment safely and efficiently.
Agricultural operations require large equipment for planting, harvesting, and processing crops. This equipment can range from tractors and harvesters to irrigation systems and grain silos. Transporting this equipment to farms and fields across the country can be a challenge, requiring specialized trucks and trailers.
Examples of equipment commonly transported by the agriculture industry include:
Harvest and planting seasons will impact the demand for heavy equipment shipping in the agricultural industry.
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The cost of heavy machinery transportation varies depending on various factors, including the size and weight of the equipment, the distance traveled, and the type of equipment used for shipping. It is essential to obtain quotes from several shipping companies to compare prices and services.
Short intrastate shipments (500 miles or less) will typically remain under $1,000. The shipping costs of transports that cross multiple states and go beyond 500 miles are more likely to be $1,000 and above. It’s worth noting that flatbed trailers will typically cost a few hundred dollars more than dry vans.
Heavy haul shipments will carry an even higher price tag, especially when crossing multiple states. The more resources that are required (pilot vehicles, road closures, etc.) the higher the cost to ship the oversized machinery. When comparing rates, be sure to consider the level of service and expertise offered by each company.
Consider factors such as:
It may be tempting to choose the lowest price, but it is important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the safest or most reliable. Choosing experience and quality is the best protection for your heavy machinery shipping needs.
When it comes to selecting the right heavy machinery shipping services, there are several factors to consider. These factors include the experience and expertise of the shipping company, their equipment and resources, their safety record, and their insurance coverage.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right company for your needs:
At Heavy Haul and Oversized, we do our best to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. Speak with one of our heavy haul freight specialists to find more information about our company and credentials.
When you need heavy machinery shipping, Heavy Haul and Oversized is prepared to get the job done for you. Our experienced and knowledgeable logistics experts ensure that your valuable freight is handled the way it should be. Whether you’re transporting construction equipment, machinery, or any other type of freight, we’re up to the task.
To receive a freight shipping quote, contact us today at (866) 902-2713. We’re standing by and ready to handle all of your heavy machinery shipping needs.
Heavy Haul and Oversized
315 NE 14th Street #4122
Ocala, FL 34470
