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How are Cranes Transported: A Complete Guide to Crane Shipping Services

June 9, 2020
 By Heavy Haul and Oversized
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How are Cranes Transported: A Complete Guide to Crane Shipping Services
Last Modified: June 2, 2023
The right heavy haul partner offers seamless crane transport services. See why working with Heavy Haul and Oversized is a wise choice when you have equipment to move.

When you’re in need of crane transport services, there are many details that need to be considered. Shipping these often massive pieces of equipment comes with a unique set of challenges. These can’t be ignored and must be properly planned for in order to be safely and successfully transported.

Utilizing crane transport services involves working with an experienced heavy haul shipping company. Most crane shipments qualify as oversized and will need to comply with Department of Transportation oversized shipping regulations. A reliable heavy haul shipping partner will ensure your shipment complies with these regulations. Additionally, your shipping partner will also plan other important shipment details. These details include choosing the right type of trailer, planning the shipping route, and more. 

Heavy Haul and Oversized can manage all of your crane transportation needs. Our knowledgeable and experienced heavy haul team transports oversized shipments for our clients everyday. For a complete understanding of how crane transport services work, read through our complete guide below. 

How Are Cranes Transported?

Before you select a company to ship your crane, it’s important to know and understand how cranes are transported. This information enables you to refine your search and know what to look for. When it comes to domestic shipment of cranes, Over the Road (OTR) trucks are used more frequently than any other type of transportation method. 

Road transportation is the preferred choice for a variety of reasons. First, truck trailers can accommodate the typically oversized dimensions of many cranes. Whether it’s by height, length, width, or weight many cranes exceed standard shipping dimensions. Planes and trains simply aren’t equipped to handle this size. Thankfully, truck trailers, especially flatbeds are more than capable of hauling cranes, regardless of size. 

Second, trucks are nearly always involved in at least the final leg of transportation. Unless a rail yard is extremely close to the final destination for a crane shipment, a truck will be needed. Typically, it’s simpler to use a truck for the entire journey instead of having to load and unload the crane multiple times. 

When handled properly, cranes are also safe and secure when transported via trucks. Cranes are secured on truck trailers using many tools and mechanisms including:

  • Heavy-duty hooks and straps
  • Durable steel chains
  • Additional trailers
  • Pilot vehicles

The process of physically securing cranes to trailers is an extremely important and delicate step in the process. Missteps that occur here can have disastrous consequences if a load isn’t secured properly.  Heavy Haul and Oversized works with top flatbed carriers to ensure all precautions are taken.

truck loaded on a trailer

Challenges of Shipping Cranes

As briefly noted above, transporting cranes comes with a unique set of challenges that need to be planned for. Below, we take an in-depth look at a few of these challenges and discuss the best approaches for handling them.

1. Choosing the Right Shipping Equipment

This is a broad challenge as there are many different pieces of equipment used in the transportation of cranes. Everything from the type of trailer to the tools used to secure the crane are vital to shipment success. While you, as the shipper, can have input on these decisions, an experienced shipping provider should advise and recommend the best options. 

In order to do this, you must provide an accurate description of the crane you’re shipping. Specifically, precise shipping dimensions need to be given. Doing this will guide your shipping partner to selecting the right type of trailer and other necessary equipment for the job. 

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2. Shipping Speed

When it comes to oversized shipments, the transportation journey takes a bit longer. In most cases, this is just the reality of shipping oversized equipment, including cranes. Shipping oversized equipment typically involves trucks driving at lower speeds. There are also state-specific restrictions on when heavy haul shipments can be on the road along with route adjustments that sometimes need to be made.

All of these factors combined push back the delivery date when compared to standard-sized shipments. This puts an increased importance on choosing a reliable shipping partner. Working with an experienced logistics company like Heavy Haul and Oversized can alleviate the often delayed shipping time. Our vast and trusted network of heavy haul trucking companies ensures that we’ll have high-quality trucks and drivers available to promptly pick up and transport your crane.

3. Transportation Costs

In addition to a longer shipping time for oversized freight, the cost to transport these items often comes with a higher price. 

The increased costs that come with oversized shipments come from a variety of factors:

  • Specialized equipment to handle cranes
  • Additional training and certification that heavy haul drivers possess
  • Increased shipping time and resources needed

While the cost of shipping cranes can be high, the equipment still has to move. A logistics partner that has relationships with multiple high-quality carriers can often counteract these high costs. When you have a crane that needs to be shipped, Heavy Haul and Oversized uses our network of trusted carriers to gather multiple quotes for you quickly saving you time and money.

truck with a boom

Choosing a Shipping Partner

The final decision of choosing a company to transport your crane involves some critical thinking. While there are many common factors for all crane shipments, you’re going to have your own specific needs related to your shipment. You’ll need to ensure that the company you select can meet those needs. From shipment tracking to expedited options and more, transportation companies can vary widely in terms of what they offer. 

Crane Transport Services Through Heavy Haul and Oversized

When you need to choose a shipping partner, look to Heavy Haul and Oversized. As a 3PL shipping partner, service offers are diverse and will suit your needs. From heavy haul and oversize shipping to truckload freight and more, you’ll find Heavy Haul and Oversized is ready to deliver to your job site and beyond.

Are you ready to experience the Heavy Haul and Oversized difference? Reach out today by phone at (855) 490-2433 and a live, friendly agent will help you get a heavy haul quote and make crane transport services simple and hassle-free.

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