Heavy Haul Load Advisor
This is a
quick reference to heavy machinery and equipment shipping.
This shipping guide applies to:
- Compactors
- Dozers
- Excavators
- Farm Equipment
- Heavy Parts or Inoperable
- Industrial Machines
- Loader Backhoes
- Loaders
- Skid Steers
All heavy haul projects begin with the simple first step of determining how the equipment, machinery or freight will be loaded onto the trailer. Wheeled or tracked machinery is simpler to load versus non-wheeled stationary machinery. So the following options are available.
Crane
These are machines that are capable of lifting an item onto a flatbed trailer from above.
Forklift
These are machines that are capable of lifting an item onto a flatbed trailer from the side.
Loading docks
These are raised structures that reach the loading level of a flatbed trailer.
Ramps
These are any means used to allow an item to be rolled onto a flatbed trailer.
Rigging Equipment
This encompasses all equipment that may be used to lift carry and load an item onto a flatbed trailer.
RO-RO Ready
Equipment that can move under its own power is also called “roll on roll off” or RO-RO. Make sure your equipment functions properly and may be safely rolled onto a lowboy trailer and rolled off
Prepare Equipment As Per Manufacturer’s Manual
When your staff will be securing parts that may move or shift during transport or removing parts of the machine that greatly reduce weight, it is best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely transport the machine. When travelling through freezing temperature weather protect all liquids from freezing with proper winterizing steps.
Accurate Dimensions and Weight for Permits
Reducing the weight of the machine and minimizing the width, height and length is important when a permit is required. A great example is a bucket on a loader or excavator, when the bucket is removed it will greatly reduce the weight and in some cases reduce the width too.
Protect Equipment and Fragile Parts
Shrink wrapping helps to protect the equipment from elements of the road and the weather, as all lowboy trailers are open and often tarping may not be possible. It is the insides of the cab that are the areas that require added protection, such as machinery instrumentation.
Port-Ready
When shipping to a port for export to a foreign country several additional steps must be taken. The equipment should pressure washed to provide a thorough cleaning. If any fluids are leaking this can cause delays and added expenses, so make sure no fluids are leaking. And verify that it is fully functioning in terms of “
roll on roll off” (
RO-RO), this means all powertrain, service brake and parking bake functions are fully operational.
Today used or pre-owned heavy machinery is purchased every day at major heavy machinery auctioneers, private sales and even craigslist now has a “heavy equip” section. Heavy hauling is more in demand today due to the high volume of internet sales of heavy equipment and exports to foreign countries.
Heavy haul trucking company Beaumont TX
