Preparing heavy equipment for shipping
- 1836 Views Supply Chain and Logistics
- MacRAES
Transporting heavy loads via the ribbons of asphalt that run across North America is a difficult task. Traffic volumes, bad drivers, road restrictions for trucking and the danger inherent in hauling heavy loads present all kids of challenges. To ensure safety for all, it’s important to properly prepare heavy loads for shipping, which is why it should be executed by companies with experience in heavy equipment shipping.
Hauling Heavy Loads Requires Proper Planning
Heavy machinery transport companies have a unique focus. Moving things like cranes, bulldozers, wind mill arms, large-scale machinery components and even cars, trucks and railroad trains requires a unique set of skills and expertise. Licensing drivers to ensure they have the proper credentials for moving these heavy loads is vital. Heavy equipment hauling companies should also be heavily regulated to ensure they are always in compliance with the latest safety measures. Proper preparation of heavy loads will help minimize risk. There are several elements included in proper preparation:
- Proper permits. Companies must secure proper permits both for the shipping and unloading of heavy equipment. Overweight or oversized loads may require special permits that are not easily rubber-stamped. Heavy machinery transport companies must show that they have the right trailer and the right route to facilitate such moves.
- Plan the right route. Most roads have weight limits that don’t allow large vehicles and heavy cargo. Roads have bridges under which a heavy load must fit. No trucking company wants to go viral when their load smashes into the bottom of a bridge. Other considerations including overhead power lines, road width and road surface all come into play when planning the right route to transport heavy freight.
- Consult with the manufacturer. The company that manufactured the heavy load would know the best way to pack it for transport. There may be special precautions that have to be taken to ensure the equipment isn’t damaged in transport. That may including draining of fluids, disconnecting electrical systems and batteries, securing loose arms or parts that may become loose due to transport. Manufacturers are a great resource to provide the right information.
- Consider the weather. Heavy equipment shipping is never fun on the best day. Hauling an oversized or overweight load through Buffalo in the middle of a Western New York snow storm is never a pleasant experience. Despite all the best precautions, weather can quickly become a determining factor for ground transport. Weather can also affect equipment: when shipping in the rain or during freezing Canadian winters, machinery can experience damage to tanks and lines. If a heavy load is being towed during a hot August heat wave, overheating can also be an issue. No trucking company wants to run the risk of breakdown when hauling such high-intensity loads.
- Pick the right trailer. Whether that’s a flatbed or a special oversize trailer, it’s vital to choose the right vehicle for the load.
When you need to move heavy loads, from coils and steel plates to front end loaders and excavators, call NATS Canada.
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