Essentially, heavy haulage is the transporting of equipment, machinery, building materials, and other items that exceed established limits for height, weight, length, and width. In Florida, that’s any load that exceeds13 ft. 6 in. in height, 80,000 lbs., 75 ft. in length, and 8 ft. 6 in. in width. Any load exceeding those limits requires a permit to be transported.

Regulations Vary

There are no uniform rules across the U.S., meaning hauls originating in Florida that need to be transported through other states or across international borders may need multiple permits. Depending on the destination and a state’s regulations, special lights, signage and escort vehicles may also be required. Load limits change from state to state and even from county to county.

Trailers Help Stay Within Limits

Heavy haul company have a variety of trailers at their disposal. Some are designed to help remain within stated limits. An example is a double drop trailer, also known as a low boy. It sets closer to the ground, reducing the height of the item to be transported.

Routes Make a Difference

The route that a heavy haul load takes can make a huge difference in the cost, permits needed, and arrival time. Heavy haul companies use advanced logistics that enables loads to travel any distance with as little fuss as possible. Sometimes the most direct route isn’t the best. The technology enables heavy haul companies to deliver loads promptly and in the most expedient manner.

A Highly Complex Process

A heavy haul load presents a variety of complicated calculations and safety measures. Those precautions ensure that loads don’t try to pass under overpasses that are too low or bridges that can’t handle the weight of the load. It allows heavy haul companies to arrange for police assistance if necessary, disconnection of electrical lines if needed, and numerous other accommodations to ensure the safety of the load, infrastructure, and other motorists.

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If you’ve never had to contract for heavy haul services, the process can be confusing. It’s a highly complicated and complex process. There are a number of criteria you’ll need to consider when entrusting your cargo to a heavy haul company.

Years of Experience

Heavy haul companies don’t stay in business long if they deliver shoddy customer service or neglect safety. The heavy haul company you choose should have years of experience, an excellent reputation, and officials won’t be hesitant about sharing references.

Safety Record

The machinery, equipment and other items that comprise a heavy haul can be worth millions of dollars. You want a company that’s demonstrated an exceptional safety record. That means that the company maintains a high level of expertise and takes every safety precaution necessary to ensure the safety of your property and other motorists during the transport process. The heavy hauler will have had experience in transporting the type of freight you have to move, whether it’s an earthmover or a yacht.

Services Offered and Trailers

Reputable heavy haul companies offer more than simple transportation from one point to another. They’re prepared with specialized lighting, signage and escort vehicles. The company will also be cognizant of when those safety measures are required. While you’ll want to maintain your own insurance, the heavy haul company will be licensed, insured, and provide tracking throughout the cargo’s journey.

The type of trailer used matters. The professionals know which trailer will best suit your specific needs and the best technique for loading the cargo on the trailer. The company can arrange for a container if the load must travel part of the way to its destination by rail or ocean-going vessel.

Logistics and Permitting

The company you choose should have advanced logistics. It enables the company to map the safest and most expedient route that avoids potential impediments to delivery. The one thing that advanced logistics can’t plan for is inclement weather.

There can be multiple permits required, depending on the destination. An expert heavy haul company will be cognizant of the permits needed and obtain all pertinent paperwork or electronic documents to ensure every federal, state and county regulation is met.

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A heavy haul load presents a variety of potential dangers and hazards. North American Heavy Haul pioneered many of the safety precautions that have become industry standards and have been incorporated into industry guidelines. It’s important for clients to know their equipment or machinery will be well taken care of throughout its journey, whether its within the state or across international borders. The primary objective in any heavy haul project is the safety of the load and mitigating any potential risk to other drivers.

Heavy Haul Specifications

In Florida, a heavy haul load is one that exceeds13 ft. 6 in. in height, 80,000 lbs., 75 ft. in length, and 8 ft. 6 in. in width. Special permitting will be required and specialized trailers utilized.

Center of Gravity

It’s essential that loads be situated on a trailer in an optimal position relative to the center of gravity. Weight must be distributed evenly. This presents a lower profile and significantly reduces the potential for tipping while navigating corners and highway ramps. Specialized trailers are available that facilitate lowering the center of gravity.

Clean and Clear

Bumps and humps on highways can lead to the dislodging of any dirt or debris on equipment or machinery. All types of cargo should be cleaned before loading to eliminate dirt and other forms of debris that could become dislodged during transit. If not removed, they can fall off the cargo and create a hazard for other drivers.

Securing the Load

Properly securing the load is a critical practice. Specific guidelines govern the type of tie-down to be used and where it’s placed for optimal safety. Chocks may also be needed to prevent equipment or machinery from moving during acceleration or in the event of a sudden stop. Chains are the preferred method. Straps may be used in some situations, but size and strength of the tie downs are carefully calculated.

Moveable Parts

The trucking company will lower all attachments and moveable parts prior to beginning the transport. In many instances, attachments may be removed and hauled along with the equipment to minimize height or length. Attachments that have been removed are secured separately. Any doors or steering wheels on equipment must be secured so they don’t move.

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The first time you have to hire a heavy haul transport company, you’re likely to be taken aback by the cost. There are number of factors that you need to take into consideration when estimating the cost of shipping your freight. A heavy haul load is far different than any other type of cargo.

Time of Year

Heavy hauling is a specialty and companies are in high demand, especially during summer months. The time of year has an impact on shipping costs. This is true if the shipment will be moved entirely by truck or whether part of the cargo’s journey will be via rail or ocean-going vessel. If you must ship during peak times, it’s going to cost more and you need to schedule early to ensure availability.

The Direct Route Isn’t Always Best

The distance is another factor in cost. The shortest route may not be the optimal one for arriving at a specific dock. The advanced logistics utilized by heavy haul companies will plan the route that presents as few potential hazards and impediments as possible to ensure the safety of the load.

Special Accommodations

Depending on the item to be hauled, attachments such as plows or crane masts may need to be removed before shipping. In other instances, the cargo may require a shipping container to prevent road grime, inclement weather, or ocean spray from coming in contact with the load. The same is true when transporting large boats. If specialized loading equipment is required, it will affect costs.

Some heavy haul loads require special lights, signage and one or more escort vehicles. Depending on the freight dimensions, travel may only be allowed during certain times of the day. If police intervention is required to direct traffic or infrastructure such as electrical lines must temporarily disrupted, that also adds to the overall cost.

Fuel Costs

An often-overlooked expense is the fuel required. The engines in semi-tractors used to haul loads are optimized for power and efficiency. It still requires a significant amount of fuel to provide the power needed to move a heavy haul load.
 

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Best Way to Transport Heavy Equipment

Individuals and companies can move their heavy equipment by rail or truck across the U.S. A full 72.5 percent of all freight, including heavy equipment, is transported by truck. Shipping equipment to its destination by truck is the most cost-effective route, primarily due to the number of trailer options and services available.

Multiple Trailers

Heavy haul companies have a variety of highly specialized trailers available that makes transporting any type of heavy equipment easier. Models are available that allow equipment to be loaded from multiple directions and enables track or wheeled vehicles to be driven on the trailer. Low profile trailers allow transport of equipment that would otherwise not meet height requirements for overland movement. The trailers are specially designed to handle the weight of heavy equipment.

Dismantling Services

A heavy haul company also provides dismantling of machinery to separate attachments ranging from booms to plows is available. The service allows attachments to be hauled on the same trailer as the equipment to facilitate transport.

Logistics and Tracking

Heavy haul companies offer advanced logistics to map the best route for transport, enabling equipment to arrive safely and on time, whether its being shipped cross country or being delivered to a dock for shipping abroad. The company obtains all relevant permits and provides tracking. Clients know exactly where their property is throughout every leg of its journey. The companies are also cognizant of the different laws and requirements each state maintains regarding heavy hauls.

Specialized Needs

The height, width, weight and length of the machinery may require the use of lights, signage or escort vehicles. A heavy haul trucking company provides all of these whenever they’re needed.

Reduced Risk

There are many components associated with transporting heavy equipment and they must work in harmony. A heavy haul trucking company takes care of every element to reduce and minimize risk for clients.

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Heavy Equipment Transport Best Practices

Transporting heavy equipment requires an elevated level of expertise, experience, an eye for detail, and a commitment to safety. It’s a highly complex process and equipment must conform to very specific weight, height, width, and length requirements that’s not uniform across all states. Equipment transport also requires the use of specialized trailers. North American Heavy Haul pioneered many of the best practices that are now standard procedure within the industry. The following are just a few of the best practices that are employed for equipment transport.

Remove Dirt and Debris

Prior to loading, equipment must be clean and free of dirt or debris that could come off during transport.

Placement

It’s critical that equipment be loaded so weight is distributed evenly.

Load Securement

Every load must be secured prior to beginning its journey. Chains are the preferred method. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations whenever possible for securement points. Secure any articulation points. Loads should be checked periodically throughout the transport to ensure there’s been no movement or tampering.

Wheel Bracing

Make sure all wheeled of the equipment are chocked, cradled or wedged to prevent movement.

Lower Moveable Parts

If the equipment has attachments such as booms, arms or plows, make sure they’re completely lowered and secured to the trailer. If they’ve been removed from the equipment, they must be secured separately.

Load Dimensions

Ensure that all width, height, length and weights are within the appropriate parameters.

Warning Equipment

Ensure that any requirement such as warning lights, special signage, escort vehicles, and permits are all in place.

Safety is the Key

Precautionary measures and adhering to accepted standards are the keys to keeping equipment, personnel and other motorists safe. It’s just one of the reasons that North American Heavy Haul has earned a reputation for excellence among customers and peers within the industry.

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Transporting heavy equipment is a highly complex process. It’s made more difficult as there are no uniform rules and requirements across all states. Regulations often change from county to county within the same state The specialists at North American Heavy Haul are cognizant of the regulations across the U.S. and beyond that governs heavy haul loads. The company also innovated many of the safety standards that are best practice within the industry.

High Demand

Construction equipment is one of the most often transported of heavy haul loads. Construction equipment encompasses an extensive variety of machines for building new structures to creating infrastructure. It includes dump trucks, bulldozers and trenchers to cranes, asphalt pavers and road graders.

Cross County or Foreign Country

North American Heavy Haul provides transportation for equipment anywhere within the U.S. The company transports to Canada and Mexico, along with docks for shipping abroad. The advanced logistics and tracking provided by the company ensures timely and cost-effective transport and delivery. Arrangements for shipping containers are available when needed for aboard a ship or if part of the equipment’s journey is by rail.

Routes and Permits

There are many roads that can lead to the same destination, but they’re not all equal. The professionals at North American Heavy Haul map out the best route for each individual load, mindful of any bridges, underpasses and road construction that could cause disruptions or delays.

Every equipment delivery will require permits, some of which will be digital. The specialists are knowledgeable about all applicable permits and obtains them to ensure a smooth transport whether locally or across country boundaries.

Smart Decision

For the safest transport of multiple types of equipment, it makes good financial sense to schedule with a leader in the industry. North American Heavy Haul has the experienced drivers, technological systems, and specialized trailers to ensure loads arrive at their destination on time, every time.
 

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The owners of large vessels know the dangers of trying to pilot their craft from either coast of the U.S. or destinations abroad. Storms, high seas, unpredictable weather, and dangerous docks are just some of the pitfalls that can damage even a large ship. For those and many other reasons, boat owners choose North American Heavy Haul to transport their vessels.

A Reputation for Excellence

The company is well-known for its experience and expertise in boat transports. The company can move large vessels from dry dock to a slip, across the nation, to Canada or Mexico, or to docks for transport by ocean going ships.

Gentle Handling and Advanced Technology

Advanced logistics, tracking, knowledge of permits, and highly-trained professional boat handlers ensure watercraft arrives at its destination safely and on time. The company can also arrange for a shipping container, escort vehicles, lights and signage when applicable.

Specialized Trailers and Disassembly Services

Any destination is possible with North American Heavy Haul. The experts in maritime transport have the specialized trailers to accommodate a wide variety of vessels. If a watercraft has its own trailer, it can typically be left on the trailer and the entire assembly loaded onto one of the company’s specialized heavy haul trailers for transport. There are very specific height limits for heavy hauls and vessels can often exceed requirements. The professionals can remove masts, towers and bridges prior to transport to ensure the entire load conforms to regulations.

Cost Effective Movement

It doesn’t matter where on the planet a boat is bound; it will eventually need to be transported overland during its journey. North American Heavy Haul is the most cost-effective way to transport a boat of any size.

An Innovative Force in the Industry

North American Heavy Haul pioneered many of the techniques that have become standard practice within the heavy haul industry. Safety is always a prime consideration. The company’s team of expert boat haulers treat each vessel as if it were their own.

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