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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Federal agencies don’t typically get involved with state mandates for heavy haulers. Each state is responsible for setting its own regulations for what is – and isn’t – an oversize load. However, there are other rules that vary by state that heavy haul companies and their drivers must be aware.

The range of rules to which heavy haul drivers must adhere across the nation is legion and vary widely. Those can include:

• Safety equipment drivers must carry
• Signage, flashing lights and flags
• Escort vehicles and how many
• Weight, height, length, and width specifications
• Permits and fee costs

Some states restrict oversized loads from being transported during nighttime hours, holidays and weekends. States that regularly experience snow and icy roads also have laws governing the type of tires that can be used, when snow tires should be put on, and if tire chains are allowed. Other states require qualified security personnel, such as police, to perform escort duties.

Surprising Rules

It’s difficult enough to keep track of the laws that change from state to state, but there are lesser-known regulations that can sound surprising to the average motorist. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that commercial trucks are prohibited from having rusty hubcaps. However, there are some state laws still inforce for truckers that can stray into the very strange. In Missouri, truckers can’t drive with an uncaged bear and truck drivers can’t use a road as a bed in Eureka, CA.

Professional Benefits

Hiring a professional heavy haul company comes with a significant number of benefits, primary of which is an elevated level of safety. The companies provide GPS tracking, extensive experience, and highly-trained drivers. The companies are cognizant of the range of permits and equipment mandated by each state and escort vehicle rules. Highly advanced and sophisticated logistics enable the companies to map the best routes to ensure loads arrive safely and on time to their destination.

Safety is always a priority when performing a heavy haul. Drivers know and understand the many things that can potentially occur. It’s a process that no heavy haul driver takes lightly. The following are four tips for drivers to ensure that every heavy haul project is safe and arrives on time.

Heavy Haul Export

Know the Load

Heavy haul drivers know every detail of their load. A critical aspect of every heavy haul is the dimensions and weight of the equipment, machinery or object they’re delivering. It means the difference between a heavy haul load and a super load. Those elements will affect the trailer that’s used to haul the cargo to the logistics of the route taken.

The Right Trailer

There are different types of trailers for a reason. The right trailer for the job ensures the safety of the cargo, other motorists, the ease with which it’s transported, and accommodates different heights, weights, lengths and widths of the object to be moved.

Permitting

There are some standard federal permits that are required, but each state also has specific permits that are needed. The scope of permitting increases when shipping overseas or across country borders. Some documentation must be presented in a paper form, while other permits are created digitally. Drivers may need escort drivers or special signage. Even the type of safety equipment a driver must carry can vary widely, depending upon the state.

Routing

The route that heavy haul drivers take must be planned carefully to ensure the load arrives on time and meets other types of deadlines. There are also bridges, overpasses, toll roads, high traffic areas, rough roads, and construction zones to consider. Depending on the load, drivers may only be allowed to travel during certain times of the day. The route that’s taken will affect the safety, time and cost of transporting the load.

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The importance of weight will immediately present itself when seeking a heavy hauler to transport heavy equipment. It will be a factor in the type of trailer that’s used and the roadways over which the load can travel.

In some instances, a heavy hauler may only be required to deliver the equipment to a dock for shipping overseas or to a railway yard for further transport overland. A heavy haul company can help individuals choose the least expensive and most effective way to haul any piece of heavy equipment when exporting heavy equipment

Exporting Heavy Equipment

Weight Systems

The U.S. is one of the few countries that uses the Imperial system of weights and measures. The weight will have to be converted to the metric system on documents for the destination country.

Vessels

When shipping internationally to countries overseas, the weight will be an element in the type of vessel upon which the equipment is conveyed. Different types of ships are equipped to transport certain types of cargo, but not others. Ships also have limits on the weight they can safely carry. Breaking equipment down when possible and placing it in a container can have the advantage of maximizing space vs shipping costs.

If the equipment is confined in a standard cargo container, the maximum gross weight of an individual container can’t exceed 67,000 pounds – but different container sizes carry different payload capacities. Whether the equipment is carried on deck or in a container, the weight is an important factor in how overall weight is distributed across the ship when exporting heavy equipment.

Railway

Shipping overland by rail can be an alternative, depending on the destination country. Heavy equipment shippers will still need a heavy hauler to get the equipment to the railway pickup point. The equipment will typically be shipped on a flatbed railcar and may or may not be placed in a container. Some flatbed cars can handle gross weights up to 315,000 lbs.

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Exporting your equipment overseas can seem like an overwhelming prospect, particularly if it’s your first time. It doesn’t matter whether it’s brand-new equipment or a used piece of machinery, you want it to arrive in top condition and in a timely manner. There will be a significant amount of physical and digital documentation needed and selecting the right exporter for your needs is crucial.

Exporter

Reputable Company

An experienced heavy haul company with a trustworthy reputation will ensure your shipment arrives safely, on time, and with all the required documentation. The company will provide tracking and complete logistical information, know the best port from which to ship, and have the tractor-trailer rig that best suits the type of equipment being transported.

Shipping Port

Don’t make the mistake of drawing a straight line between the equipment to be shipped and the nearest port. Departure times and shipping fees aren’t the same at every port. Those two variables can add significantly to the overall cost and will definitely affect the arrival of your shipment. A heavy haul company can help if you need a combination of shipping methods encompassing truck and rail transport or Ro-Ro or container shipping. The specialists will also know if a piece of equipment can be partially dismantled to provide savings.

Shop Around

Not every heavy haul company offers the same services or a full line of trailers upon which to transport your equipment or machinery. It’s always a good idea to obtain three quotes to compare, especially if this is your first export. Don’t wait until the last minute to begin your search for transport. Heavy haul companies are booked well in advance. The good news is that heavy haul companies also have an “off season” and you may be able to obtain better rates during that time if you can wait to ship.

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Paperwork is the key to crossing the border into other countries, even though many types are in the form of digital documents. Certain documents are required and without them, you could easily find yourself sidelined until you can produce them.

Crossing a Border

The U.S. moves billions of dollars’ worth of products between Canada and Mexico each year and much of that commerce is delivered via truck. Every load is different and you may need additional documentation. However, the following are the most common types of paperwork you’re going to need.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

The shipper is responsible for generating the BOL and getting it to the carrier or customs broker. The BOL provides a description of the load that includes the type of product, the weight and may include a piece count.

Carrier Information

These are codes that identify the carrier that’s transporting the freight, also known as the Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) in the U.S. In Mexico, it’s known as the Carrier’s Harmonized Alphanumeric Carrier Code (CAAT).

Certification of Origin (USMCA)

This is a document that proves the imported goods qualify for preferential tariff treatment. The document was required under NAFTA. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA on July 2, 2020, but few changes were made to the documentation.

Commercial Invoice

A commercial invoice includes approximately 12 essentials such as the vendors name, address, country and a detailed description of the items being shipped. It also indicates the value of the cargo freight costs and value of the shipment, which must be in the denomination of the destination country.

Document of Operations for Customs Clearance

The document is known in Mexico as DODA and is generated by a customs broker on behalf of the carrier. The Mexican government is working to streamline trade and the DODA is obtainable on the Mexican Tax Administration Service website.

MC Number

U.S. haulers must have an MC number issued by the Dept. of Transportation (DOT). U.S. companies must have a Standard Carrier Alpha Code. And drivers are required to comply with the Automated Commercial Environment electronic manifest program.

U.S. Customs Declaration

This is a digital e-Manifest from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This is when the services of an experienced customs broker are invaluable, as additional paperwork may be required, depending on the load.

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A vast variety of heavy equipment in the U.S. is shipped internationally, particularly in the agricultural industry. In the trucking industry, that can mean transporting heavy haul loads into foreign countries directly to the recipient, for shipping by air, or delivering it to docks where it will be sent by ship to destinations around the world.

Exporting

Shipments can encompass anything from oil rigs, aircraft engines and construction equipment to mining equipment and harvesters. On occasion, heavy haulers are called upon to haul some unusual items. A heavy hauler recently made headlines on social media and broadcast news when seen transporting the world’s largest cast iron skillet down a Tennessee highway. The skillet was destined for the soon-to-open Lodge Cast Iron Museum in South Pittsburg, TN.

Exporting heavy equipment requires multiple steps. Heavy haulers can’t simply show up at the dock or cross into Canada or Mexico with a load. Specialized documentation is required and heavy hauling companies are well-versed in the paperwork needed to prevent any difficulties or delays.

To pass through customs, a commercial invoice and certificate of origin will need to be presented. When exporting by ship, a bill of lading is required and depending on the cargo, a certificate of conformity may be needed. Any loads being shipped by plane will also need an air waybill.

A dock or warehouse receipt documenting proper labeling and accountability will be needed to load the cargo. Moving cargo internationally requires an insurance certificate, export packing list, export license, and inspection certificate to be presented. That doesn’t include the port-specific documents that are required.

Heavy haul companies utilize state-of-the-art logistics technology and part of the services provided by a heavy haul company is mapping the best route for optimal travel times and delivery. Sometimes the straightest line between the point of origin and destination isn’t a straight line. Logistics will be focused on the quickest and safest route that enables clients to get their cargo where it needs to be in the most efficient way.

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The success of any heavy equipment exporting relies on the experience and expertise of the heavy hauler company. It doesn’t matter whether the equipment’s destination is Canada, Mexico or somewhere overseas, it’s essential that people choose the right heavy hauler. The following are some things to keep in mind when hiring a heavy hauler for export services.

Compare Costs for Heavy Equipment Export

Exporting equipment is a highly complicated and complex process. Obtain quotes from at least three companies. Let the old adage “you get what you pay for” be a guide. Exporting heavy equipment and similar items is expensive. Heavy haulers that brag about cheap pricing may offer those services, but neglect essential steps to actually get equipment across borders. A contract should explain in exacting detail what the company provides.

Experience

Talk with friends and others in the industry to discover who they’ve used to haul their equipment and if they were happy with the services provided. Look for a heavy hauler that provides end-to-end services that include loading, transport and the paperwork required.

Trailers

A reputable heavy hauler will have a variety of trailers available to accommodate the needs of multiple types of equipment to be transported. The tractors and trailers should be well-maintained and the company will be able to load equipment safely.

Safety First

Heavy hauler companies pride themselves – and build their reputations upon – safe delivery of the equipment they transport. Look into the company’s safety record. Equipment should be cleaned before loading, safely secured, and haulers must adhere to best practices. That also includes mapping out the quickest and safest route, along with providing an escort vehicle when required.

Paperwork

Exporting anything to another company requires specialized documentation to make it through customs. Each country has specific licensing, legal requirements, and paperwork that’s required. Reliable heavy haulers are familiar with those documents and are able to supply them so the client’s cargo doesn’t languish in a holding area or on a dock.

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