The lack of truck drivers has been well-published through traditional media outlets and online. However, there’s a very substantial difference in a traditional over-the-road truck driving job and being a heavy haul driver.

Licensing

It all begins with obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Individuals will need a regular driver’s license, good driving record, and there will be a driving and written knowledge test geared specifically for the CDL. There are also different classes of CDLs, each with its own endorsement that’s required.

Potential drivers will need to meet age and citizenship requirements and be able to produce documentation to prove those requirements. Individuals must be able to speak and read English and be able to pass the mandatory background check.

Drivers will need to know rules and requirements that are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There are companies that teach courses in driving tractor-trailers. Individuals that successfully complete the training will typically be issued a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) that enables them to practice driving a semi.

The Physical

Good hand-eye coordination isn’t just a skill for video gamers. It’s also needed to be an effective heavy haul driver. Individuals that aspire to be a heavy hauler will need to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and provide a DOT medical card.

Heavy haulers don’t just sit behind the wheel of their big rig. They must be physically able to secure the loads they’ll be hauling and may be required to perform other duties related to heavy hauling in different types of situations. They need to pass stringent hearing and vision tests, and meet blood pressure standards. There are specific health conditions that will automatically disqualify an individual from being a heavy hauler.

Written Test

Potential drivers will be tested on their general knowledge and that of air brakes and vehicle systems. Individuals may also be tested on any endorsements they may be seeking.

Road Test

Every new driver must take a road test in the type of vehicle they will be licensed to drive. Individuals will be tested on their vehicle inspection skills, control of the truck-trailer, and overall driving habits.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Most people think of heavy haulers as a trailer assembly that delivers goods to supermarkets and similar retail outlets. The truth is far different. Heavy haulers specialize in transporting cargo that exceeds the limits of ordinary tractor-trailer combinations.

Heavy haulers transport items ranging from mining equipment and bulldozers to combines and harvesters, along with items such as personal submersibles, military vehicles, fire trucks and SWAT vehicles. The cargo encompasses loads that exceed specific weight, width, height and length standards.

The trailers available for heavy hauling have been specifically designed and refined over time to accommodate the greatest range of needs. The differences and advantages in some trailers may not be immediately obvious to the inexperienced. A professional heavy hauler is able to select the best trailer for the job based on the cargo to be transported.

Double Drop Deck

Sometimes referred to as a lowboy, a double drop is a multi-level trailer with the center – or well – built lower than the front and back end. It’s typically used for hauling tall objects that exceed height standards and is often used to ship items that include boats, earth moving equipment and farming equipment.

Extendable Drop Deck

These are used for loads that are extra long that won’t fit on a standard flatbed trailer. The stretchable beds are utilized for hauling objects such as lumber and pipes. The well can be elongated to carry longer pieces of freight.

Removable Gooseneck

Removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers can be lowered to the ground for easy loading off-track or wheeled vehicles. The trailers provide a ramp that enables vehicles to be driven onto the trailer. RGNs are available as standard and extendable models.

Step Deck

They’re similar to a double drop deck trailer and are utilized for heavy or tall freight. They’re comprised of an upper deck, along with a lower deck where the freight sets. The upper level can be used for detachable accessories such as plows. They’re one of the most often utilized trailers for heavy equipment and many models include ramps for easy loading.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Hauling heavy equipment is no easy matter and it can be downright dangerous if the proper safety procedures aren’t addressed. Unfortunately, despite paying thousands of dollars for a single piece of equipment, many individuals don’t take safety seriously enough.

The following are considerations for a safe haul of your heavy equipment.

Height, Length, Weight and Width

Knowing the height, length, weight and width of the load is essential. It will play a major role in the type of trailer required to move the equipment and whether special permitting is required. For instance, it’s entirely possible to haul a 30-ton piece of equipment on a 15 ft. trailer, or a 10 ft. trailer, depending on its rating.

The Right Trailer

Selecting the right trailer for the job is critical. It will affect the loading and unloading of the equipment, along with the safety of the haul itself. A stretch bed refers to all of the different types of trailers that have the ability to extend their deck and includes:

• A removable gooseneck, also known as a lowboy, is common. They’re able to haul massive loads.
• A step deck, also called a drop deck, are similar to lowboys and can handle loads that exceed maximum heights.
• Double drop trailers are for equipment taller than 10 ft. 6 in. The trailer can be identified by its construction in which the center is lower than the front and rear.
• Flatbeds are utilized for typical loads that are 48 to 53 feet by 8×8 ft. in size.

Secure and Inspect

Falling debris and loose cargo account for approximately 180 accidents per day according to research performed by AAA. It doesn’t need to be something large flying off a trailer or left lying on the equipment, to result in a dangerous accident. Even a forgotten wrench coming off a trailer can be catastrophic if it hits a windshield or as motorists try to dodge it. Never depart without performing a final security inspectionto ensure a safe haul.

Hire a Professional

It can be tempting for individuals to utilize one of their crew to drive equipment to its next destination. Resist the temptation. Transporting heavy equipment requires specialized knowledge and licensing in some instances. Lack of experience, speeding, and inattention to safety standards isn’t worth the ultimate cost in damage. Hire a professional and deliver a safe haul.

Run the Route

Road conditions can change quickly and it’s a good idea to have someone in a pilot car run the route ahead of the heavy hauler – even if the law doesn’t require it. This would add to a safe haul. Downed trees, accidents, and construction work will impact the route taken and the delivery time.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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There’s a lot more going on when a company is moving machinery to a new warehouse than simply having it arrive. That’s true whether the machinery is simply being stored or it will be set up at the new site for production purposes. There may also be inventory to move and few companies have the luxury of completely shutting down production for an extended length of time.

Logistics

You’re going to need to work with a logistics company if you plan on moving machinery – usually a third-party logistics (3PL) agency. However, an increasing number of heavy haul companies are providing their own logistics service as a one-stop resource for clients. A large-scale warehouse move can require considerable resources and specialized equipment so you’ll need plenty of time to shop around, review contracts, and perform other necessary actions. Plan and schedule as far in advance as possible.

Moving Machinery Plan

You don’t want your equipment or machinery simply jammed into the warehouse space. Create a floor plan of where you want everything placed and the order in which each piece should be installed. You should also have a schedule/timetable for each task to ensure the entire process is completed in a timely manner.

That includes a plan for your supply chain. You may not be able to handle regular deliveries or shipments during this time. It’s essential that stakeholders be aware of the type of disruptions and challenges the relocation will entail.

Organization

Part of that plan in moving machinery will include having power and other services turned on at the new site and ready to go the minute the first machinery arrives. There may be occupancy permits required, and inspections by various health and safety officials. Don’t forget to have the mail changed.

If forklifts and other equipment will be needed from day one, ensure it arrives first and that it’s fueled and ready to work. Whenever possible, eliminate as much inventory as possible. It will be less to move and aid in providing space for machinery to be installed.

Labor

Every employee should know what their specific tasks and responsibilities will be before and during the move. That’s particularly important if production will continue to run during the move. You may find those extra employees may be needed for packing and handling inventory. Make sure intricate parts of the production process are allocated to experienced employees and managers that are familiar with the business.

Communication

The need for clear and concise communication can’t be overstated. Relocating machinery and/or operations to a new warehouse can be a nerve-wracking experience for everyone involved. Communication is the key to a smooth and successful move.

Be Prepared

The potential for snafus, accidents and emergencies always exists. Emergency preparedness should be part of your overall plan. A relocation is stressful and employees will be working outside their normal roles. Working with a heavy haul company that provides as many services as possible will help ease the process.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Exporting equipment and machinery overseas is completely different than shipping it across the U.S. There are dozens of details, permits and paperwork that must be completed. There will be specific rules, legal requirements, and licensing rules to which companies will need to adhere. There are many important steps for successful heavy hauling export. Whenever possible, contract with a full-service heavy hauler for a turnkey solution.

The salient point for exporters to understand is that cheaper doesn’t mean better. The knowledge and experience needed for successful heavy hauling export is extensive. Be sure to shop around and compare services before entering into any contract.

Logistics

The logistics of exporting involves more than simply showing up at the dock. A logistics company can be engaged to handle the details or shippers and hire a full-service heavy hauler. The company will be able to determine what type of transport is needed depending on the length, height, weight and width of the freight to be moved and the states through which it will travel.

Paperwork

The sheer volume of paperwork needed for exporting is prodigious and it’s just one of the many advantages of contracting with a heavy hauler that’s familiar with the export process. If the cargo is shipping by air, an air waybill will be needed, though the vast majority of exports are shipped by water.

For exporting by ship, there will be a bill of lading and a certificate of conformity may be required depending on the item being exported. A certificate of origin will typically be needed for customs, along with a commercial invoice. A dock/warehouse receipt ensuring proper labeling and accountability is needed at the point of embarkation. There will also be an insurance certificate, export license, export packing list, and inspection certification.

Heavy Hauling Export Pickup

One of the many benefits of contracting with a heavy hauler is that the company will be experienced and knowledgeable about the correct trailer or truck that will best serve the transport process. The heavy hauler will know if a container or any specialized equipment will be needed for the load and be well-versed in safely securing loads.

Delivery

The company will be able to calculate the best route to take to ensure any item is delivered in a safe and timely manner, and if an escort vehicle or mandated signage will be required for the load. The closest port to the exporter isn’t always the best option. Part of the logistics of delivery is knowing the best port to use to expedite shipping.

Ports for Heavy Hauling Export

Each port has specific documents that will be required upon delivery of the cargo and a heavy haul company will know what those are and can facilitate deliveries through pre-registration. A pre-registered operator typically makes it through the process quicker, thereby eliminating long wait times for authorization to send items swiftly on their way.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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The term disaster hauling is used to denote transporting FEMA loads after a catastrophic event. It can encompass the transport of a wide variety of items ranging from heavy equipment to clear areas of debris, modular units for temporary housing, generators to supply power, and other types of relief supplies.

The most often encountered disaster in Florida is a hurricane. The hurricane season typically runs June 1 through Nov. 30. Scientists believe that global warming may extend that season and storms may become more severe. Any company planning on participating in disaster hauling should be aware of several things.

Budget Strains

Heavy haulers are essential during disaster recovery, but FEMA isn’t known for being a quick payer. It can place a strain on cash flow and there are often delays in payment. Disaster hauling will typically be contracted through a broker. In the chaos following a disaster, combined with the sheer number of loads going in, there will be delays in payments.

Keep a Record for Disaster Hauling

Maintaining clear and comprehensive records is essential in the trucking industry. Nowhere is that more important than during disaster hauling. Get a copy of all agreements in writing and keep them on hand to ensure there’s no misunderstanding, nothing slips through the cracks, and correct compensation is collected. Haulers will be able to charge more for FEMA loads and individuals shouldn’t undersell their time.

Keep detailed records of wait times, along with mileage in and out. Be sure to include detention and layover pay in any agreement since there could be significant wait times to get unloaded. Be aware that detention pay is one of the most often disputed by FEMA. Always review every contract carefully to ensure standard terms and information is included.

Be Prepared

A heavy hauler working on disaster relief will need to be ready to roll at a moment’s notice. Time is of the essence for people without power and basic necessities. Prepare the truck or trailer in advance and try to carry supplies to make minor repairs for any contingency.

Haulers may encounter numerous challenges such as road damage and closed truck stops that will limit the availability to obtain fuel. It can also limit the availability of meals and grocery stores may be shut down.

Always carry some snacks that won’t spoil, water, and fill the tank just before heading into the disaster area. Cell service will probably be spotty at best. There will be flooding. Don’t drive into high water – stay safe. Above all, exercise patience when working disaster hauls.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Heavy equipment transport is required for most of the heavy manufacturing industries. The transport modes include road, rail and air to deliver the goods to the final destination. However, there are certain countries, which are not able to use the land transportation due to terrain challenges. Therefore, these countries have to export their goods using any of the means available like cargo ships, container ships, tankers, dredges, airplanes, cargo ships, etc. These export-related issues also need a good logistics system to streamline the freight transportation process.

For the purposes of facilitating the shipping of goods overseas, it is very important that the shipping methodologies are sound and efficient. The logistics manager should ensure that port and airport services are in perfect order and the shipment reaches the right place. He should use advanced analytics to track the shipment progress every step of the way. If there are any problems along the way, then there will be delays in delivery.

When the shipping vessel docks at a port, there are several things that have to be arranged in order to make sure that the shipment reaches its destination safely. If the logistics manager does not have adequate knowledge and information on these aspects, then he cannot ensure the safe delivery of the heavy manufactured goods. Every shipping company has a team of efficient and trained logistics experts. These experts will take care of all the logistics aspects of the shipping process. This includes planning the route, preparing the vessel, arranging for the crew, getting the goods shipped, load balancing and many more.

Heavy Equipment Export Objectives

One of the main objectives of logistics is to ensure that the cargo reaches its destined place. Therefore, the management of the shipping industry should allocate enough funding and resources to properly manage the logistics aspect of the shipping business. One of the easiest ways to do so is to hire a logistics expert. A logistics expert will help you efficiently plan your routes, prepare the cargo, get the goods delivered safely and optimize the freight costs. Some of the services offered by logistics experts include customizing shipping options, warehousing and supply chain solutions, as well as the development of logistics strategies.

If you are a small-scale importer or exporter, then you may not have the required financial resources to hire a logistics expert. If this is the case, then you should consider hiring shipping brokers to transport your heavy equipment. Brokers have extensive experience in the shipping industry and know how to best use their contacts, experience and expertise to offer the best transportation services to their clients. The transportation of heavy equipment is an important aspect of any trade transaction. Therefore, it is imperative for a company to properly organize transportation of their goods.

Many shipping companies offer transportation services to small and medium-sized businesses. However, it is also important for you to choose the right company to properly transport your goods. It would be preferable to hire a Heavy Equipment Export and transport company that can offer you comprehensive transport solutions. Hire a transport company that is fully committed to your needs and will always work closely with you. One of the most effective ways to hire the services of a professional heavy equipment export company is to go online and search for transport companies.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure any and all of your heavy equipment export is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Hiring a heavy equipment driver is not as easy a decision as it may seem. This is because you want to make sure that you hire someone with the appropriate experience and training to safely operate the equipment on-site and that they are also licensed and certified to do so in your state. Because there are numerous types of heavy equipment that you will need to use on construction sites throughout the nation, it is extremely important that the license is valid and shows that the individual has undergone adequate training. The most common reasons why you would want to hire a heavy equipment driver are:

Hiring a Heavy Equipment Driver Do’s and Dont’s

If you are just starting off in construction, then you probably have no idea what type of driver will be best suited for the job. In that case, it would be advisable to request that a temporary license be arranged before commencing your project. You can request either a short-term heavy equipment driver’s license or a driver’s license that will last you between one to two years. As mentioned before, this type of license is perfect for those who are just starting out and have little experience with driving large trucks. However, it is not the best idea to hire a driver without experience, as you can never be too careful.

When applying for a heavy equipment driver’s license, you will want to make sure that you have all of the proper documentation. This means that you will need to provide a copy of your resume to the licensing agency along with proof of training and experience with heavy equipment. Additionally, you will need to supply a list of the types of vehicles you will need to use for the construction site, such as dump trucks or tow trucks. By taking the time to complete these tasks ahead of time, you can ensure that you will have a licensed driver ready to sign on the dotted line when the contract comes due.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure your heavy equipment is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time, and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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Shipping construction equipment is vital for the smooth operations of a construction project. Without it, projects can’t move along in a smooth manner. Before any construction job starts, there’s a need for the shipment of heavy equipment and supplies from one point to another. There are two common methods for delivering these items: road transport and air freight. Each method has its own set of rules and regulations that you need to follow. So, what are the main points that you should consider in choosing the best method to move your cargo?

First, when you’re shipping construction equipment, you have to determine the type of truck and tractor to use. This is important because you won’t be able to drive all the way to the destination if you don’t have the right type of vehicle. You need to ensure that the load will fit on the truck or tractor, which is usually determined by the size of the loads. There are also special types of trucks and tractors, such as large tankers, that are specifically designed for transporting bulk shipments. So when you’re weighing your options, make sure you consider these factors.

Next, you must consider the route of delivery. Every transport route has its own set of rules and regulations. The logistics company that is handling the delivery must comply with local laws and it must also be in accordance with the rules and regulations of the shipping authority. If they’re not, you run the risk of getting into trouble, and that could severely jeopardize the whole project.

Once the logistics provider has evaluated the delivery route, the next thing to consider is the size of the vehicle that will be used. Only large trucks can be used to transport a single large item, like a piece of building material. Large trucks aren’t suitable for transporting individual products, like car parts or boxes of supplies. So you must choose a logistics provider that offers bigger trucks or other vehicles that can carry more weight. That way, your company won’t have any problems transporting your items.

In addition to vehicle size, you should also look at what the shipping construction equipment looks like. Some of the latest models are designed with very ergonomic features, making them easy to use. So your logistics provider should have models available for your consideration. Its infrastructure should be in the best shape possible, so that your delivery can be completed on time. It also helps to have a dedicated staff that will handle the loading and unloading of your supplies, so you don’t have to waste precious time in doing that yourself.

Once you’ve evaluated the shipping construction equipment, its characteristics and the logistics provider that you’ll use, you can determine how much you’ll be paying for the transportation services. Different companies charge differently for their services. For that reason, you should ask lots of questions to find out the average cost of the shipment. Then you can compare the costs of different providers against one another to see which one can offer you the best prices. After you have compared costs, you can choose a logistics provider that’s right for your needs.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure your heavy equipment is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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The price of moving heavy equipment tends to vary from company to company. There are many different factors that can affect how much it costs to transport equipment, such as the weight of the equipment, the distance it needs to be moved, and the type of transportation. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to reduce the overall cost of your equipment move.

Weight

One factor that you need to keep in mind is the weight of the machinery. The weight of the equipment will greatly influence the price. The weight is measured in tonnage, which is basically the amount of weight that a vehicle can carry. The cost of moving heavy equipment tends to be influenced by several factors, from the delivery distance, to the kind of transportation, and finally, the size of the equipment. When you have the exact measurements, think carefully about your different heavy equipment transport options.

Choose a Professional

You may also want to use a professional company to transport your machinery. Before choosing a company, ask how long they’ve been in business and inquire about their process and insurance policy. Professional companies tend to charge a bit more than non-professional companies, but they have more experience handling all types of heavy equipment transportation. You’ll want to ensure that the company you choose is licensed to transport your equipment, as well, to protect it against accidents on the way.

There are some companies that specialize in heavy equipment transportation. For example, North American Heavy Haul owns equipment that is designed specifically for moving and transporting heavy machinery. They offer services ranging from flatbed trailers to enclosed semi-trailer trucks. To make sure that your equipment travels in a safe manner, North American Heavy Haul offers free insurance for their trailers and most of their equipment. You can also save money if you choose to use them instead of another company because they provide round the clock service.

Equipment Protection

It’s important that you protect your machinery, even when you’re transporting it on a flatbed trailer. Even if your equipment is only 5 feet long, if it has dangerous components such as cutting blades or a rotating blade, it’s extremely dangerous for the equipment, as well as for anyone else, to be in the trailer. You should contact a local heavy equipment hauler company to make sure that you’re not transporting the wrong type of equipment and to claim compensation if anything happens to it while it’s being transported. In the case of an accident, you may need to have it towed away or repaired, so contacting a company to haul your damaged equipment is extremely beneficial.

With over a decade of transporting and Heavy Haul experience, we ensure your heavy equipment is transported safely. Our skilled logistics team understands it’s mission-critical to get your load where it needs to be on time, every time and will make it our main focus when shipping for you.

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