Transporting heavy equipment is a uniquely intimidating task. Not only are the products you’re shipping extremely heavy, bulky, and often asymmetrical, they are most likely very valuable as well. And there are many challenges that can rapidly become overwhelming, including safety concerns and delay issues that can be frustrating for both you and the intended recipient. However, there are key preparation steps that can be taken to make the entire shipping process smoother, easier, and far less stressful.
- Know Your Equipment
Manufacturer guidelines should be followed as closely to the letter as possible. Therefore, read through the equipment’s manufacturer’s manual for shipping instructions, dimensions, etc. To resolve any residual questions or concerns you may have, take a trip to the manufacturer’s website or physical location (if feasible), or give their headquarters a call.
- Partner with a Transportation Expert
Tap into the expertise of an experienced transportation company. A quick online search with keywords like “equipment hauling” and “heavy shipping transportation” should provide a solid list to start with. Reach out to those companies that are well-reviewed, professional, and fit the manufacturer’s shipping requirements.
- Map Route Using FMCSA Guidelines
Because the dimensions and shape of your equipment may interfere with overpasses, bridges, power lines, and other elements of infrastructure, the next major step is to consult the guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) for the transportation of bulky equipment. Then, consult with your transportation company to discuss any potential problem areas. In addition, it may be necessary to transfer your equipment from one truck to another once or twice on its way, so plan accordingly.
- Set the Stage
Most heavy equipment gets shipped long-distance on a flatbed truck. Assuming that this is true for your equipment, you will need to ensure the area around the target cargo is uncluttered and prepped for a quick, easy load. And while most transportation companies provide the necessary equipment, check with your partners ahead of time to make sure they won’t need specific machinery on onsite to facilitate the loading process.
- Protect and Secure
Keeping equipment immobile, while safeguarding it against potentially damaging elements—such as rain, sleet, snow, or even the dust that gets kicked up along major roadways—are essential factors to be considered as well. Transhield’s custom-fit and shrinkable fabrics can be the difference between your equipment arriving intact and in good condition. In addition to tightly securing your equipment to the moving truck, Transhield covers provide three layers of protection to keep equipment shielded from dust, rain, or worse, eliminating the need to worry about damage caused by rough weather or hazardous roadside conditions
Though it’s an intimidating process, with the right preparation, an experienced transport partner, and Transhield technology, shipping heavy equipment can be a relatively straightforward and stress-free task. To learn more about how Transhield can help make your shipment process easier, just visit: https://transhield-usa.com/technologies/