Nothing can push your project schedule like choosing the wrong heavy equipment transport provider.
Bulldozers, excavators, and cranes have to be shipped across the country from time to time and every transport provider will claim that they are the most experienced and have the best equipment to handle the transportation of your machinery.
In reality, there are quite a few unreliable heavy equipment movers out there. Missed pick-ups, damaged machinery and delayed delivery due to improper planning are just some of the common problems. The frustrating thing is that all of these issues can be avoided by hiring the right heavy equipment transport company from the get-go.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Reliable Transport Providers Matter
- The Key Factors to Evaluate Before Hiring
- Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Questions to Ask Every Provider
Why Reliable Transport Providers Matter
Professional heavy equipment transport services play a crucial role in the construction, mining, and agricultural industries.
You need to ship some type of heavy equipment every now and then if you’re working in those fields.
Heavy machinery may make up just 4% of the total equipment tonnage shipped in the United States, but with construction machinery comprising approximately 40% of all heavy equipment shipments, there is a lot of money on the line.
Heavy equipment transportation is a multibillion-dollar industry. In the U.S., the heavy equipment transport market alone is currently worth $10 billion. According to some forecasts, the heavy equipment transport market size will expand to a size of $15 billion by 2033.
The problem is that demand fuels supply and you cannot always assume that every new transport provider out there is a serious, well-established and licensed player.
There are affordable options for heavy equipment shipping out there, you just need to know what to look for. Knowing what to look for in reliable heavy equipment transport services is the secret.
The Key Factors to Evaluate Before Hiring
Before signing a contract with a transport provider, there are a few vital factors to consider.
Experience and Track Record
The first thing to check is how long the company has been in business.
Experience counts when it comes to transporting oversized loads. A heavy equipment transport provider with years of experience hauling the types of machinery you need to move will know how to handle the necessary permits and plan the most efficient and trouble-free route.
Years of experience in general does matter but it is even better if a transport provider specialises in the type of equipment you need to transport. Bulldozers are not the same as cranes and moving large agricultural combines is yet again different.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
Insurance is a non-negotiable requirement.
Shipping problems can and do happen. Equipment can be damaged in transit. Unless the transporter has appropriate insurance, you are going to have to foot the bill for repairs. It is not a risk worth taking.
Reputable transport providers will be licensed and insured. They will have a valid USDOT and MC number. Insurance coverage should include:
- Cargo insurance to cover any potential damage to the equipment during transit
- Liability insurance to cover third-party damage claims
- Worker’s compensation insurance
Ask for proof of insurance and don’t even consider working with a heavy equipment transport provider that hesitates to provide it. Hesitation is a big red flag.
Fleet and Equipment Quality
The quality of the trucks and trailers used for transportation matter just as much as the driver at the wheel.
Poor quality trailers and worn-out trucks lead to breakdowns and delays which cost money.
The trucking industry accounts for a major percentage of all freight tonnage moved in the United States. According to the American Trucking Associations, trucking made up 72.7% of all freight tonnage moved in the U.S. in 2021.
Trucks and trailers are the lifeblood of the American freight industry so the fleet quality of every transport provider you are considering is going to play a big part in whether or not your heavy equipment arrives at the final destination on time.
Look for providers that have well-maintained equipment with proven track records for safety. Look for specialised heavy equipment trailers like flatbeds, lowboys, and RGN trailers. Heavy equipment transport services with the right equipment for the job is a must.
Transparent Pricing
Nobody likes surprise fees and charges popping up at the last minute.
Transparent pricing means being provided with a detailed quote that breaks down every cost. This includes:
- The base transportation rate
- Permit fees
- Escort vehicle costs, if applicable
- Insurance charges
- Fuel surcharges
While searching for a reliable heavy equipment transport provider, if you get a quote that seems to good to be true it is probably too good to be true.
Prices way below the average mean that the heavy equipment transporter is either cutting corners or that they are a fly-by-night type company.
Communication and Tracking
Are real-time GPS tracking and regular communication available?
Reputable heavy equipment transport services offer tracking so that you can track your shipment’s movement in real-time. A reliable company will also be able to provide regular communication throughout the transport process.
Prompt and professional customer service is also important. Problems can arise during transport and if something is wrong you need to know right away.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Not all heavy equipment transport providers are created equal. There are a few red flags to be aware of that indicate that a provider should not be hired.
No physical address or online presence. A legitimate transport provider will have a verifiable business address and a professional-looking website.
Refusal to provide references. Reputable transport companies will be able to provide references from past clients without hesitation.
Demand for full upfront payment. Most companies will ask for a deposit or some payment upfront, but demanding full payment before the job is complete is a red flag.
Missing or vague contract terms. Everything should be in writing, including expected pickup and delivery dates, any liability terms and the transportation rate.
Safety concerns. Check out the FMCSA Safety Measurement System database for any safety violations or accidents.
Questions to Ask Every Provider
In addition to the checklist of factors to evaluate above, it is a good idea to ask each provider the following questions.
It will give you a good idea about the company and help you make a final choice.
- How many years of experience in heavy equipment transport do you have?
- What types of heavy equipment do you specialise in?
- Can you handle the permits and route planning?
- What types of insurance coverage do you provide?
- Do you have real-time GPS tracking?
- What are your policies if my equipment is damaged?
- Can you provide me with some references?
Making the Final Decision
Do not make the mistake of rushing the decision to hire a heavy equipment transport provider.
Take your time. Get at least three detailed quotes and compare the costs of each to the different factors outlined above.
While price is a factor, it is not the only one to be considered. It is better to pay a slightly higher rate for a proven, reputable provider than it is to save a few dollars and be left with a truck that got stuck or a crane that was damaged.
The least expensive option often turns out to be the most expensive when problems arise during transportation.
Wrapping Things Up
Finding reliable heavy equipment transport providers takes work.
There is no shortcut around doing the proper research and legwork. The effort will pay off tenfold, though. Knowing what to look for in the factors above, and asking the right questions when making a final decision can help you find the right heavy equipment transport provider.
Let’s sum it up quickly:
- Check for valid licensing and appropriate insurance
- Get quotes from multiple heavy equipment transport providers
- Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Check safety records and read customer reviews
- Prioritise communication and real-time tracking options
The right heavy equipment transport services not only protect your investment but also your project schedule. You can have peace of mind that the expensive equipment is in good hands and is more likely to arrive on time when you work with a reputable and trustworthy transport partner.
Go ahead and find that provider you can trust.
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