Heavy Equipment Shipping – 15 Considerations For Finding The Best Company
Are you in the market for a company that can provide heavy equipment shipping? Whether you’re a business owner, contractor, or homeowner, it’s important to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a company to do your shipping.
In this article, we outline 15 important considerations you should consider when choosing a heavy equipment transport company. We hope this will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect fit for your needs!
15 Important Considerations For Hiring The Best Heavy Equipment Shipping Company:
What kind of equipment do they specialize in shipping?
If you’re looking for a heavy equipment shipping company, you’ll want to make sure they have experience shipping the type of equipment you need to move. Some companies specialize in certain types of equipment, like agricultural or construction machinery, while others have experience shipping a wide variety of heavy equipment.
Do they have experience shipping to your destination?
In addition to having experience shipping the type of equipment you need to move, you’ll also want to make sure the company has experience shipping to your destination. For example, if you’re moving equipment internationally, you’ll want to ensure the company has experience with the necessary export/import documentation and customs clearance procedures.
What is their track record like?
When considering a heavy equipment shipping company, be sure to check out its track record. For example, how long have they been in business? Do they have any positive reviews or testimonials from past clients? Have they been involved in any lawsuits or complaints?
What kind of customer service do they offer?
When you’re dealing with a heavy equipment shipping company, there’s a good chance something will go wrong at some point. It could be a delay in transit, equipment damage, or another issue. When this happens, it’s important to have a company that offers good customer service so you can get the issue resolved quickly and efficiently. Find out what kind of customer service the company offers and whether they have a good reputation for resolving issues in a timely manner.
What type of packaging do they use? Proper packaging is essential for safely shipping heavy equipment. You’ll want to find out what kind of packaging materials the company uses and whether they are appropriate for your type of equipment. For example, if you’re shipping delicate electronic equipment, you’ll want to make sure it’s packed securely with plenty of padding to prevent damage during transit.
Are they offering good rates compared to the industry average?
Heavy equipment shipping can be expensive, so it’s important to find a company that offers competitive pricing. Be sure to get quotes from multiple heavy equipment shipping companies before making a decision. In addition to finding out the base rate for shipping, be sure to ask about any additional fees that may apply, such as fuel surcharges, insurance, or export/import documentation.
What is their delivery time?
When you are looking for a heavy equipment shipping company, one of the first things you should consider is their delivery time. Depending on the nature of your business, you may need your equipment delivered as soon as possible. For example, if you are in the construction business, you may need your equipment delivered to the job site as soon as possible so that you can get started on the project.
The last thing you need is having your equipment stranded at the port because the shipping company was not able to deliver it on time. Make sure to ask the shipping company about their delivery time and find out if they have any restrictions.
What are their success rate and customer reviews?
To get an idea of the company you’re dealing with, it’s important to look at their success rate and customer reviews. A good shipping company will have a high success rate in terms of getting heavy equipment from Point A to B without any damage or delays. They should also have positive customer reviews on websites like Google Business and Better Business Bureau that attest to their great service. If a shipping company has a low success rate or negative customer reviews, that’s a red flag, and you should look elsewhere.
Are they properly licensed to ship heavy equipment?
Shipping heavy equipment can be tricky, and if the company isn’t properly licensed, it could end up doing more harm than good. There are a few different things to look for when it comes to licensing, so be sure to do your research before hiring anyone.
The first thing to look for is whether or not the company is registered with the (FMCSA) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). This is the organization that regulates the shipping of heavy equipment in the United States. A company registered with them will have a DOT (Department of Transportation) number that you can use to check their record.
You don’t want your shipment to get held up at customs because the company doesn’t have the proper documentation. Ask about the permits and licenses required for your destination, and make sure the company has everything they need before booking your shipment.
What type of damages and perils does their insurance policy cover?
When choosing a heavy equipment shipping company, it is crucial to consider what type of damages and perils their insurance policy covers. Most companies will have some form of insurance, but it’s important to understand the coverage and make sure it’s adequate for your needs. Some things to consider include the following:
- Coverage for all types of damages, including weather damage, fire, theft, and accidents
- A high limit on the value of the equipment that is covered
- No deductibles or co-pays
If a company doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage, you could be on the hook for repairs or replacement costs if something happens to your equipment while it’s in transit. Make sure you understand the insurance coverage before you choose a company.
Do They Have a Comprehensive Fleet of Heavy Haul Transport Equipment?
If you need heavy equipment shipping, it’s important to choose a company with a comprehensive fleet of heavy haul transport equipment. This will ensure that they have the right equipment for your particular shipment.
Some of the things you should look for in a company’s fleet include the following:
- Do they have trucks that are specifically designed for hauling heavy equipment?
- Do they have lowboys, extendable trailers, and step decks that can handle the weight and dimensions of your shipment?
- Do they have experience shipping the type of equipment you need to ship?
- They should also have a range of transport trucks to choose from, including semi-trucks, tractors, and other speciality trucks.
The company should also have a team of experienced and certified drivers who firmly understand the ins and outs of transporting heavy equipment. They should be able to offer you a detailed quote that takes into account the type and size of your equipment, as well as the distance it needs to be transported.
Is the Heavy Haul and Rigging Company Proven Dependable?
You don’t want to put your equipment in the hands of a fly-by-night operation. Make sure the company you’re considering has a good reputation and a track record of successful deliveries. You can check online reviews, ask for references, and even contact the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed against the company.
Check their website, read testimonials, and look for things that prove the company is legit and can ship your heavy equipment, such as blog posts on heavy equipment shipping like this one, service pages dedicated to it, and so on.
What Are the Qualifications and Capabilities of Their Team?
When you’re looking for a heavy equipment shipping company, one of the things you should consider is the qualifications and capabilities of their team. Do they have the right skills and experience to move heavy equipment safely and efficiently?
Remember these things when evaluating the team at a heavy equipment shipping company:
- How long have they been in business?
- What kind of training and experience do their employees have?
- Do they have any specialized certifications or accreditations?
- What kind of equipment do they use?
- Do they have a good reputation?
- What kind of procedures do they have in place to ensure your shipment is handled safely and securely?
- What is their tracking system like?
- What is their customer service like? Make sure the company you’re considering has good customer service and someone available to help you 24/7.
- Are there any hidden fees? Be sure to ask about any potential hidden fees before choosing a company. Some companies may charge extra for things like fuel surcharges, environmental surcharges, or trucking permits. (Get Binding Quote)
- Do they offer any guarantee? Some companies offer a money-back guarantee if your shipment is delayed or damaged during transit.
In addition to their credentials, you should also make sure that the team members are physically capable of handling your shipment. Do they have the necessary equipment to transport your heavy equipment? Do they have a facility that can accommodate your shipment? Are they able to meet your timelines and deadlines?
You should also ask about the company’s policies and procedures. What are their procedures for loading and heavy unloading equipment? What are their policies for inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances? What are their procedures for dealing with damaged or lost shipments? Make sure that you are comfortable with their policies and procedures before entrusting them with your shipment.
Does Your Hauling Company Offer Door-to-Door Service?
One important consideration when choosing a heavy equipment shipping company is whether or not they offer door-to-door service. This type of service means that the company will pick up your equipment from wherever it is located and deliver it to the destination address you provide without you having to do any of the loadings or unloading yourself. This can be a huge time-saver, especially if you have multiple pieces of equipment that need to be shipped. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that your equipment is in good hands from start to finish.
Not all companies offer door-to-door service, so be sure to ask about this when getting quotes. Some companies may have additional fees for this service, so be sure to factor that into your final decision.
Does Your Transport Company Have a Plan B?
You want to ensure that your transport company has a plan B in place if something goes wrong with the original plan. This could include having a backup truck or driver available or having a relationship with another transport company that can step in if needed. You don’t want to be left stranded if something happens to delay or prevent your shipment from being delivered on time.
Don’t make over-the-phone commitments without having something written on paper.
When you are ready to hire a company to transport your heavy equipment, don’t make over-the-phone commitments without having something written on paper. A verbal contract is not legally binding, so you have no recourse if the company does not fulfil their end of the bargain.
This is probably the most important thing on this list. It’s very important that you get everything in writing before making any commitments over the phone. This includes getting a quote in writing and the details of your shipment (including insurance information). If something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have everything in writing so you can refer back to it later on if needed.
Parting Words:
Heavy equipment encompasses all kinds of equipment that’s oversize and overweight than what the regular shipping companies are licensed to move. Therefore, always find the companies that have the permission to transport oversized and heavyweight equipment, they have the manpower, equipment and expertise to ensure safe and accident-free transport.