Improving Your Automobile

3 Factors to Consider When Hiring a Heavy Machinery Transport Company

16 June 2015

Addison Morris

Hauling heavy machinery or large pieces of equipment is not like transporting other freight and packages. Heavy-duty machinery often requires a designated truck, a vehicle to drive behind that truck with a warning sign, and special care and handling during transport. Very often you'll need a heavy-duty machinery transport company just for a one-time transport, but this doesn't mean that you should simply hire the first company you find online. Note a few factors to consider when hiring such a company for your equipment or pieces.

1. Tie-downs

Most heavy-duty machinery, industrial tires, and items like these will require thick chains to keep them tied down. However, anything with an aluminum body may actually be damaged by thick chains, and these may also cause damage to smaller, more delicate parts. Don't assume that a heavy-duty transport company will have plastic tie-downs or ropes at their disposal; so if you need something other than thick chains, ask about this before making a hiring decision.

2. The quote

As with any other type of business, you want to ensure that you get an inclusive or binding quote from a heavy-duty transport company. This will keep you from seeing any surprises on the bill once the job is done. A transport company may want to tack on extra vehicle fees, toll fees, and items like these after delivery, so always ask for a binding or inclusive quote.

It's also good to know the length of the quote; since you may be hiring for a one-time job, you'll want to have time to shop around and find the best price. Note if the quote is good for 30 days, 14 days, and so on, so you don't assume that it's indefinite and find that a company won't honor it if you come back to them after it's expired.

3. Delivery times

Because heavy-duty delivery usually means a dedicated truck, delivery times may be longer than you might expect. This can be especially true if your cargo needs extra care and handling, such as a tilt-up tray to load and unload something on treads, or something extra long to accommodate a crane arm. When shipping standard cargo, you might be able to assume on the delivery lead times, but don't do this when shipping heavy-duty freight. Shop around as soon as you know you'll need this type of delivery, and always make this one of the first questions you ask so you know how much lead time is needed to plan your transport.

For more information, contact heavy machinery transport companies in your area. 

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