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It’s a lot of work to move heavy equipment. Whether it’s a bulldozer, crane, or farm machine, it must be handled with care. So, the shipping company you pick can make or break the whole process.
If you choose the wrong company, your equipment could get damaged, you could lose time, or there may be injuries during the move. Some companies offer lower rates on long distance routes, which can help you save money on big moves. But price is just one of the things you need to consider when making your decision. Therefore, the tips we will share here will help you pick the best company for the move.
Check Their Experience and Reputation
A good shipping company should know what it’s doing. That’s why you need to find one that has been in business for a long time. Such companies would have handled many types of jobs in the past.
Experience also means they can handle problems better when they happen. But having experience isn’t enough if they have a bad reputation. This is why you should check online for reviews about them.
Look up the business on third-party review sites. Ensure you read both the good and bad reviews because doing this will give you a good idea of how well they do their job.
Check out their Trucks and Trailers
You need strong trucks and trailers to move big machines. A good business should own its own vehicles and equipment. This gives them more control over quality and timing.
They should have a different kind of trailer, like a lowboy, a flatbed, or an extendable trailer to suit different needs. The more choices they give you, the more likely it is that they will have the right type to move your machine safely. You want a truck that can support the weight and size of your machine to prevent accidents.
Find Out About Tools for Loading and Unloading
Shipping is more than just driving a truck. How the goods are loaded and unloaded is also very important. If the wrong tools are used, this part of the shipping process could be dangerous.
Forklifts, cranes, and rigging tools should all be in the company’s arsenal. Also, the people who work there should be trained to use these tools. This prevents injuries and damage from happening.
Check to See if they have a License
You should only do business with companies that are licensed. They must have a DOT (Department of Transportation) number as this shows that they are allowed by law to move heavy equipment. You can get their DOT number and verify it online to be sure that it’s real.
They should also make sure that their drivers have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You can visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ to learn more about the CDL. If the driver doesn’t have the right license, they could get a ticket or be delayed. This might disrupt your plans.
Don’t Forget About Insurance
Things can go wrong even with the best team. That is why it is important to have insurance, as it protects you and your equipment. The following are insurance policies that a good shipping company should have:
- General liability insurance
- Auto insurance for all trucks
- Cargo insurance or riggers’ liability
- Extra (umbrella) coverage
Check to see if the insurance will fully cover your machine. You don’t want to lose money if there’s damage, and your machines are not covered. Be sure not to ignore this important check.
On-Time Delivery is Important
Being late can cause big problems. When the delivery is late, it can delay your project and leave workers waiting. That is why you need to pick a hauler that takes deadlines seriously.
Get them to tell you about their past delivery record. Find out what plans they have in place to prevent delays. Also, ask them if their trucks can be tracked by GPS. This lets you see where your equipment is during the trip.
Ask If They Offer Storage
Sometimes, your site may not be ready when the equipment arrives. In that case, you might need storage. This is why you should hire a shipping company that offers safe storage options.
This can help you finish your job on time and without rushing. It’s even better if the storage area has climate control. That way, while you wait, your machine won’t get damaged.
Ask About Packing or Crating for Long Trips
There are more risks when you move things over long distances. Roads may be bumpy, and travel can take days. That’s why packing and crating can be helpful.
Some companies make custom crates to protect your machines. You can prevent dents, scratches, or even worse with such crates. Although it will cost more to crate, the peace of mind you get is often worth it.
Make Sure Communication is Easy
When you need to, you should be able to get in touch with the hauler. One of the characteristics of a good business is that it responds quickly to calls and emails. It could be a sign of poor customer service if they take too long to respond. You can read this article for more examples of poor customer service.
The hauler is expected to keep you updated about the shipping process from the first call to the final arrival. Therefore, you should find out how they plan to share updates during the move. You should never be left wondering where your equipment is.
Don’t Just Focus on Price
Everybody wants to spend less, but sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best. If the price is too low, it may mean poor service, late delivery, or even damage. Therefore, what you should do is compare what several businesses offer.
Keep an eye on things like experience, safety, protection, and customer service. It might be better to go with the company that charges a little more but does everything you need. What’s cheap now might cost you a lot later. Also, ensure that you always ask for a full quote and not just the basic cost.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t rush into hiring a heavy equipment shipping business. You’ll save time, stress, and money if you make the right choice. On the other hand, it might cost you a lot more if you pick the wrong one. Use this guide to help you pick the right partner for your next big move.