What to Look for In a Construction Equipment Transport Company
The construction industry is one of the largest industries in North America, employing 1.4 million Canadians and 7.6 million Americans. Construction is a vital industry, creating jobs, infrastructures, roads, and much more. In Canada and the Northern States, construction is highest during the summer months. Still, even during the bitterly cold winter, building projects continue.
With construction occurring at any time of the year, heavy equipment hauling is also in high demand year-round. With thousands of hauling options just in Canada, it may feel overwhelming to look for a reliable, heavy-haul transport company. What aspects are crucial to look for when searching for a hauling company?
What to Consider First:
The first thing to consider when researching a company is whether they are suited to haul your type of load. If you need to move large, heavy construction equipment pieces, you need a company that specializes in heavy-load trucking. You also want to search for one that uses experienced drivers who can handle heavy loads and prioritize safety. Let’s discuss further why these concepts are crucial for efficient transportation.
Specializing in Heavy Hauling
The first and most essential point is whether the trucking service specializes in heavy hauling. There are several types of transportation in the trucking industry, and not all include transporting oversized loads. For example, some equipment can be hauled by something like a construction-grade pick-up truck, such as:
- Skid Steers
- Compact excavators
- Compact track loaders
- Generators and lighting towers
What exactly is heavy hauling, and how can you determine what equipment is oversized?
Heavy hauling is transporting large, heavy loads that require flatbed trailers of various configurations. Some of these loads may be oversized or overweight, which is any machinery with dimensions beyond the regulatory standard in a given region. You can establish whether your equipment is oversized by measuring accurate dimensions and weight and then comparing these dimensions to the area where it will travel through. For example, in Alberta, Canada, any height exceeding 4.15m or 13’6″, any length exceeding 23m or 75′, and any width exceeding 2.6m or 8’6″ is considered oversized.
These dimensions are different depending on the area. For example, in Canada, each province and territory has their own regulations for transporting heavy loads. Each jurisdiction has a unique set of rules and regulations to uphold the safety of shipping large machinery. After determining which equipment is oversized, it is essential to follow the guidelines for each region.
Heavy Equipment Shipping Experience
It is important to find a company that provides heavy hauling services and is well-experienced in this type of hauling. A company that does not work in this kind of heavy hauling may look over the essential guidelines and have a higher chance of mistakes. These mistakes can often create costly problems, such as a delay in travel or extra charges/fees due to a lack of diligence. If the regulations specific to each region are not followed, there are possible fines that may occur.
Drivers with know-how are essential for more than just rules and regulations. Larger loads require special care for heavy equipment transport, and experienced drivers will know how to take care of your construction machinery. Well-versed heavy haulers know the ins and out of construction equipment safety and care.
Heavy Load Safety
Safety starts with the proper procedures for loading and unloading construction equipment. Inexperienced drivers are at a higher risk of potentially damaging machinery before it’s even on the truck, endangering themselves and your load. Heavy machinery needs specific care and attention. Once it’s loaded, your equipment needs to be chained down properly for safe travel.
A company that values safety can save you time and money. Taking precautions at the start of the journey can help ensure no major issues occur during travel and no damage is done during transportation. If your load isn’t safely strapped down, it can lead to damage to your equipment and, in the worst-case scenario, an accident on the road.
Communication Is Key
When looking for shipping solutions, look for a company that values efficient communication and customer service. When shipping construction equipment, there are a lot of variables that can change at a moment’s notice. Sometimes jobs can be moved, cancelled or switched around at the last second. A company that places effective and adept communication as its top priority will help keep your driver in the loop with any last-minute changes.
At Trusted Dispatch, our app removes the middleman and lets you speak directly to the driver. Direct communication with your driver allows you to keep them up to date with any changes to the transportation details, which can decrease the chances of any miscommunication that might occur.
Construction Machinery Shipping
There are plenty of transportation options available, but Trusted Dispatch is the company to pick. Our company specializes in heavy hauling with highly experienced, well-trained truck drivers. And with our unique app, communication is easy. Contact us today for more information or jump ahead and fill out our shipping calculator for a instant, free quote.
