3 Dos and Don’ts of Transporting Heavy Equipment and Machinery

Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Landed Cost Calculator for USA Imports (Excel workbook). This landed cost calculator is an advanced Microsoft Excel ? spreadsheet that can be used to calculate the total landed cost of importing goods into the USA No need to waste time reinventing the wheel this spreadsheet has evolved from many years of practical use and ongoing development by a [read more]

Also, if you are interested in becoming an expert on Supply Chain Management (SCM), take a look at Flevy's Supply Chain Management (SCM) Frameworks offering here. This is a curated collection of best practice frameworks based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. By learning and applying these concepts, you can you stay ahead of the curve. Full details here.

* * * *

Transporting any kind of heavy machinery and equipment is never a hassle-free or easy process, even for highly experienced professionals. However, there are various things you can do to simplify it.

Whether you’re transporting large equipment, industrial machinery, or other heavy items, the proper approach is crucial to ensure your cargo’s safety and that everyone is involved. Remember that transporting heavy equipment can be a safety risk and may harm you substantially. In addition, it can be dangerous to structures and people in your surroundings.

To help you transport heavy equipment and machinery with ease, here are the dos and don’ts you should know:

Dos of Transporting Heavy Equipment and Machinery

Any heavy machinery or equipment isn’t something you should take lightly. Below are the things you should do when transporting this kind of cargo:

1. Work with Professionals

While opting for a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach is tempting, it’s never recommended when dealing with heavy equipment and machinery. To experience a stress-free process, work with experienced professionals and experts in the field. For more information, check out Titan Worldwide.

One of the best things about hiring professionals is that they’re complete with the necessary tools and equipment to transport heavy items. They also keep your valuable heavy machinery and equipment damage-free.

However, you have to remember that not all professionals are the same. If you don’t want to make a wrong choice, shop around first and compare your options. Check their reputation in the market and select the one that offers good value. This way, you’ll get quality service and peace of mind knowing your items are handled carefully.

2. Be Aware of the Rules and Regulations

Depending on your location, there might be rules and regulations you should remember regarding heavy machinery and equipment transportation. Not knowing the regulatory requirements may result in costly penalties. To avoid this, learn your region’s jurisdiction over heavy loads on the road.

In some cases, other states require heavy haul permits, but what qualifies as overweight may widely differ from one state to another. The rules about the accepted transport vehicles, flags, signage, and escorts may also change depending on the route, weight, and size. Moreover, heavy equipment moving companies are required to carry cargo and liability insurance.

3. Maintain Good Communication

When working with hauling experts or a local moving company specializing in transporting heavy equipment, it’s essential to maintain good communication. Be sure that every involved party is aware of your plan and your expectations. It may help ensure a hassle-free transportation process and potential accidents.

Don’ts of Transporting Heavy Equipment and Machinery

Now that you know the things you should do when dealing with heavy equipment transportation, it’s time to be aware of the things you must avoid at all costs. Here are the don’ts to remember:

1. Don’t Forget to Plan in Advance

Before anything else, make sure to plan in advance. Assess your hauling needs in detail. It may help you to do this with the assistance of capable and seasoned moving professionals.

In-depth planning may do wonders for those who want to prevent problems with transporting heavy machinery. It also helps you anticipate possible obstacles, which can reduce the threat of injury to your employees and other parties involved throughout the process.

So, if you want to keep everything smooth sailing, take time to plan. Once you plan carefully, you’ll be able to tackle every little detail that may affect the transportation of your heavy machinery and equipment.

2. Don’t Rush the Process

You need more time to transport heavy machinery and equipment successfully. Therefore, avoid rushing the process and deal with it carefully to prevent hurting yourself.

While taking shortcuts will save you time, it may result in damage to your cargo and possible accidents. What you need to ensure successful transportation is patience. Your primary goal must never be transporting heavy machinery and equipment quickly. It should be transported securely and safely.

3. Don’t Ignore Weather Conditions

As you plan for heavy equipment transportation, remember the weather conditions. These may put your cargo and personnel at risk. So, before you schedule the hauling, read the news about the weather conditions in your region. Stay updated and never ignore weather warnings if you don’t want to deal with more serious issues in the long run.

Conclusion

Regardless of your experience transporting heavy equipment and machinery, it pays to know what you should and shouldn’t do to avoid any inconvenience and other problems. If possible, never do it alone and choose to work with professionals at the very beginning to ensure a smooth process. Even if it’s an extra expense, reliable experts know how to do their job well.

Want to Achieve Excellence in Supply Chain Management (SCM)?

Gain the knowledge and develop the expertise to become an expert in Supply Chain Management (SCM). Our frameworks are based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. Click here for full details.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of Supply Chain activities. It also captures the management of the flow of goods and services.

In February of 2020, COVID-19 disrupted—and in many cases halted—global Supply Chains, revealing just how fragile they have become. By April, many countries experienced declines of over 40% in domestic and international trade.

COVID-19 has likewise changed how Supply Chain Executives approach and think about SCM. In the pre-COVID-19 era of globalization, the objective was to be Lean and Cost-effective. In the post-COVID-19 world, companies must now focus on making their Supply Chains Resilient, Agile, and Smart. Additional trends include Digitization, Sustainability, and Manufacturing Reshoring.

Learn about our Supply Chain Management (SCM) Best Practice Frameworks here.