Flatbed and heavy equipment shipping has unique requirements and considerations that organizations may not realize until they have a pressing need. In today's "just-in-time" supply chain, it's increasingly important to be prepared for the unexpected, as any delay or error can be catastrophic, potentially costing thousands of dollars. Even minor missteps can strain customer relationships and result in business being awarded to competitors. The purpose of this guide is to detail some of the things you need to know in order to transport heavy equipment safely and efficiently while making the most of your resources.
Learn about shipping types
Here's a breakdown of shipping types to help you understand where heavy equipment shipments apply:
Legal load
Legal load is the load that does not exceed the allowable dimensions of the trailer and the weight limit of the trailer
Fully loaded
This is a situation where the shipper's cargo is only moved on a trailer.
Partial Load/LTL
A partial load (or LTL) is when the shipper's cargo is moved on the same truck with someone else's cargo. This helps split the cost of the truck and reduce overall shipping costs. This may increase the time required to deliver the goods.
Oversized cargo
Oversized cargo is any load that exceeds the trailer width and/or weight limits. In the US, most states consider oversized loads wider than 8' 6" or wider than 13' 6". Loads that are too long (combined length) or too heavy (total or per axis) are also classified as oversized, although specific regulations often vary by state.
Flatbed freight
Flatbed freight is any load placed on a flatbed trailer. Flat loads need to be secured by the driver and exposed to the elements. Since the load on the flatbed is open, a crane can be used instead of a forklift, allowing many large industrial commodities such as large generators, bridges, prefabricated houses and steel pipes to be loaded more efficiently and safely, simplifying transportation. Flatbed trailers can Loads from the sides and top and can accommodate full width loads. Flatbeds are very common in the United States and Canada and are widely used in construction and industrial loads.
Flatbed trailers do not require a permit to carry cargo up to the length of the trailer. This is usually 48 feet to 53 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches wide, 8 feet 6 inches high and no more than 48,000 pounds. It's usually best to reduce the overall weight to 47,000 pounds or less to find a truck, as not all trucks can be extended up to 48,000 pounds, and they generally don't want to haul very heavy loads because they cost more to fuel.
Lowboy Freight
Lowboy and flat mounts are similar. Low-profile trailers - also known as double drop or RGN - have a significantly lower deck height. This essentially reduces the overall height of the load, which prevents the load from falling into an excessive load limit. These trailers also allow higher loads to be transported without the additional cost and safety concerns of oversized heavy equipment loads.
Know exactly what you're shipping
When transporting heavy equipment—especially machinery like excavators, motor graders, and rock trucks—you have to know exactly what you're transporting. Not sure what details or information are important to your shipping provider? Here's a quick breakdown:
The make and model of the device. Knowing the basics is essential for transporting heavy equipment.
Have any modifications been made to the device? Any information that may change the basic specifications of your shipment should be noted.
Exact size and weight. An inch or two off can mean your load requires a different truck or a different route, which can create significant cost differences and delays. Having an accurate weight is just as important, especially when handling any heavy loads, as the difference can mean a different type of trailer may be required to move your load. It can also greatly affect how fast your shipments can move and your delivery schedule.
Package. Be sure to let your shipping provider know how your heavy equipment shipment will be packed. Is it palletized? boxed? Need to cover with tarp?
Photos/any other details. Any other information you can provide to your shipping provider will help that person provide you with the best service and results.
Make sure everything runs smoothly
Bill of lading
Completing the bill of lading for your heavy equipment shipment helps ensure all your i's are dotted and your t's are crossed.
A bill of lading is a document that contains the details of the goods, the place of pickup, the place of delivery, the carrier responsible for the shipment, etc. It may also include pickup and delivery numbers, purchase order numbers, and specific information about what the item is and what is being shipped. If applicable, it may contain customs broker information for cross-border shipments.
If you want to ship consistently, does it make sense to create a PDF document with directions, as well as a contact name and phone number you can give the driver to help avoid additional question calls.
Choose someone you trust
I know it's hard for people to understand what we're doing to help them from a transportation provider's point of view. Hopefully this guide has provided you with the information you need to make better heavy equipment shipping decisions that will benefit your company long into the future. Along the way, I hope I can provide you with insights and information, and TJ chinafreight helps you understand how your shipping partners can help you achieve better results.
