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Transporting things from place to place always comes with the question of what your best option for doing so actually is. What you’re moving, when it needs to get there, and what you’ve got available to do the job are all considerations in this scenario, but what if the answer didn’t have to be so complicated?
In truth, most of these problems can be solved through the use of a flatbed truck. Convenient, spacious, and adaptable, they’ll get you and your supplies where they need to be without a fuss. If you need some convincing, then just look at these three advantages of transporting with flatbed trucking.
1. Time Saved
Flatbed trucks are good at what they do, being able to haul large amounts of stuff over long distances without complaint. When it comes to moving things over a short distance, there’s really no better option for things like construction vehicles or large amounts of material. Other types of trucks or cars just can’t bear the burden while other transportation options just aren’t efficient or available. In many cases, even driving things over a long distance can still save you time in the long run when factoring in the often inefficient train schedules for freight shipping or the difficulties of using a cargo plane. This is the most important when what you move is time sensitive, too.
2. Price
Not only is it quicker, but hiring a flatbed trucking service is almost always going to be a cheaper option even when factoring in gas costs. While you should always double check terms and pricing options, it usually factors out to be a better deal to have someone else haul the freight for you on a flatbed then doing it yourself. Not only that, if you use a reputable service you get the security of knowing your things actually get there in one piece.
3. Convenience
Until the time comes when we can just call up a freight train to take our things where we need them, cars are still the most convenient means of moving things. When we’re moving something big, that means our car will be replaced with a flatbed truck. It’s certainly a lot easier than trying to hitch up an excavator to your old pickup and hoping for the best.
When it comes to transportation, flatbed trucks are your go to for large equipment when you want to save time, money, and have an overall more convenient experience.
April 9, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed
As a construction business owner, you may find yourself faced with the dilemma of how to get your heavy machinery from one place to another. While you may own your heavy equipment, it doesn’t mean that you have the means to transport it as often as you need to. Thankfully, you have the option to hire a transportation company to do the heavy lifting for you.
These transportation companies do not own any construction equipment, but they do hold the equipment that is needed to transport all your heavy machinery. However, you need to make sure that you are working with a transportation company that employs skilled workers and has quite a reputation within the industry.
Here are six things that you should look for when choosing a transportation company:
Number of Years in Business
While some of the newer transportation businesses can be okay, most of the time, it is best to hire a company that has been around for the long haul. Those are the businesses that can provide a large number of references, plus, the fact that they are still in business after so long speaks volumes.
Clear Communication Skills
Everyone wants to work with a transportation company that has clear communication skills because that means that both parties are on the same page. When the lines of communication are open, you should be able to have basic, and sometimes even more complicated, questions answered immediately.
Proactive with Safety Measures and Property
Some transportation companies do every single job the same, but that doesn’t work in this business. While most equipment is similar, the places that it is getting picked up from and dropped off to is not. The best transportation companies will consider every scenario before crafting a plan for your construction equipment, which will ensure that everything arrives safely.
Active Insurance
Every transportation company must have their insurance so that everything is covered if anything happens to your equipment when they are moving it. This coverage ensures that you can easily have your equipment repaired or replaced and not need to pay a penny out of pocket.
We understand that money is sometimes a deciding factor when you are choosing a transportation company, but if you find one that is cheap and doesn’t have the above qualities, then we urge you to find someone else. After all, without the above qualities, you may find yourself paying out more in the long term when it comes to equipment repairs, lost time on the job due to late deliveries, and much more. Paying a little more upfront can easily save you those headaches and will guarantee that your heavy machinery will be where you need it every time.
April 5, 2019 | | Category: Heavy Haul
In some cases, you might have your load all ready to go on a flatbed, trailer, container, or specialty pod. All you need is the power to get it where it needs to go!
Power-only trucking is more common than you might think. It’s used in a variety of industries for a variety of products and materials. Did you know these things about power-only trucking?
It’s Cost-Efficient
If you already own the container or flatbed, you’re only paying for the power! This may be something to consider if you regularly require long-haul trips. It might be more economical to invest in your own trailer to save money over the long term.
Drivers Are Trained and Experienced
When you hire the truck, you hire the driver—saving you the hassle of finding someone yourself. Your power-only trucking driver is a well-trained professional. He or she has experience hauling a wide variety of regular and oversize loads over long distances in a variety of weather conditions. You can rest assured your load is in good hands.
Lots of Industries Need Power-Only Trucking
All sorts of products, materials, and equipment need to be transported—even yours! There’s no such thing as an unusual request for power-only trucking. Containers and trailers are loaded with medical equipment, set materials and decor for the entertainment industry, machinery, construction materials, and so much more. We’ve worked with government organizations, individuals, and businesses of all kinds.
The Truck is Taken Care of For You
Owning your own truck can come with a lot of headaches. You never know when something might break down and delay your shipment. Repairs can be expensive. With power-only trucking, you manage the container, but the truck is taken care of. The vehicles are carefully maintained to prevent any unexpected breakdown—and if that worst-case scenario does occur, it is handled quickly and efficiently with no cost to you.
You Maintain More Control
You have control over when and how you load your own trailer or container. Whether you need a one-way or round trip haul, just let us know and we’ll get it where it needs to go across the United States and Canada. We’re committed to offering safe, reliable, cost-efficient transportation for loads of any size.
April 3, 2019 | | Category: Power Only Trucking
Driving a backhoe, bulldozer, or tractor down the highway isn’t the best way to get it where it needs to go. Doing so would be slow and expensive; they’re not made for traveling long distances on their own. And of course, some heavy machinery doesn’t have its own wheels and engine—it’s just big! When you need to get heavy machinery from its home base to the construction site, trade show, farm field, or anywhere else, you need heavy haul trucking or, possibly, flatbed trucking.
Flatbed trucking works for smaller, lighter machines, like small tractors or boats. If you’re transporting heavy machinery that exceeds the size and weight limitations of flatbed trucking, heavy haul trucking is required.
Heavy Haul Trucking for Transporting Heavy Machinery
There are a variety of materials and pieces of equipment that may require heavy haul trucking. These include:
- Cranes
- Tractors
- Excavators
- Generators
- Planes
- Boats
- Turbines
- Bridge Beams
- Compressors
- Manufactured Homes
- And More
Do You Need Heavy Haul Trucking?
For these massive loads, you need a truck and trailer that can manage the size and weight. If the load is oversize (a term that is defined differently from state to state), you may need certified Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators to accompany your load. These professionals help ensure the safe transport of your heavy machinery by managing the trip with consideration to other motorists as well as restrictions you might face because of bridges, roads, wires, signs, and more.
Oversize and overweight loads may require special permits, as well. Again, these vary from state to state. At Great Western Transportation, we manage the logistics of your trip, from determining the right truck and trailer for your equipment to obtaining proper permission, permits, and escort vehicles as required in every state and county along the trip.
If you’re unsure as to whether your load requires heavy haul trucking or if you can manage with flatbed trucking, contact us. Over the years, we’ve transported all sorts of heavy machinery and can help you determine the safest, most cost-efficient way for doing so while keeping within all legal requirements and regulations.
April 2, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul
You have a lot of options when it comes to moving your construction materials from source to job site and anywhere in between, and flatbed trucking is often the best of those options. There’s a reason you see so many loads of lumber, steel, scaffolding, and heavy equipment going down the highway on a flatbed!
Construction materials are often large and sometimes oddly shaped, making them both difficult to fit and load into an enclosed space. Flatbed trucking solves these problems and more. Take a look at some of the major advantages of using a flatbed for your construction materials and other large project needs:
Loading Options
Instead of having to shove everything through a door, a flatbed allows for easy loading—and unloading—from all sides via crane or forklift. There’s also no need for a dock: you can load directly from the ground. For transporting tractors, forklifts, or other equipment, the vehicles can easily be driven up a ramp onto the flatbed.
Variety of Sizes
You won’t get stuck hauling a small load on a giant truck. Instead, you can choose the flatbed that’s right for your load. From a basic flatbed with three options for lengths to dropdeck and double dropdeck flatbeds and extendible options that stretch to up to 70 feet long, you’ll be able to choose the flatbed that best suits your needs. Not sure which one will work best? Our trailer selection guide will help you choose, and we’re always available to answer your questions and advise you about regulations and limitations for your loads.
Security
Flatbed loads are carefully secured with chains or straps to prevent them from shifting or falling off in transit. The load is safe, and so is everyone around it! If there’s a possibility that the chains/straps themselves could damage the load, it is additionally secured with V-boards to protect against that. Tarps can be used to protect the load from the elements.
Flatbed trucking is your most versatile option when it comes to transporting a wide variety of products and materials:
- Raw Materials
- Concrete
- Mining and Refinery Equipment
- Solar Panels
- Farm Equipment
- Heavy Machinery
- Auto Parts
- And Much More
With more than 100 years of combined trucking experience, our team is proud to offer efficient, professional, and affordable transportation. Call us today to learn more about our flatbed trucking services.
March 29, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed
We’re the Solution for Moving Heavy-Haul Loads
With Great Western Transportation, you don’t have to invest in the equipment you only need to transport supplies and equipment to the next job. No matter where your company, or job site, is located, we have a nationwide network to expedite transit times. Our pricing is extremely competitive, and we strive to deliver the best in customer service.
Why use Great Western Transportation
Heavy hauling shipping can require special trucks and trailers equipped to move the load size you need to be moved. We know the route restrictions for heavy hauls. Not to mention the various permit requirements that vary between states, cities and other municipalities. There are more requirements with heavy hauling to include: flags, lights, signs, holiday restrictions, and even running times allowed per state.
The Fines Can be Devastating
Moving heavy haul loads without the proper trucks, trailers, and permits can leave your company with devastating fines, as found on Truckers Report, “$57,000.00”! The team at Great Western Transportation will never allow a load to move without proper permits and approvals.
2019 International Roadcheck is June 4-6, 2019
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has been holding annual road checks throughout North America since 1988. This year’s three-day inspection period is set for June 4-6, 2019. At Great Western Transportation, we take safety very seriously, and your loads will be shipped with extreme caution as the CVSA requires.
Leave the Heavy Haul Headaches to Our Experienced Team
The team at Great Western Transportation is here to take the heavy-haul headaches out of your project planning. When you need our service, your equipment is on the move shortly after you have approved of our quote, and the details are confirmed. We make it easy for you to spend your time getting your project underway and on to the next. We’re always happy to be your complete trucking service.
March 26, 2019 | | Category: Heavy Haul
Auctions are a great way for your company to acquire construction equipment. Online auction websites and professional auctioneers help you find reliable used equipment at good prices, but it won’t do you any good to outbid someone for your dream excavator if you then have to spend too much on bringing it back to your warehouse or you can’t pick it up. There are a few things you need to consider about the logistics of moving equipment before you place your bid.
Size And Shape
Most construction equipment is pretty big and oddly-shaped. They may best fit on flatbeds, as the open sides make it easier to load and you don’t have to worry about the top of the item scraping the ceiling. Occasionally, equipment is so large that it will need special permits to be carried out. In those instances, you might have to spring for Heavy Haul Trucking. Recording the weight, height, width, and length of any item that you are considering purchasing will allow you to assess what type of transportation you will need, which will in turn let you pick a transportation company that can handle the item you are ordering.
The Seller’s Window
The people selling the items generally want their wares off their premises as soon as possible. After all, they have to pay to store their inventory, and the thing is taking up a lot of room that could be put to other uses. They may give you as little as 24 to 48 hours to pick up the equipment, and you will have to coordinate with them to make sure that you get your purchase on a truck within the specified time frame. Having the appropriately sized truck and properly licensed driver ready to roll as soon as you make your purchase will help.
If you are looking to buy some of your construction equipment at an auction, you will want to hire a trucking company that will be able to handle what you order quickly, and Great Western Transportation prides itself in being one of those companies. We have the experience in heavy haul trucking for oversized construction equipment and a variety of flatbed trailers that are ideal for transporting them. Before you buy at auction, contact us for a quote.
March 22, 2019 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul
