How Much Does it Cost to Ship Heavy Equipment?

Many factors will affect the price of shipping oversized or bulky equipment. Large equipment such as bulldozers, forklifts, RV’s, excavators, tractors, and mining equipment will all demand different prices depending on the weight, length, and height of the objects.

What to consider before estimating shipping costs?

The first thing you should do is determine the weight and dimensions of the items being shipped in order to get a price estimate for total shipping costs. The length and weight of the items being shipped will play an important role in helping your shipping service provider give you accurate prices for shipping your heavy equipment. For example, is the total gross weight of your equipment over 80,000 pounds? Is it over 13.6 feet tall? Is it over 48 feet long? All of this information is important in determining your total shipping costs.

How to estimate shipping costs

At Great Western Transportation, we understand that our clients expect reliability and the best quality services their money can buy. That’s why we put just as much effort into making sure our clients are aware of exactly how much it will cost them to ship their heavy equipment loads as we do in providing reliable, professional, cost-efficient shipping services.

The following factors are the main contributors to determining shipping costs:

Size of load

The size of the load is a determining factor of price because larger loads will require more axles and a larger truck for shipping your heavy equipment. The length and width will also determine the type of trailer you will need, which in turn will affect the overall costs of shipping. Also, larger loads can also affect price due to higher insurance requirements.

Labor and materials

To ensure safe and reliable shipping of your equipment, it will require additional materials for packaging and securing your equipment as well as labor costs for shipping, loading, and unloading. These costs can also include fuel, insurance, and tracking services.

Distance and location

The cost of shipping your heavy equipment is also affected by the distance and mileage accumulated during the trip. Therefore, shipping locally to one location will be much cheaper than shipping your equipment interstate or to multiple locations.

Need a free quote on how much it will cost to ship your equipment? Give us a call as soon as possible!

August 10, 2021 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Top 3 Benefits of Shipping With Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed trucking is a great option for businesses that have large or heavy items to ship. Flatbed trucks are designed specifically with the ability to haul large, heavy cargo. They can be used to transport anything from furniture and appliances to machinery and construction materials.

The flatbed design allows drivers to load their cargo securely without having it shift around in transit, which means less risk of damage or breakage during transportation. This type of truck also requires little-to-no loading time due to its efficient design; you can pack your freight on top of the cab and secure it with straps before driving away!  In addition, this type of truck has fewer turn restrictions than an average semi-truck because they don’t require as much clearance.

Here are the top three most important benefits of shipping your cargo with flatbed trucking.

1. Flatbed trucks can handle large freight

Flatbed trucks can transport large quantities of heavy equipment and materials with ease. Due to the versatility in material that construction companies need, they often use the services of flatbed truckers who are well-versed at securing loads on their vehicles’ backs for safe transportation.

2. Flatbed trucks are easy to load and unload

Flatbed trucks are designed to make it easy for the freight to be loaded and unloaded. Some flatbeds come with modifications or specialized equipment that allow them to work better than others – such as built-in loading ramps and drop decks. This not only makes the process easier, but also safer because both employees of a company using these trucks along with their cargo will remain protected during shipping.

3. Flatbed trucks are versatile

The flatbed truck is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment. It can be used to transport anything from basic framing lumber and other essential supplies for a housing project, all the way up to high-volume items such as furniture or appliances that are too heavy for standard delivery trucks.

The best part about flatbed trucks is they make it easy on your wallet. With the ability to cut shipping costs and get projects done faster, this makes it your best bet for profit margins!

Great Western Transportation provides flatbed trucking services to help you get your freight where it needs to go. Whether it’s a big or small shipment, we have the resources and experience needed for all of them! Contact us today to get started.

July 30, 2021 | | Category: Flatbed

How Can You Find The Right Heavy Haul Trucking Service?

When you are looking for heavy haul transportation services near you, it is important that the decision you make is the right one. One of the most important aspects of choosing a heavy haul transportation service is finding one that supports the type of cargo you need to ship. Unfortunately, many businesses do not always consider this aspect, and this can lead to a long list of problems.

When you work with the wrong company, the partnership can not only prove to be a waste of time, but it can also lead significant financial losses. You can avoid late deliveries, penalties, fines, fees, and more by making sure you choose the right heavy haul transportation service from the very beginning.

If you are not sure what aspect you should focus on, you may not be able to make the best choice. You should always consider your cargo first before making a final decision. The type of cargo you need to ship will allow you to determine the best type of transportation service you are going to need.

You will have to ship some cargo that should only be shipped using a specific type of truck. If you need a specific type of truck to haul your cargo but you make the decision to choose a cheaper option, the decision can become a huge mistake that may be difficult to recover from. Here are some things you should focus on when trying to determine the type of transportation you will need:

  • The type of goods you need to ship
  • The size and weight of the containers you need to use to safely transport the goods
  • The starting point and the final destination

When you have a clear understanding of everything you need to safely transport the goods, you will be able to create a short list of heavy haul transportation services. When you focus on the key aspects of the transportation process, you will find the right heavy haul company. If you are looking for a heavy haul trucking company, reach out to Great Western Transportation today.

June 28, 2021 | | Category: Heavy Haul

4 Benefits of Flatbed Trucking Services

Flatbed trucking is a good option when transporting large, bulky goods that require the open space of a truck trailer or lifting by a crane or forklift. There are several benefits of using flatbed trucking services.

The feature explains several benefits of using flatbed trucking services.

1.    It is Flexible

A flatbed truck is open, thus make it easy when loading. When there is no boxy wall, it will mean there is more room when it comes to loading and packaging. It can be difficult to load large goods in an enclosed trailer as it has confined space. The flatbed truck gives complete freedom on what one can put as it accepts the most oversized goods. It is also easier to offload the goods once they have arrived at their intended destination, saving on time.

2.    Variety of Materials

When you plan to transport a variety of goods, it is best to use flatbed trucking services. A flatbed truck can allow you to transport a high volume of several materials in one trip. Flatbed trucking is especially useful for transporting oddly shaped cargo, and it is also a big plus for loose materials. When you use flatbed trucking services, you can cut shipping costs and speed up completion time.

3.    No Loading Dock

Flatbed trucking does not have any restrictions when it comes to a loading dock. When you use a flatbed trucking service, the goods can be delivered to any location by the transportation company; this includes a residential neighborhood, a large construction site, etc.

4.    Secured Cargo

Transporting cargo via flatbed trucks is more secure. The loads in flatbed trucking are exposed; thus, experts use coil racks, chains, traps, etc., to prevent the cargo from shifting during transportation. The cargo will arrive at its destination unscathed.

To get the highest quality of flatbed trucking services, contact Great Western Transportation, and we will prioritize your needs.

June 21, 2021 | | Category: Flatbed

Transport Solutions for Every Heavy Haul

The driver shortage we were already experiencing before 2020 is now worse than expected. As our country slowly emerges from the pandemic lockdown, people are heading back to work, but not necessarily truck drivers.

If your company is experiencing transport roadblocks, Great Western Transportation (GW) can get your heavy haul or trucking loads expedited. When you don’t want to worry about the transport and the special permitting requirements, our expert team of trucking professionals takes care of the details.

The Benefits You Get Partnering with Great Western Transportation

You can take the stress of heavy haul trucking off of your shoulders and put it on ours.

-You Don’t Have to Worry about Trucking Equipment and Preventive Maintenance

When you partner with us, you don’t have to worry about buying and maintaining the trucks and trailers. Preventive maintenance is a vital factor in reducing breakdowns and accidents along highways and roads. Partnering with us, you have superload equipment when you need it.

-You Don’t have to Worry about the Insurance

Insuring trucking equipment can be an expense that can eat up profits on the bottom line. Not to mention insuring drivers and the load are additional expenses.

-You Don’t Have to Handle Permitting and Pilot/Escort

Every state has its heavy haul requirements. Certain heavy loads may require a Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operator(s) to travel with the load to alert and protect other drivers and also protect the load. At Great Western Transportation, we have the knowledge how to work with every state.

At Great Western Transportation, we have the experts with industry experience, and we have the equipment to handle all of our customers’ heavy haul trucking needs. Serving the United States and Canada, we make shipping hassle-free, we offer competitive rates, and we’re excited to be your shipping partner, no matter the load size.

June 16, 2021 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Heavy Haul Trucking: Are You Aware of Spring Shipping Restrictions?

As someone who’s responsible for shipping and logistics, you are aware of the long list of factors that can have a profound impact on your ability to transport goods from one location to the next. For example, you are aware that the winter months can impact your schedule if you are delivering goods to the northern states.

Did you know some factors can also have a major impact on your deliveries during the spring months? With the arrival of Spring, frost laws or seasonal weight restrictions will mandate the amount of load that trucks can carry and the speed at which the vehicles can travel. The restrictions will vary between each state, and the laws and restrictions can be impacted even if the cargo weight is less than 50,000 pounds. Yes, legal loads can be impacted by the weight restrictions.

One of the best ways to navigate the changes and complexities of traveling from Point A to Point B is to work with an experienced and knowledgeable transportation service. There are not any federal guidelines for thaw restrictions, and this means that some states may have restrictions that will last longer than other states.

As you can imagine, large trucks carrying heavier hauls can cause a significant amount of damage to enfeebled roads. To prevent damage to the roads that are more susceptible to damage, many states have set specific restrictions for spring. If there are any seasonal weight restrictions, these should be discussed with the transportation service.

Knowledgeable and transparent transportation services are familiar with load restrictions and what it takes to deliver heavy haul shipments without violating any rules. At Great Western Transportation, we take pride in being able to deliver the best solutions for our customers and helping them avoid any extra costs, shipment delays, and headaches.

Contact us today to learn more about the seasonal shipping restrictions that can have an impact on your future heavy haul shipments.

May 19, 2021 | | Category: Heavy Haul

Important Tips To Note When Shipping Construction Equipment

Buying, shipping, and delivery of construction equipment may be quite a task. Some construction equipment being referred to are; dozers, excavators, rock trucks, road graders among other heavy-duty equipment. However, there are a few tips that will become very helpful in shipment.

Things To Note Before Shipping Construction Equipment

Documents Needed

Remember that the process of shipping should be done legally, in that case, several documents should be prepared by the shippers that give them legal permission from the attorney to carry out the shipment process. A bill of landing should also be there to permit you to receive goods on land. You should also have a certificate that proves ownership of the goods.

Methods of Shipping Equipment

The most popular is the roll-on/roll-off method where equipment is towed into and out of the transportation vessel. Similarly, ensure that you are well conversant with the tips for shipping equipment as well as what to expect.

Bulldozers

It is easier to ship bulldozers in parts because they are bulky. Most parts that are dismantled are the blade and the ripper to make shipping easier. This is also cost-effective and also reduces the weight of the load.

Excavators

They come in many shapes and sizes but the most effective method is using flatbed trucks. Knowing the dimensions of the excavator you are shipping is an important tip to easily find a suitable flatbed truck.

Road grader

Road graders are usually very large and bulky because they are used to dispose of large sums of material. Such a truck requires a lowboy truck that can carry this equipment efficiently.

Rock trucks

Since these trucks also carry large sums of heavy material, they will require haulers to transport them with ease.

Following the tips given, shipping of construction equipment should not be as hard as you thought!

 

April 15, 2021 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul

What You Need To Know About Construction Equipment Shipping

Some construction jobs require you to move heavy equipment from one place to another. And unfortunately, you can’t just drive an excavator down Main Street at all hours of the day. So, you’ll need a hauling service to get your equipment where it needs to go.

Hauling construction equipment requires a lot of proper planning ahead of time. It’s not as simple as driving a bulldozer up a ramp, throwing a few chains around it, and going about your business. Some of your necessary preparations include:

  • Know how to measure the height, width, and weight of your equipment. This is important to know in order to use the correct hauling method and equipment.
  • Be familiar with laws governing interstate travel for oversized loads. Some construction equipment is heavy enough that special precautions have to be taken in regard to where you travel with it in order to avoid damage to roads. Certain states require the use of an escort vehicle or ‘pilot car’ to accompany loads above a specific size or weight. Also be aware that some regulations state you can only haul at certain times of the day, so make sure your schedule lines up with these regulations.
  • Plan your route ahead of time, and go through an actual on-the-road run-through of your route. There are dozens of stories and videos showing the worst-case-scenarios of a truck hauling a tall load under a low overpass, or a truck stalling out on a steep hill and losing control or flipping over. The fewer stops, turns, low bridges, or difficult terrain, the better.
  • Acquire any necessary permits for shipping your equipment. This is especially important if you’re shipping internationally.

Most construction equipment needs to be hauled on open-air flatbed trailers. There are a wide variety of these trailers available for hauling different sizes and weights. So, be sure to familiarize yourself with the types of trailers used for hauling heavy loads and construction equipment.

Hauling construction equipment is a big and sometimes complex job, so finding a company to help you with your heavy hauling needs is extremely important. Fortunately, the professionals at Great Western Transportation are here with the knowledge and access to the right equipment to get the job done. If you have any questions or would like a quote, contact us today.

April 8, 2021 | | Category: Flatbed, Heavy Haul