When you get a great deal on a piece of equipment, or a new machine, to improve your business it’s tempting to continue the trend and save money on the transportation by moving it yourself. However, if you’re not an expert at transporting heavy machinery, however, being frugal may not be a good idea. The truth is, what you don’t know about transporting heavy machinery safely can cost you dearly in terms of injuries and damage to your machinery or other property.
Potential For Injury
Heavy machinery is, by its very nature, dangerous and should be handled with extreme care at all times. In some cases, it may be necessary to utilize a crane, or other piece of equipment to load the machine onto the trailer. Other times, it may be possible to drive it on, depending upon the type of machine and its condition. In either case, inexperience can cause injuries, especially if the machine slips, falls, or otherwise shifts during loading. It’s best to leave this delicate task to a heavy haul trucking company that specializes in moving heavy machinery.
Equipment Damage
Imagine spending thousands of dollars on a piece of heavy machinery, and having it damaged while it’s being loaded, transported, or unloaded. If the damage is minor, it may be able to be repaired, at a cost. However, if it’s severe, the machine may be a total loss, meaning it would need to be replaced. Therefore, protecting your equipment during every step of the way is imperative. This can only be accomplished with careful planning, communication and teamwork, all traits of a professional heavy haul transportation provider.
Property Damage
You can’t simply load anything onto a flatbed trailer and drive away. If a load is too tall, it can cause damage to power lines, street lights, trees and overpasses. Likewise, a very wide loads are difficult, if not impossible, to maneuver in some areas. If it’s over-weight, it can cause cracks and damage to roadway and parking lot surfaces. Not only will you end up paying for the damage, it’s likely that you will also be fined and ticketed. This is where a logistics professional really comes in handy. They know exactly what permits are required, and they’ve got route planning expertise to guarantee a smooth, trouble-free transport.
Moving heavy machinery is inevitable if you operate any type of manufacturing company. Whether you’re moving your current equipment to a new location, or you’re adding to your facility, safety should always be your top concern. Rather than risk someone getting injured, or your machines or other property being damaged, call in professional help. A reputable, experienced heavy haul trucking company will get your cargo delivered in a safe, expedient manner and they’ll take care of all the permits, route planning and other logistical details.
