How To Prepare Your Heavy Equipment For Transport

For heavy equipment hauling, the vendor you choose will make a big difference to the overall success of the project. Experienced heavy equipment haulers know how to load, transport, and unload this kind of equipment.

But you can help ensure their success by taking special care ahead of time to get the equipment ready for your move. This ensures the safety of the hauling team as well as your cargo.

Failing to properly prepare your heavy equipment for transport increases the risk accidents, including damage to the equipment. Learn what to do before the arrival of a heavy equipment transport company, including safety tips to protect both you and your machinery.

REMOVE LOOSE PARTS AND POSITION FOR TRANSPORT

The objective when preparing your heavy equipment is to mitigate the risk of damage to the equipment or the hauling team. Begin by removing or securing any loose parts, such as caps or unlatched doors. You can use zip ties to secure some parts.

Tip: Consult your equipment’s owner manual if you have questions about your machine. Your manual will give instructions on how to package the equipment for transport. Some equipment needs to be put into transport mode prior to disconnecting the power.  Others need to be positioned in a certain way prior to transport to avoid damage.

EMPTY ALL FLUIDS

Drain the equipment of fuel and other liquid hazards. This decreases the chances of a leak, which can damage the machine and also pose a fire hazard in the event of an accident. If your equipment is being transported during the winter months, freezing liquids may be a concern as well — another reason to drain the fluids beforehand.

COVER VULNERABLE AREAS

Cover all areas you don’t want exposed to the elements — anything that would be at risk from rain, snow, or road debris. Also cover vulnerable attachments or extruding parts, such as knobs or gear shifts, to protect them from bumps and other incidental movement. Don’t forget about electronics, too — they may need to be protected as well.

DISCONNECT BATTERIES

Check and disconnect your batteries. Also check and disconnect any alarm systems, as these could unintentionally be set off during transport.

Note: If your equipment is being shipped via roll-on/roll-off, you may need it to be operational. Consult your heavy hauling trucking vendor to learn whether this is the case.

DESIGNATE A LEADER FOR THE HANDOFF

Whether yourself or a team member, make sure someone is there for the handoff to the heavy equipment hauling company. They can double check that the site has been cleared, the equipment wrapped or secured, and any forms signed. They can also confirm the route with the driver, learn of any last-minute notifications, and get a final ETA for arrival of the equipment at the destination site.

CHOOSE A TRANSPORT COMPANY WITH EXPERIENCE

Finally, it’s important that your heavy equipment hauling company of choice is one that has the knowledge and expertise to carry off the move successfully. Professional heavy equipment transport services are experienced in the ins and outs of major machinery moving, including the proper permitting, the best routes for your load size, and whether you’ll need additional services such as wide load designations and escort vehicles. Moving mission-critical, expensive heavy equipment is not the time to take a chance on an unknown — be sure the company you hire is trusted, dependable, reliable, and experienced.

CEI Crane & Rigging specializes in heavy haul trucking services, and we have the equipment and knowledge to handle a variety of heavy hauling needs.

Contact us to request a quote.