Upgrades and Safety Innovations to Heavy Construction Equipment

How To Prepare Your Heavy Equipment for Transport

8 January 2016

Veronica Leon

From agricultural equipment to excavators or wheel loaders, heavy haulage transport can be a large undertaking. It is important to get machines from site to site, but special heavy haulage companies are normally hired to do the job since the semi-trailers required are oversize and difficult to drive. To eliminate the challenge and ensure this process runs smoothly for your next move, make sure to follow the tips below.

Read the Manual

While this might seem self-explanatory, it bears reminding because it is the most important step to complete. Even if you don't have your owner's manual on hand, visit the manufacturer's website to see their recommendations for transport and packing. Often times, these will be along the lines of disconnecting batteries, removing any fluid, gas, or oil in the machine, or securing loose parts. These are all precautionary to protect the safety of the driver or anyone else on the road.

Secure Permits

Depending on the size of your equipment and the expected travel speed, you may need a special permit because of potential traffic delays or complications. Obtaining this important piece of paperwork should be high on your list of priorities when planning the journey! This will also alert highway patrol in the area to the possibility of a slow-moving vehicle that may or may not result in a jam.

Research the Road

Unless you are very familiar with the load's expected route and know there are zero bridges, you will need to measure the height of the combined trailer and equipment and compare this with the standard bridge height around the country. Knowing the approximate weight of the two will also be beneficial if there are smaller bridges or narrow roads along the path. The presence of either may require longer detours and should be planned for in advance if at all possible. While this information should be researched by your transport company as well, it is always best to follow-up on their research for peace of mind.

Check Your Transporter's Credentials

Taking the time to investigate your transport company's background and driving history is definitely necessary before making an ultimate decision. In addition to a proper truck-driving license, they should have few, if any, driving violations or convictions, insurance, and experience in the business. Driving a wide load requires more skill than just a normal semi-trailer, and as a result, you want someone with this expertise. This ensures your experience is both high quality and safe.

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