3 important questions to ask when choosing a towing and heavy machinery transport company
When you are looking for transportation for heavy machinery, there are special considerations to be made. Obviously, your chosen transporter should have a special truck which can handle the weight and size of the machinery. Bear in mind that, unless you require regular transport of the equipment (e.g. equipment used by building contractors), you will only be using them once, instead of having a long-term relationship with the company.
Regardless of how often you will use the transporter, careful consideration must be given to ensure you cargo is safely transported to your final destination. The following are the most important factors:
1. How do they deal with special equipment-handling protocols?
Heavy machinery/equipment will often have specialised handling conditions. For instance, heavy chains may be needed to hold heavy machinery parts securely and prevent movement if there are wheels. Machines that sit too close to the ground may be difficult to hoist onto a flatbed truck, and instead must be lifted with a crane or forklift. Delicate equipment may have to be secured in place using rubber belts or ropes instead of metal chains. Machines which utilize hazardous materials may need to be accompanied by a driver trained to handle such materials, even if the machine isn't currently being used.
If you have special handing requirements, ensure that you check with the transport company to find out how best to transport your cargo without any damage or contravening special requirements. Note that you may have to pay more depending on the nature of conditions required for your cargo.
2. What are their delivery routes and timelines?
Often, heavy machinery/equipment needs to be transported just once, and transport companies near you may not have a regular route of delivery to where you want to go. Therefore, unlike standard cargo, timelines of transportation and delivery may be different and inconvenient for you, especially if you need the equipment to be delivered within a strict time period. Before signing up with a provider, ensure that they can adhere to your deadlines.
3. What is their cargo insurance policy?
Even if you're going to use a transporter once, it's important to learn the details of their cargo insurance policy. Often, you leave very costly and valuable cargo/equipment in the care of your towing or machinery transport service provider. Choose a company whose amount of cargo insurance covers the value of your equipment/machinery. Companies with less cargo insurance are cheaper, but remember that just one accident can leave your equipment wrecked. In such cases, you will only be reimbursed for the fraction of cost covered in the policy, and the rest is a loss to you.