Machinery Transportation

Machinery transportation requires more logistics than standard overweight or heavy loads. The size, shape, and need for increased safety and security are all challenges Heavy Weight Transport knows how to face. 

Size, Weight, and Shape 

Heavy machinery is, well, heavy. Unlike some types of heavy cargo, machinery cannot be broken up into smaller loads to deal with the weight. Machinery may also be oversized and require a flatbed truck simply because no other vehicle can secure it. Machinery does not fit in a box. These reasons make it more challenging to transport. 

Safety and Security  

Usually, it is the freight that needs to be protected from possible damage during transport. However, when the freight consists of heavy machinery, the safety of the drivers and other vehicles on the roadway is a greater concern. 

The highways and roads are only designed to hold a certain amount of weight before there is road damage and a potential danger for drivers and passengers. That’s why there are size and weight regulations for all vehicles, especially cargo trucks and trailers. Size and weight limits for trucking logistics operators vary by state and sometimes locally. These limits are based on the size of a truck and the number of axles – and are enforced by the use of roadside weight stations and inspection stops. Hauling an overweight load can result in fines. However, some items, including heavy machinery, still need to be transported. That’s where heavy hauling services, such as Heavy Weight Transport, come in. 

In order to transport machinery and other overweight loads, truck operators generally require special permits for overweight transport. These permits are issued for specific roads, staying on specific roads, and might have other conditions or restrictions. Conditions for heavy hauling can include the use of escort vehicles or pilot cars driving just ahead and behind the truck. Escorts, in conjunction with the “oversized load” banners, alert other drivers on the roadway of a heavy hauling truck and improve the safety of the truck and others. 

Heaving haul drivers need to be especially aware of weight regulations on roads, bridges, and overpasses. A delivery route may vary to avoid bridges with special weight limits, even with a granted overweight permit. 

Divisible vs. Non-Divisible Loads 

Oftentimes, weight and size regulations distinguish between divisible and non-divisible loads. A divisible load is an overweight load that can relatively easily be broken into smaller loads. These items are generally shipped in boxes and crates and can be separated into multiple shipments. While dividing up an overweight load lowers efficiency and increases a negative environmental impact, it improves safety and lowers the risk of incidents on the road. 

Cargo, such as heavy machinery, vehicles, manufacturing equipment, airplane parts, and construction equipment, are common types of non-divisible loads. This type of cargo can not be split into multiple shipments, or at least not logically or efficiently. Machine hauling and other types of non-divisible loads require special expertise and technology to get from point A to point B. Heavy Weight Transport is an expert in heavy hauling and machinery transportation, ensuring the equipment gets where it needs to be safely and securely. 

The military and construction industries often require the use of heavyweight machinery transport for military equipment and construction machinery. These machines can be transported on flatbed trailers with the assistance of heavy hauling companies.

Heavy Weight Transport employs the latest technology, tools, and expertise to ensure safe and secure machine transport. Where small freight can be transported with conveyors and by hand, heavy machines can require forklifts and cranes to load and unload. We use sensors to fight the battle of load and weight distribution as much as possible for non-divisible loads. The use of load spreaders helps avoid potential disasters with improper weight distribution. 

Our team uses other tools, such as hydraulic jacks and winches, to fine-tune the positioning of machinery on a flatbed. Straps, latches, and tie-downs are used to help secure machinery for transport. This technology improves the safety of everyone on the roadways and helps to avoid potentially deadly accidents.

Heavy Weight Transport understands the weight and size regulations for different modes of transport and the varying weight requirements for different states. Our team carries the necessary overweight permits for all of our locations and complies with all cargo regulations. We work to ensure heavy machinery is secured for transport, the weight is balanced, and the proper rules and restrictions are followed. 

Heavy hauling, especially machine hauling, requires a wide range of expertise. Heavy Weight Transport has expert knowledge in road and cargo regulations, safety and securing of heavy machinery, use of technology, and an understanding of physics and the legality surrounding machine hauling. 

Heavy Weight Transport has domestic and international partnerships with ocean freight, consolidation, expedited, LTL, truckload, specialized, and intermodal services. Our strategically situated facilities help with intermodal machinery transport and other freight transportation methods. We specialize in heavy and oversized drayage while maintaining the legal size and weight limits. Heavy Weight Transport is an ideal partner for your transportation and shipping needs.