What is the Heavy Equipment Shipping Calculator?
Among the many factors influencing the cost of transporting heavy equipment, a shipping calculator will most likely come up with a result based on the following 2 areas:
- Labor: Trucks must be driven by qualified drivers, and logistics workers are needed to load/unload the materials. Transportation costs vary greatly depending on the frequency, weight, and size of the equipment transported. Larger freights require more machinery and a workforce to transport them.
- Materials: Heavy equipment hauling requires extra materials, like packaging, as well as equipment such as cranes and forklifts. The auto transport company will incur small costs during the transport, for insurance, fuel, truck mileage, electronic tracking systems, etc. All these add up to the final price of the transport.
Determining Heavy Materials Logistics Costs by Sea
On the other hand, sea shipping prices depend greatly on freight class. A shipping calculator will determine them according to a standard known as the NMHC (national motor freight classification). This system is used to group items being transported by sea into freight classes.
Afterwards, the classes are used in determining the shipping cost of your equipment. There are 18 freight classes used to determine the transportability of the equipment by comparing liability, storability, density, and handling. Normally, items belonging to the higher freight classes are more expensive to ship.
.Heavy Equipment Pricing & Time To Ship Examples
Shipping To/FroM | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
---|---|---|---|
Laredo to Bellevue | $3258 | 1862 miles | 5 - 7 days |
Scottsdale to Jackson | $1608 | 919 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Virginia Beach to Murfreesboro | $1262 | 721 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Minneapolis to Charleston | $2313 | 1322 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Bridgeport to Yonkers | $94 | 54 miles | 2 - 3 days |
Fayetteville to Savannah | $1200 | 686 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Birmingham to Olathe | $1227 | 701 miles | 3 - 5 days |
Overland Park to Warren | $2424 | 1385 miles | 4 - 6 days |
Heaving Equipment Shipping Advice
The first step in shipping heavy equipment is obtaining its accurate weight and dimensions. Using this in information, the auto transport company will decide which truck type you need and what freight class your materials falls into. The more details you provide the company, the more accurate an estimate they can give you.
If you wish to ship the heavy equipment internationally, you must make sure it meets the exportation and importation standards of the departing and accepting country. Ask the company to inquire on this matter.
Permits
The FMCSA and other United States authorities have certain standards and rules you must follow to transport and secure heavy equipment. Overweight and oversized equipment will be deemed as more expensive by a weighty materials shipping calculator, but it will also need certain permits before it can be shipped.
Heavy equipment carried on a truck’s trailer can be higher than some bridges or power lines, or too high for certain roads. Not working with the auto shipping company to gather the necessary permits may lead to complications with the law, delays and possible fines.
Protect Valuable Areas
When transporting heavy machinery, it is common for it to be exposed to the elements, so it is important to protect any exposed portions from the wind and rain. Take precautions during the winter to prevent the lines and tanks from freezing. Moreover, some components may require heat protection throughout the warmer summer months.
The safety of the heavy gear in transit depends on the methods you employ to move it. If you use a heavy equipment shipping calculator, the less tools you enter, the lower your shipping costs will be.
Flatbeds
Transporting heavy equipment on a flatbed is the most used method. There are many companies who offer it, and because of this, the prices are reasonable.
Flatbeds can be used to transport most heavy equipment. They come in various capacities and sizes, are easy to load / unload, and can be used to transport materials of 48000 pounds.
However, before choosing to ship your equipment with a flatbed, confirm with the hauler the truck is powerful enough to carry it, and you or the auto transport company has the needed tools to load / unload it.
Towing
To transport your heavy equipment over short distances, towing may be a more cost effective option. However beforehand, prepare accordingly with the appropriate tires, gearbox, etc. Also, contact several towing companies until you find one with a truck capable of towing your equipment.
Trailers
Finally, if you want your heavy equipment to be protected during transport, a special trailer is the best option. Double drop and step deck trailers permit the loading and transportation of taller vehicles, such as heavy equipment.
Ask your auto transporters to take care of any considerations or permits. Also, for the most accurate heavy materials shipping calculator, it’s best to speak directly with the company as well.