How Do You Pack a Heavy Machine for Shipping?

Preparing heavy transport machinery requires special planning. The challenge of moving this type of equipment is not so simple because a lot of these machines are engineered to work in one kind of environment, and not all of them can be broken down into smaller parts, loaded onto a pallet, and shipped in a container when they need to be moved somewhere else.

Many variables are involved in shipping any heavy item, so this might be overwhelming for just about anyone. However, nowadays, many companies specialize in this industry and can help you when shipping heavy equipment.

You might need a specialist to help you in this task, as they usually understand how to handle this load, offering safety on the journey and keeping your cargo in good condition.

If you need a guide on handling this process, keep reading to learn more about it.

Understanding Shipping Methods

To start, we need to explore the shipping logistics to assess the best method for your cargo. There are many ways of shipping heavy equipment, but the shape and size of your machine will be the deciding factor when it comes to finding the best option.

Let's take a look at the most common methods for shipping heavy equipment:

Container Shipping

Using containers to ship cargo is one of the most usual methods for international shipping, especially for manufacturers of heavy machines when they export their products. It allows for easy loading and offloading of cargo, making hauling equipment a more viable activity.

Of course, the equipment needs to fit inside a container, so large pieces, even dismantled, may not be possible to transport. Disassembling is also a complex process that requires a professional expert to help you, as some machines are too complicated to handle by someone without experience.

You may also need to factor in the time required to disassemble and reassemble the machine for this process.

Flat Rack Method

A flat rack is a container with only support posts on the ends, allowing your equipment to be loaded from the sides or top. It's the best way to ship your cargo if it's too large to fit into a container.

Flat racks may come in standard container sizes of 20 ft and 40 ft, and a single flat rack can carry up to 48,000 lbs of cargo. You may need forklifts and cranes to load your machine on and off the vessel, but flat racks are perfect for oversized machinery.

Something to consider, however, is the fact that they only have stability walls on the ends, so there is a risk of exposure to the elements. Even with a tarp and protection, it's not the same as being transported inside a container.

Lift On/Lift Off (LoLo)

This is one of the simplest ways to carry heavy machinery: the lift-on/lift-off method uses a crane to lift equipment on and off a shipping vessel. These ships can also carry large-capacity containers to handle heavy machines.

Since these ships use cranes to load their cargo, they may require special crews to operate them.

Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)

Roll on/Roll off is another one of the simplest methods of shipping machinery. There are ships designed to carry wheeled vehicles, like trucks, railroad cars, buses, and cars, and this design allows cargo to be driven onto and off the ship using their wheels.

Usually, the shipping industry measures its cargo by metric tonnes. However, these freight carriers estimate capacity using lanes in meters (LIMS). The load is calculated by multiplying the cargo's breadth and length by the total number of decks on the vessel.

Packing

Since you already know how to transport your heavy machine, let's see how to pack it. Not only do you need to think about regulations required for each transport, in light of the many variables you might find along the journey, it's also essential to explore ways of protecting your machine.

Rust Proofing

When shipping a machine across the ocean, it's worth remembering that this can expose your equipment to salt air, which increases the risk of corrosion. The sea spray and salt particles carried by air contribute directly to the corrosion of stainless steel, so rust-proofing is an effective way to delay or prevent the corrosion of heavy metal equipment and machines.

The different types of rust-proofing include:

• Galvanization: when you add a protective layer of Zinc to protect the metal.
• Painting: using certain types of paints and coats to cover and isolate metal from oxygen and water may be effective against corrosion.
• Plating: Use tin or zinc-based metals to protect the machine and isolate it from corrosive elements.

Shrink Wrapping

Bad weather conditions can damage or even destroy machinery during the transportation and shipping process. If size allows, you can shrink-wrap the machines to prevent exposure to corrosive damage.

This wrap is made of specialized plastic that seals in clean, treated air and seals out damaging salt air, creating a plastic shipping container.

Containers

If you plan on shipping something internationally, this will require much care and protection, maybe more than domestic shipments. Containers are a vital piece of the global trade industry, and containerization protects the cargo inside the container from humidity and extreme freezing temperatures.

Other benefits might include reduced damage costs and lower transportation costs due to the ease of storage (as containers are standardized). They also can be used to store your equipment temporarily.

Rail Car Tie-down

If you plan on shipping your heavy equipment by rail, you must comply with government-mandated transport regulations. Using rail car tie-downs helps to secure your equipment and machinery to rail cars during their journey.

Break Bulk Services

Break Bulk cargo is anything that does not fit into a standard shipping container. As a cost-effective option to ship large cargo, they can be carried in their usual state if you do not want to dismantle them. Upon arrival, it's ready to be dispatched quickly and conveniently.

More Tips

Whatever packing method you decide on, there are ways you can adjust and improve it. So, here are some more tips you can follow to drive down your shipping fees further:

Permits

Having all the paperwork and permits ready and easily accessible will speed up checking your cargo. This will help you get your machine cleared and on the road as soon as possible, especially when it's an international transport that must go through Customs.

Check the Manual

The owner's manual of your machine probably offers some tips on preparing it for transport, and you can always contact a support representative to ask about it, too. Consulting with these sources will help you successfully disassemble the parts necessary to fit into your shipping container if that's your preferred method.

Also, if you disassemble items before transport, organize and label the parts and inventory them. This will make it easier to reassemble your machine and cause less stress.

Batteries and Fluids

It's essential to check your equipment before shipping and disconnect any batteries or other power supplies. You do not want an incident during transport that could damage your machine or delay its delivery.

You must also drain all fluids inside to avoid mixing them during transport. Getting them mixed might damage your machine.

Pricing

The cost is the last item you must consider when packing your heavy machinery for transport. Usually, size and weight will add to your shipping costs, but here are some other things to ponder:

Final Destination

This is something that always impacts final costs. Of course, the biggest reason is the distance and all the journey your cargo needs to go through. Different states and countries have different shipping rules and regulations; you must consider that when you plan your shipping. There might be additional taxes and licenses you may need, too.

Freight Density

The density of your machine will play a role in transport, although they can be modified to follow shipping requirements. The bigger the item, the more expensive it'll be to ship. In that sense, you need to be able to fit the machine into the agreed-upon hauler, and you are required to include any pallets and other packaging materials in your density measurements, too.

Delivery Priority

The price will also change depending on how quickly you want your machinery to reach its destination. The shorter the time frame, the greater the costs. Hiring a logistics service to help you organize the delivery might help you diffuse the costs.

Final Thoughts

When you need to transport a heavy machine and are worried about how to pack it, you must consider all these factors. The method of transport will give you clues on how you need to secure your cargo, as well as some expectations regarding the price. Choosing how to protect your machine for transport will also dictate the amount of work you put in and impact the costs.

The bottom line is that, in doubt, you should contact a company with experience in this market, like A1 Auto Transport. They have many services to offer you, and you can even get a free shipping quote if you want to make plans. They also present you with exceptional help if you need international shipping services.