How is Construction Equipment Transported?

Know How Construction Equipment Transported

The auto transport industry ships a wide variety of vehicles. Besides consumer vehicles, commercial vehicles such as buses and limousines are also transported. However, even yet another type of vehicle that is transported is construction equipment.

As heavy-duty vehicles, heavy construction equipment can create many logistical issues for auto transport carriers. Not only are they extremely heavy, in which their weight is measured in the tons, but they're also oddly shaped. So how can heavy-duty construction equipment be transported? Read below to find out:

Flatbed Trailers are the Default Method

As mentioned, construction equipment is extremely heavy and consists of many different sizes and shapes. Because of this, the main way that construction equipment is transported is through the use of flatbed trailers. Flatbed trailers are used because they are able to hold construction equipment of all sizes, unlike, for example, an enclosed trailer. The type of flatbed trailer that will be used depends on the specific auto transport carrier, as well as the particular type of construction vehicle that is being transported, with the main types being:

• Utility Style Trailers
• Tilt beds
• Drop-Decks
• Lowboys
• Curtain Side
• Stretchable Flatbeds
• Closed Box

Out of these types of flatbed trailers, the one that is used the most are Lowboys. The fact that they're quite low to the ground, are made with a big gooseneck, and have fifth-wheel hitches allows them to be able to be towed by large trucks. Thus, they're able to hold and subsequently transport extremely heavy vehicles and equipment, with some even able to transport around 25 tons.

Things to Be Aware Of

There are a few different things that you should be aware of when arranging for construction equipment to be transported.

• First, not all construction equipment can be transported fully assembled. Some will have to be taken apart and transported in parts, in which it has to be reassembled at a later date.The auto transport carrier is not responsible for disassembling or reassembling anything. Instead, it's the responsibility of the client to do so. Otherwise, the carrier will refuse to transport the construction equipment.
• Second, many auto transport carriers will not agree to transport construction equipment, especially without advanced notice. That's because they may or may not have access to the special equipment necessary to do so. In addition, if the weight of the load exceeds 80,000 pounds, they will have to make sure that they acquire an "oversize" permit in order to legally be able to transport it. You will need to shop around.
• Finally, transporting construction equipment will be much more expensive than transporting a normal vehicle and will often take a bit longer. Be prepared to pay more and wait longer than normal.

Transporting construction equipment is about planning ahead and letting the auto transport company know exactly what you need in order to see if they can fulfill your request. At A-1 Auto Transport, we'll do our best to try and accommodate you. Contact us today for your free no obligation quote!