How to Transport Large Military Vehicles

There are a lot of things that could go wrong when moving anything big and heavy, let alone something as big and heavy (not to mention expensive) as a military vehicle.

You might need to move a tank or some armored personnel carriers, but there aren't many ways to move big military vehicles, and shipping something so valuable can be scary.

A-1 Auto Transport has been shipping heavy equipment and machinery for more than 20 years, so we know precisely how complex it can be. That's why we are here: to make sure everything goes smoothly when handling your heavy equipment.

We take into account the size and weight of the vehicles, as well as any special requirements for their transport.

Depending on the type of vehicle being transported, different methods may be used to best suit the job at hand.

In this article, we'll talk about how to ship heavy-duty military vehicles and give you tips on how to load them correctly so that you can get your equipment where it needs to go.

By Road

The militaries of the world, including the U.S. Army, use four different methods to move their big armored vehicles. Those countries with well-developed road networks, like Germany, prefer driving their large armored vehicles rather than shipping them.

Huge tractor-trailer combinations, sometimes known as "tank transporters," are used for the job.

For smaller vehicles such as Jeeps or light trucks, flatbed trailers are often used. The car is put on the trailer and secured with straps or chains so that it doesn't move while it's being moved.

If more padding is needed, it can be added to protect the vehicle from damage while it is being moved.

Another method is to use lowboy trailers. The deck height of these trailers is lower than that of standard flatbeds. This lets them carry heavier loads without going over the legal height limit on the roads. These height limits are in place to prevent damage to infrastructure.

The car is put on the trailer and secured with straps or chains so that it doesn't move while it's being moved.

Of course, civilian traffic must be stopped and the route cleared to make way for military vehicles. Public highways and roads are not designed to carry the weight of a tank or APC, so it is important to be aware of the load limits and restrictions in each state.

Highway permits must be obtained from the relevant authorities.

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) might have trouble finding good drivers and putting together the right mix of specialized vehicles, especially when transporting goods internationally by road.

A better solution would be to work with commercial carriers and offer incentives to make sure there is adequate capacity.

By Rail

Railways are often used when road transport is not possible or too expensive. Rail transportation is also more efficient than road transportation because it can transport larger loads in one trip.

Rail transportation of military equipment also means less disruption to civilian life.

During deployment, railroads are a popular way to get around because they are safe, flexible, and have a lot of space.

Especially in countries that don't have a well-developed road system or in remote areas, rail is the most common way to move overweight vehicles.

Still, manufacturers of tanks today are limited by weight and size, just like they were seventy years ago when they were first mass produced. This poses challenges for loading and unloading giant vehicles onto railcars.

First, the vehicle must be secured to a flatbed rail car. This is done using heavy-duty straps and chains that are securely attached to the vehicle and the flatbed car.

To prevent movement during transit, the vehicle must be securely fastened. If the vehicle moves, it will likely cause a serious accident.

After securing the vehicle, load it onto the flatbed. Depending on vehicle size, a crane or forklift can achieve this. The crane or forklift should be positioned close enough to the flatbed car so that it can easily lift and place the vehicle onto it.

Once in place, additional straps and chains should be used to secure it further.

By Sea

Shipping large military vehicles by sea is the most cost-effective way to move them. It's also the safest, as there are fewer risks of accidents or damage during transit.

The downside is that it takes longer than other methods, and you need to make sure your vehicle can handle the saltwater environment.

When shipping by sea, the vehicle must first be prepared for transport. This means getting rid of all the fluids, taking off any loose parts, and securing the car to a pallet or skid. Once the vehicle is ready, it can be loaded onto the ship.

For smaller vehicles such as jeeps or light trucks, roll-on/roll-off ships are often used. The vehicle is put on the ship and strapped or chained down so it doesn't move during the trip.

Heavy-lift ships are usually used to move bigger things like tanks or armored personnel carriers. These ships have a lower deck height than most roll-on/roll-off ships. This lets them carry heavier loads without going over height limits.

By Air

In some cases, a commercial shipping company or a private business may need to use air freight services to move military vehicles. This is usually done when time is of the essence and ground transportation would take too long.

The car is put on a cargo plane and tied down with straps or chains so it doesn't move around during the trip. Extra padding can be added to prevent damage during transport.

Transporting large military vehicles by air is the fastest way to move them, but it is also the most expensive.

How to Avoid Vehicle Accidents

When moving big military vehicles, it's important to take all safety precautions to protect both the vehicle and the people inside it.

When moving large military vehicles, there are a number of things that can be done to avoid accidents.

For example, the vehicle can be properly secured, the right permits can be gotten, and all safety rules should be followed.

Oversize and Large Vehicles: Shipping Quotes

It is important to get accurate shipping quotes when moving large military vehicles to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Large and extra-large vehicles need special permits and equipment to be shipped, so you should include the cost of these things in your shipping quote.

Also, many companies offer discounts for large orders or shipments that go a long way, so make sure to ask about discounts when you ask for a quote. You can use our online calculator to get an estimate of the cost to ship your vehicle.

Large Vehicle Transport Dos and Don'ts

When moving a large vehicle, the first thing you need to do is find an auto transport firm that can do the job.

If you want to be sure that you use a reliable auto shipping business to move your huge vehicle, it is important that you follow some guidelines and avoid making certain mistakes.

Do's:

• Do make sure that all vehicles are properly secured before transport. This means using straps, chains, and other devices to keep the vehicle from moving while it's being moved.
• Get any permits or licenses you need to cross state lines or international borders with military vehicles.
• Do get accurate shipping quotes in order to ensure that you are getting the best deal.

Don'ts:

• Don't attempt to transport large military vehicles without the proper training and safety protocols.
• Don't forget to include any extra costs, like permits or special equipment, that come with moving large military vehicles.
• Don't overlook any discounts that may be available for bulk orders or long-distance shipments.

Preparation and Safety Protocols

The logistics of armor deployment are a complex and ever-evolving science. As technology improves, it becomes more important to find better ways to move armored units to their destinations.

In the end, armor deployment is an important part of any military operation and must be taken into account when planning any mission.

With the right tools and knowledge, an armored unit can be put into action quickly and efficiently while still protecting its military personnel as much as possible.

Consult Transportation Experts When Shipping Military Vehicles

A1 Auto Transport is a reliable company that knows how to ship cars of all shapes and sizes, even big armored ones.

We have a team of skilled and dedicated experts who can safely move cargo, goods, and vehicles from one location to another across hundreds of countries.

Check out our website for more information regarding our excellent shipping services, like how you can secure a discount for your next order.

Get your free quote today.