Dave C.
Courtney J.
Jeff D.
Maria L.
Shipping an Asphalt Paver
Published by Joe Webster.
How to Ship an Asphalt Paver
You should hire a reliable transport company to safely and quickly ship an asphalt paver from one job site to the other. This transport company should offer heavy construction equipment shipping services, meaning they'll have all the right shipping technology and equipment to safely transport the asphalt paver, rollers, motor graders, dump trucks, or any other heavy load, including escort vehicles.
- There are other qualities the shipping company should also have, including:
- They have a proven history and a positive reputation in the transport industry for shipping oversized loads
- Their professionals are trained and licensed to handle heavy items. This includes their haulers, drivers,
- They carry at least the minimal amount of insurance coverage allowed for protection against accidents
- They have BBB and DOT approvals, and are always in compliance with regulations and best shipping practices requirements
- They have various shipping services and features to accommodate your needs, with experts handling them
- When shipping an asphalt paver internationally, they have the professionals available to help you abide by the import policies.
- They have the right tools, equipment, and haulers to handle shipping. They must not be sub contractors but real owners of the shipping business.
- They have completed many heavy equipment deliveries before
- They are familiar with asphalt pavers, how they function, and how they must be secured for transport.
- They offer affordable rates that fit the budget and provide a personalized quote.
- Their customer service representatives are friendly and helpful and always available when you need them for a question or concern drop deck.
- They can ship anything machine anywhere.
When you find a transporter with the right qualities, you help guarantee a smoother, less stressful journey.
Relevant Statistics
- On average, a standard-sized asphalt paver weighs around 18 tons.
- Approximately 95% of asphalt pavers are shipped via ocean freight.
- The average cost to ship an asphalt paver internationally is $12,500.
- Over 80% of asphalt pavers are transported using specialized heavy-duty transport vehicles.
- An asphalt paver is shipped from North America to Europe in an estimated 7-10 days.
General Facts
- Asphalt pavers are heavy construction equipment for laying asphalt on roads, parking lots, and other surfaces.
- Shipping an asphalt paver involves transporting it from one location to another, often over long distances.
- Specialized trucks and trailers transport asphalt pavers due to their weight and size.
- Proper securing and bracing are crucial during shipping to prevent damage to the asphalt paver.
- Shipping an asphalt paver may require obtaining permits and following specific regulations regarding weight limits and transportation routes.
About Open-Air Shipping Methods for Heavy Equipment
There are different types of open-air transport methods. Usually, the one best for your asphalt paver will depend significantly on the distance of the journey from the point of origin to the final destination. Another factor in the use of the open-air method of transport is whether or not the paver is operational. Once the transport company knows more details about your paver, they can help you decide on the best method of open-air transport. However, if the asphalt paver needs ground transport, it'll typically be secured to an open-framed trailer (maybe a lowboy or RGN), which will then be hauled by a freight truck. If you are shipping overseas, expect the paver to be secured to a flatbed ship for its travels. When a paver is nonoperational, it might require equipment like a crane, ramp, etc, for loading and unloading. You may have to do certain things to prepare your machine for shipping. That includes the removal of pieces of personal items and getting rid of dirt and debris in and out of the paver.
A1 Auto Transport provides machinery transportation services within a state, between states, around the country, and internationally. We have all kinds of trucks and trailers to handle equipment and shipments of any size (length, height, and width). We'll handle everything from loading to unloading and protecting your machines in transit. We can also help you secure permits, paperwork, and documentation for easy passage on interstate roads in the U.S. and international highways like Canada. Call us today to get a free shipping estimate for your machines.
Frequently Asked Questions
A bigger distance always means a higher cost, but even two equal points will have other aspects that control the bottom line.
Because bad roads make the truck consume more fuel, factors like the weather and traffic can also indirectly increase the cost. The truck uses more power and costs more when there is heavy traffic.
The company will charge you more if you want faster shipping for your equipment since they have to change their timetable to accommodate you. Still, it's worth it if a longer delivery will cause trouble on your farm.
On the other hand, the cost might be slightly lower if you're willing to wait a few months. But be prepared, since the transport process requires a lot of people, it's costly.
Multiple lowboy trailers or one four-axle variant that can accommodate up to 80,000 pounds might be used. Remember that your asphalt paver's dimensions significantly affect what trailer the company will use.
A large flatbed trailer goes up to 50 feet and can hold 40,000 pounds, but it's not enough for an asphalt paver, usually oversized. A lowboy trailer is built lower to the ground and can take that much weight, so it's easier for the driver to navigate.
Of course, the loaders still have to be careful during the entire process.
Transporting wide loads presents many challenges during the journey, and a new driver isn't equipped to tackle issues as they come. A company will always send an experienced driver for an oversized load.
Besides being an oversized load, it's also over the set 8.5 feet limit in most states. When the paver is loaded onto the flatbed trailer, the loaders pay special attention to the balance so it doesn't topple over.
The average width of an asphalt paver is around 11 feet, and most highways in the USA are 12 feet, which leaves a tiny window for error. In most areas, the load will also require escort vehicles at the front and back.
But these considerations mean the journey will take quite a while.
If you select the right shipping company, there will be no trouble during transport. Shipping an oversized load like an asphalt paver is by no means simple, so it's essential to research carefully when selecting your movers.
You should look over message boards and public site reviews when selecting a transport company to ensure your vehicle's safety. Don't try to transport it yourself in case you get hurt.
An asphalt paver is a heavy load; naturally, you need a suitable company to take it to a new location. It requires proper preparation on the company's side, so you must hire a suitable establishment beforehand.
If you select the right shipping company, there will be no trouble during transport. Shipping an oversized load like an asphalt paver is by no means simple, so it’s essential to research carefully when selecting your movers.
It must be loaded onto a flatbed trailer carefully to ensure balance. The sides must also be secured, and the weight has to be aligned so there’s no trouble during inspections at state borders.
It would help if you looked over message boards and public site reviews when selecting a transport company to ensure your vehicle’s safety.
While logistics is always a significant part of a shipping company's operations, it's even more necessary for oversized loads because several time-consuming points are involved, making efficient delivery hard.
Besides being an oversized load, it's also over the set 8.5 feet limit in most states. When the paver is loaded onto the flatbed trailer, the loaders pay special attention to the balance, so it doesn't topple over.
The average width of an asphalt paver is around 11 feet, and the width of most highways in the USA is 12 feet which leaves a tiny window for error. In most areas, the load will also require escort vehicles at the front and back.
Figuring out the route is a significant part of logistics to ensure efficient delivery.
As mentioned, the loading and logistics have to be carried out carefully. The route can't be too narrow, or the trailer won't fit, but there will be unavoidable situations when the road might be more limited than 11 feet.
That's why experienced drivers are incredibly crucial to the process: it's hard for newer drivers to navigate the route, especially when it comes to sharp turns and roads in smaller towns.
Wide loads might not be allowed to be transported during the day, which adds another challenge. It's hard for asphalt pavers to have expedited shipping because it's hard to complete everything on time with the logistics and permits.
The most important aspect is looking at reviews and experience. First, it helps you check legitimacy.
Never skip this step because not every company is qualified to transport oversized loads since a minimum of $750,000 insurance is required for normal large loads. Testimonials from acquaintances who've hired the company can prevent you from being scammed.
Additionally, experience plays a significant role because no matter how good a driver is, an experienced professional will always be better at dealing with unexpected situations without panicking and causing damage.
Transporting wide loads presents many challenges during the journey, and a new driver isn’t equipped with the capacity to tackle issues as they come.
Other than that, look for competitive prices. It's not good to go for the cheapest one if there's something fishy about them because you'll have to pay more than necessary for damages.
Customer service is also necessary because you must be comfortable with who you're working with since sensitive cargo is involved.
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