How to Ship Crawler Loaders
A crawler loader is an important machinery in the construction industry, it has a great level of stability and its sturdy tracks make it fit to work on different terrains. It comes in different types. models, sizes, and weight. However, the slow speed of the equipment would cause too much time constraints if driven to the next site. It is best to have a heavy hauling company transport the heavy equipment for you.
Relevant Statistics
- Crawler loaders are responsible for lifting and transporting over 12 million tons of cargo annually.
- Approximately 95% of shipping companies rely on crawler loaders for efficient cargo handling.
- The average crawler loader can load up to 500 containers onto ships in a single day.
- Crawler loaders contribute to a reduction of 30% in loading time, improving overall port efficiency.
- Over 80% of major ports worldwide utilize crawler loaders as the primary equipment for container loading operations.
General Facts
- Crawler loaders are heavy equipment machines used in construction and mining industries.
- They have a tracked chassis that provides stability and mobility on rough terrains.
- Shipping crawler loaders involves the transportation of these machines to various destinations.
- Specialized trailers or shipping containers are used to transport crawler loaders.
- Proper securing and strapping is important during shipping to ensure safe transportation and prevent damage to the machines.
How Most Crawl Loaders Are Shipped
In most cases, shipping services are purchased to get the crawler loader from an origin construction site to the other which only requires a short distance of travel. In other cases, the crawler loader is being sold or distributed by the manufacturer to another location, meaning the distance of travel will vary. There are different ways to transport a crawler loader based on the distance it must travel to reach its destination. The mode of transportation will also determine the equipment needed to get the job done. Different types of trailers and trucks can be used to transport construction machines and vehicles such as step deck trailers, lowboys, and other carriers.
For short distances or ground transport within the United States, open-air methods are typically recommended. Shipping your crawler loader through this method means that it will be secured to the top of an open trailer. This trailer is attached to a freight truck which will haul it to its destination. When the crawler loader is first put on top of the trailer either by rolling onto it or being lifted on to it, it is secured by highly trained, licensed professionals and trucking services providers. They'll take all precautions and use all the latest shipping technologies and tools.
For overseas transports, your crawler loader is lifted or driven on top of a flatbed ship. As with ground transport, the construction equipment is secured to the top of the ship. For international deliveries to places like Canada and Mexico, all foreign laws and requirements must be met, and proof of paid taxes is needed. Your transport company professionals will help you with this process of approval through Customs.
A1 Auto Transport has the capabilities to meet your needs when shipping crawler loaders. We have the best haulers, carriers, and drivers with a great track record of handling heavy equipment like crawler loaders, wheel loaders, rollers, cold planer, excavators, dump trucks, bulldozers, cranes, and tractors. We can ship machinery in whole or in parts to different parts of the country with a range of shipping options. Our rates are some of the most competitive in the market. Contact us today to get a free shipping estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost depends on many components and can't be calculated recklessly., including the per-mile cost in the area you're transporting. The fee also changes according to factors like the price of fuel.
Besides the distance between the pickup and drop-off locations, the traffic also impacts cost. If your delivery passes through a highly congested area, the drive will consume more fuel and cost more. The fuel fluctuates because its price isn't set in stone.
If we take the per-mile cost, it's as little as $1 at times, and if there are changes in the industry or even are, it can be as high as $5 or more. It isn't something that can be guessed without a quote.
You can use a flatbed trailer because it's the most obvious choice and can take up to 40,000 pounds. This is if the company brings the 50-feet variant, which is twice as big as the 25-feet version that can take around 20,000 pounds.
Other than that, you can also choose between terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door services. The latter is the best option because the company will bring your load directly to your location instead of dropping it at a terminal for you to transport.
It's impossible to get an exact estimate, although you might be able to get an idea by going on Google Maps and checking the distance between your pickup and drop-off locations. But it won't be as little as the car time mentioned.
Weather conditions also delay delivery, and you can only ask for a quote from your shipping company to be comfortable with your choice. A1 Auto Transport has a GPS tracking system so you can see where your delivery is instead of getting worried all the time.
The weather plays a big part because it can't be adequately anticipated. If there's too much heat, the engine may overheat, and the driver has to let it rest more frequently. Similarly, the driver will have to slow down or wait for it to pass if there's a storm or rain.
A company must follow many tie-down requirements outlined by the FMSCA and commercial motor vehicle inspection requirements while transporting heavy equipment like crawler loaders. These can be time-consuming and complicated.
According to general regulations, heavy equipment over 10,000 pounds requires loaders to use a minimum of four tie-downs on independent corners. Any appendages on the vehicle will also require a tie-down. If they think they need an additional tie-down, they will specify it in the regulations.
And if the equipment is too heavy, a layman can't handle the loading process because there are so many little steps. It's not just the journey; it isn't as simple as driving, so you should hire a trustworthy company to handle everything.
The first step to transporting your Crawler loader overseas is to submit the relevant documents, get a USPS Customs form, an Environmental Protection Agency Form, a Department of Transport Form, and a form called the US Customs and Border Protection Vehicle Export sheet. It is also recommended to get marine insurance because the weather at sea can get rough, and damage can happen. After that, you must choose a reliable shipping company to transport your crawler loader to whichever country you wish.
Like most construction equipment and machinery, the crawler loader weighs a lot and, as such, needs the proper equipment to move it. Otherwise, problems could happen and cause damage to your property. The best option is to hire a professional hauling company because they have the knowledge No internet connection and expertise to transport your crawler loader safely. There are two significant types of shipping involving heavy equipment, terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door services. Terminal-to-terminal shipping drops off the order at the nearest terminal, and you have to take your crawler loader home yourself. This option might seem cheaper, but driving your loader on the road is not allowed, especially if it is a busy area. Door-to-door shipping drops off the order at your requested destination. This increases the cost but is ultimately the more convenient option because one vendor handles the entire process.
A company must follow many tie-down requirements outlined by the FMSCA and commercial motor vehicle inspection requirements while transporting heavy equipment like crawler loaders.
According to general regulations, heavy equipment over 10,000 pounds requires loaders to use a minimum of four tie-downs on independent corners. Any appendages on the vehicle will also require a tie-down. If they think they need an additional tie-down, they will specify it in the regulations.
The company should also inspect damages or loose chains and replace them if needed. If the equipment extends four feet above the rear or four inches over the side, they may be required to fit flags or lights at night. It is standard practice that equipment manufacturers add their securement specifications and down points that you need to be aware of.
Logistics is essential for hauling companies because it is the brains of the operation. Logistics are responsible for deciding how and when everything operates to ensure all deliveries are as efficient as possible. Since crawler loaders are primarily used at construction sites, they are likely to be in the middle of the city with heavy traffic. The company uses logistics to choose the best possible time and route so that the loader can reach its destination in time.
They have to consider many variables, like the weather if there is a storm, traffic jams, and how the journey fits into the driver's schedule to avoid delays in other deliveries. A logistics team handles this entire process.