Heavy machinery relocation is no small task, even if you’re only moving one piece of equipment. The complexities involved with the logistics alone are too much for most standard movers to handle before considering the need to maintain safety, protect expensive equipment and ensure the machinery works perfectly after the move. It takes a fair amount of skill and expertise to do it successfully. It’s not the type of experience many moving companies have, but it’s what we specialize in at Able Machinery Movers.
The heavy machinery hauler you choose is going to determine how efficient the process will be for your company. In this article, we’re helping stakeholders better understand how to choose the right heavy equipment hauling company, because honestly you can’t afford to use a sub-par machinery mover.
Importance of Proper Heavy Equipment Hauling
Machinery moving isn’t a job for just any hauler. It’s a job that requires keen understanding and real world experience for a successful move. It also usually requires creative troubleshooting in the moment and most certainly requires proper planning beforehand.
The reliability and efficiency of your heavy equipment haulers will heavily influence the cost, timeframe and amount of disruption your business experiences during a machinery move. The more experienced the hauling company is, the less you should have to worry about downtime.
Even the safety of the move is impacted by the hauling company’s capabilities, which can have serious implications for your business. An incident during the move could reflect poorly on your company’s reputation simply by association, even if the hauler is completely to blame. The financial repercussions could be even worse, especially if the hauler isn’t properly insured.
A lot goes into choosing the right heavy equipment hauling company no matter how far the machinery is being moved. To make it a little easier for businesses, we’ve created this resource that covers all of the key factors to consider before making the decision.
Professional Heavy Machinery Hauler Checklist
When you need to hire a heavy machinery mover, this checklist is the ultimate resource for helping you choose the right professional for the job. Take it point by point, noting which ones are the biggest priority for your business. Let that guide you as you consider which heavy equipment hauler you want to work with.
Reputation and Experience of the Heavy Machinery Mover
In some industries, reputation is extremely important. The bigger and more complex the job is, the more reputation matters. The higher the stakes are, the more reputation matters. The more expensive the service is, the more reputation matters. The more your reputation is on the line, the more the hauler’s reputation matters.
When you’re weighing a heavy equipment moving company’s reputation consider:
- How long they’ve been in business
- Testimonials of past clients
- How many reviews they have
- The types of projects they’ve done
- The industries they’ve worked in
- If any complaints have been filed
- If the company has received any special recognitions
The ideal is finding a company with years of experience and a solid reputation. Consistency is key. If a heavy machinery hauling company has consistently provided top-level service year after year there’s no better indicator that they’re a solid pick.
Company-Owned Trucks With the Right Configurations
When you’re hauling heavy equipment nothing matters more than the truck and its configurations. Without trucks and trailers, the machinery isn’t going anywhere. And when they do start moving, the truck or trailer also heavily influences the transport experience.
Ideally, you want to find a heavy machinery hauler with company-owned trucks so that they aren’t reliant on another provider, which could cause delays and increase the cost. The bigger and more diverse the fleet is, the more options you’ll have for transporting machinery as securely as possible.
Able Machinery Mover’s fleet includes single-axle, double-axle, and triple-axle trucks. We also have a variety of trailers from standard open flatbeds to extendable lowboys. There are even vans that can be used to haul smaller pieces of equipment. Our clients benefit from having immediate access to a selection of trucks and trailers that are made for hauling heavy equipment.
Tools and Training Required for Secure Heavy Equipment Loading and Unloading
Secure loading and unloading is one of the most important parts of the heavy machinery hauling process, and it’s also the trickiest. Often machinery hauling jobs require specialized tools and equipment to get the job done efficiently and safely. In some circumstances you may even need rigging services and a crane. It’s important to ensure the haulers you hire have the equipment that’s needed for securely loading and unloading and that they’re properly trained in using it.
At Able Machinery Movers we have forklifts that can hold up to 80,000 pounds, 400-ton gantry systems, cranes, a fleet of transportation vehicles, rigging equipment and everything else that’s needed for hauling machinery of all sizes. We always suggest that companies get an idea of what is needed to move their machinery first, then specifically ask if the hauling company has the equipment. That way you’re completely clear about the mover’s capabilities.
Track Record of On-Time Delivery
When you’re paying to have heavy machinery hauled you want assurance that things are going to go as expected, especially when you need the equipment to arrive on time. There are a lot of variables that need to be accounted for along the way to ensure on-time delivery. The more thorough the hauler is in the planning phase, the better prepared they’ll be once they’re on the road. Having a support team along the way is also crucial for getting equipment delivered on schedule.
Haulers with a track record of on-time delivery are going to be a safer bet. Here again, it’s an advantage for the company to own its trucks so timelines are easier to control. Clear communication is something else to look for. A heavy equipment hauling company that’s good at communicating will keep you in the loop so you know when to expect your equipment and if there are any issues that could cause delays so you can plan accordingly.
Safety Precautions Are Taken for Heavy Machinery Relocation
Part of the reason experience is so crucial is because heavy machinery hauling can be dangerous. You sometimes have to hoist thousands of pounds of machinery into the air, forklifts are hauling heavy crates, huge yet delicate components have to be placed onto skids – the list goes on and on.
It’s so dangerous the BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries Summary from 2022 reported that, “Workers in transportation and material moving occupations experienced 1,620 fatal work injuries in 2022 and represented the occupational group with the most fatalities.” Construction-related jobs had the second highest number of fatalities. These are stats that we take seriously.
We tell every client, safety is always our top consideration going into any project. At Able Machinery Movers one way we ensure safety at every stage of the process is with ample employee training. All of our technicians go through a company training program, and are trained in OSHA guidelines. When possible they also receive additional safety certifications for certain tasks such as rigging and using a forklift.
Equipping employees with personal protective equipment and doing due diligence during the planning phase are also steps that should be taken to ensure safety.
Licenses and Registrations Heavy Equipment Hauling
Given the risk involved, it’s reasonable that machinery hauling is a business that requires licensing. Licensing is a way for the state government to hold companies to the rules and regulations of the industry and ensure they are operating under established safety guidelines.
The state licensing agency will come up with the requirements that must be met to receive a license. They’ll decide how often the license needs to be renewed and what that entails. Often the licensing agency also handles matters relating to possible violations, investigating complaints and doling out penalties for violators. That can include suspending or revoking a moving company’s license.
Some licenses and registrations that may be needed include:
- DOT number and federal registration (for interstate hauling)
- Commercial drivers license (CDL):
- CDL Class A drivers licenses are needed for operating vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000+ lbs.
- CDL Class B drivers license allows for the operation of vehicles under 10,000 lbs GVWR.
- A commercial Class C drivers license typically allows the driver to haul materials that are labeled as hazardous.
- Business license from the state and/or local licensing agency.
- Special certifications for operating specific machinery.
- First aid and safety certifications.
Licenses and registrations are something that should be verified before entering into any agreement or contract. The credentials checklist below will show you how to verify a company is licensed and registered.
Insurance for Movers of Heavy Equipment
Machinery haulers also need to be insured. The work can be dangerous and involves extremely expensive equipment that’s being transported. There’s a lot of liability with every project. It’s a logical situation where insurance makes sense.
The types of insurance a heavy machinery hauler should have include:
- General liability insurance (typically $1+ million in coverage)
- Umbrella coverage to cover more situations
- Auto insurance on every vehicle that’s used
- Riggers insurance (sometimes called cargo insurance to specifically cover the machinery and equipment being moved)
Insurance doesn’t just protect the hauling company. It also protects the client from loss and liability. The moving company’s insurance should cover machinery at every stage in the transport. You’ll want to specifically check on the riggers insurance to make sure the coverage is enough to replace the machinery you’re moving in case the worst happens.
To verify the company’s insurance coverage, ask for the name of the policy provider and the policy number. It’s important to ensure the insurance account is in good standing and active. If not, you may not be covered like you think.
Crating Capabilities for Long Hauls
When you’re hauling heavy equipment long distance extra precautions may need to be taken for safe transport. Speciality packing and crating services are often needed for heavy, oversized and fragile equipment. Custom crating is a definite must for clean room equipment that needs extra protection against contaminants.
Heavy machinery haulers that do the crating themselves are not only more cost-effective, it usually produces better results because the crating crew knows the trucks that will be doing the hauling. It’s also a more seamless process going from the crating to the loading, which means mishaps are less likely to happen.
Full-Service Storage Solutions That Ensure the Protection of Your Equipment
If the equipment isn’t getting relocated right away it helps to find a hauler who also offers full-service storage solutions. It’s a benefit in a few key ways:
Seamless Transaction That’s Easier to Coordinate
When one company handles all aspects of the machinery move, including storage, it’s simpler and just plain easier to coordinate. One point of contact can tell a client anything about their move at any stage. It doesn’t get easier than that.
Storage That’s Made for Machinery Protects Equipment
Storage facilities that are purpose built for heavy machinery can provide better protection for equipment during downtime and between projects. The storage facility operators are also keenly aware of the unique needs so you know your equipment is in safe hands.
Climate Control for Sensitive Equipment
Climate-controlled storage facilities may be required in some areas for some types of equipment. Any machinery with sensitive electronic components can definitely benefit from storage with climate control.
The primary benefits of climate-controlled storage are temperature and humidity regulation. Air quality is also better in climate controlled storage units. In addition to the air circulating, there’s less dust and debris to worry about compared to basic storage.
Checking Credentials for Heavy Equipment Haulers
So, how do you make sure a heavy equipment hauling company checks all the boxes? We’ve got another checklist for you! This one provides ways you can check the credentials of a machinery mover to make sure they can deliver.
Check The Company’s BBB Profile
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great resource. Not only do they rate company’s based on a number of factors, the BBB also provides details like the year the company was established. You can also see if any complaints have been made against a company as well as reviews.
One other benefit of taking this step is the BBB will usually let you know if the company works in an industry that requires licensing. Take a look at Able Machinery Movers BBB page for an example.
Verify Their Licensing
You’ll have to touch base with a state agency to verify a machinery hauling company does have an active license that’s in good standing. Each state has their own process for licensing, however, there’s a federal entity that can provide licensing information within the moving industry.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides registration information on interstate movers. All interstate movers have to have a DOT number and be registered with the federal government. The FMCSA search tool allows you to look up a machinery mover’s:
- Registration status
- The company type (what it’s registered to do)
- Safety information
- Complaints made against the company
Like the BBB, the FMCSA allows you to check a few things at once making it a great resource for choosing the best heavy equipment hauler.
Ask For Insurance Verification
When you reach out to a machinery mover, ask them to verify their insurance so that you know it too is active and the policy is in good standing. Transporting machinery can be costly if there’s a mistake with no insurance coverage as a safety net.
Ask About Safety Protocols and Training
Machine moving and rigging can be dangerous. There are a lot of risks involved for the moving crew, equipment and your business. Ask for a list of the safety protocols that are followed and any safety certifications the company has received.
See If the Company Has Additional Certifications
There are a lot of specialities in the moving industry, and no one really wants to work with a moving company that does the bare minimum. Give serious consideration to companies that have earned additional certifications. It shows that they know what they are doing and are invested in providing the best services possible.
Read Customer Reviews
It’s never a bad idea to check out a company’s customer reviews. Sure, some of them may not be genuine, but many reviews are. It’s a good way of better understanding how a company operates and what you can expect working with them.
Ask For Referrals
Machinery movers handle complex projects that require close correspondence with clients. It’s the kind of business where a good company will have no problem providing referrals that can be contacted. When someone is willing to personally vouch for a company it says a lot about the quality of their work. Simply receiving referrals to follow up on is a good sign.
Get Expert Service for Your Next Heavy Equipment Hauling Project
Safety, experience, proper licensing and having transport trucks are absolute musts for heavy equipment hauling. Beyond that you want to find a machinery mover that is equipped to handle the job with specialized technicians and equipment.
Able Machinery Movers is an experienced equipment hauler that checks all of the boxes no matter what we’re transporting. Whether it’s a single piece of equipment being hauled or a complete factory relocation, our reputation as a reliable heavy equipment hauler has been earned over decades of service.
Contact our nearest location to discuss your machinery hauling project!