Shipping machinery and machine parts.
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How to ship machinery and parts.
To successfully ship machinery and machine parts, you must determine the right packaging, mode and carrier. Freightquote by C.H. Robinson can help break down the basics of machinery shipping and connect you with the best fit heavy-haul carrier.
- Know your machinery. To start the process, assess the item you’re choosing to ship. Take note of product dimensions, weight and any other features that could impact freight capacity. Understand the type of machinery you are shipping and research how carriers have moved items like yours in the past. If what you are shipping is uncommon, use what you know about a similar item to anticipate your needs and restrictions.
- Package properly. Machinery often brings about more packaging regulations than other shipments. You must balance your shipping needs with the packaging requirements of your carrier.For example, some carriers require all machinery shipments to be crated. You’ll need to add crating costs to the final price to use these carriers.Know what prep work or loading equipment will be required before packaging your machinery. Heavy equipment often requires lifts and loading dock access in order to get it on the truck.
- Identify the appropriate mode. While some machinery and machinery parts are small enough in size and quantity to be assigned to LTL, others are much larger and will require a different transportation mode. In these instances, it’s important to consider truckload or flatbed options as well.
- Find the right carrier. Finding the right carrier requires you to combine what you know about your machinery shipment with the most relevant carrier you can find. This may be difficult depending on the contents of your shipment. You’ll want to find a specialized carrier specific to the kind of machinery you plan to ship.
Finding the most effective way to ship your machinery can save you time and money at the end of the day. With the help of a freight service provider, you will receive expert advice about your shipment and access a vast network of relevant carriers.
Machinery and machine parts commonly shipped through Freightquote.
- Industrial sewing machines
- Milling machines
- Medical machines
- Vending machines
- Floor care machines
Common questions when shipping machinery and parts.
What freight shipping mode should I be using?
The freight shipping mode you use depends on the size, timing and cost of your shipment. Take a look at each mode below to determine the best fit for your shipment.
The following freight factors are used to calculate freight class:
- Styrofoam boxes or sheets: Styrofoam is excellent for insulating perishables. Boxes or sheets come in varying amounts of thickness, depending on how much you are willing to spend.
- Insulated liners: Liners can come in a bubble wrap-like texture or air-filled. Both types of liners offer the ability to securely wrap perishables in them to prevent damage and keep out the heat.
- Insulated pads: Insulated pads can be placed in boxes to keep your food shipment fresh and safe.
- Dry ice: Dry ice can be used with other insulation methods for maximum freshness; however, dry ice is considered a hazardous material and your shipment would need to be labeled as such.
- Ice packs: Ice packs are an affordable option for keeping perishables cool. While some are reusable, one-time use ice packs are typically the most cost-effective.
How do I determine the freight class of my machinery?
Consider all four of these factors when calculating the freight class of your machinery shipment. Talk through your shipment with other members of your organization to know how it stands up against freight factors.
How do I evaluate the liability limits of my machinery?
Each and every shipment (both LTL and truckload) includes limited liability coverage. The amount of liability coverage is calculated by the carrier and is dependent on the commodity type. For LTL, it covers a designated dollar amount per pound of freight being shipped.
As you’re shipping your new or used machinery or machinery parts, you will want to understand the carrier’s liability for freight loss and the limits within the liability coverage being offered.
How much will it cost to ship my equipment?
The cost of your shipment can depend on any number of factors. Although we may not know the specific needs of your shipment, the following factors should be considered when estimating the cost of your shipment:
- Cleaning of carrier’s equipment after transport
- Packaging
- Loading charges
- Handling
- Insurance
- Delivery to destination
- Special services: liftgate, inside pickup and delivery, limited access, etc.
What about oversized cargo?
Your shipment is most likely classified as oversized if it’s too large for standard shipping dimensions. Anticipate slightly higher costs due to the need for accommodations, special equipment and extra handling. Agriculture, construction and energy equipment are all examples of over-sized freight.
When shipping over-sized freight, there are four factors to consider: