Tips To Safely Transport Your Construction Equipment (And When To Get A Quote)

Tips To Safely Transport Your Construction Equipment Without Costly Mistakes

Construction equipment shipping requires that everything be synchronized, from route planning to trailer selection. When transporting construction machinery, challenges may arise due to:

• Incorrect specifications
• Oversights in route planning
• Rushed bookings

Those tasked with planning heavy hauls must consider safety every step of the way. Risk aversion begins with a quote that is at once comprehensive and professional. Use this guide to confirm that your upcoming construction equipment hauls are quote-ready.

Choose The Right Trailer To Transport Construction Equipment Safely

The right trailer choice is critical for safe and compliant construction equipment transport.

• Lowboy - Lowboy trailers have very low decks that stabilize heavy loads while accommodating taller equipment. Lowboys are popular for transporting excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, and other large construction equipment.
• RGN - A removable gooseneck (RGN) trailer offers decks as low as 1.5 feet from the ground. Weight capacities range from 42,000 to 150,000 pounds. Lengths typically range from 20 to 65 feet. The detachable gooseneck allows the front to be lowered to the ground. This creates a convenient ramp for unloading construction equipment.
• Flatbed - A flatbed trailer features an open deck with no roof or sides. Five feet is the typical deck height. Flatbeds are popular for transporting construction equipment up to 8.5 feet tall, with permitting required for taller loads.
• Step deck - A step deck (or drop deck) trailer comes with a front upper deck and a rear lower deck. This type of trailer may accommodate equipment that is too tall for a standard flatbed while avoiding the need for an oversize permit. Most are 48 or 53 feet long.

The right trailer choice is critical for safe and compliant construction equipment transport.

• Overloading - risk of brake failure, instability, and accidents due to improper weight distribution.
• Compromised towing performance - harder to control the load safely or navigate sharp turns.

An expert quote delivers far more than a rate based on miles travelled. It includes matching the load to the right trailer. Selection is not a matter of guesswork. It is the result of a careful assessment of load specifications.

Loading And Weight Distribution Are Where Safety Is Won Or Lost

Compliant construction equipment shipping requires an advanced understanding of:

• Appropriate trailer options
• Load distribution and center of gravity
• Axle weights and spacing
• Loading direction and securement

Center of gravity considerations are very important. Construction equipment, by its very nature, is often uneven in weight. Loading equipment too far forward may stress the drive axles. At the same time, loading equipment too far back introduces instability. Balanced loads reduce parts wear and stabilize handling.

Properly spaced axles reduce stress on both the trailer and the pavement. Appropriate weight per axle delivers stability while reducing the risk of mechanical failure. Single axle weights are often capped at 20,000 pounds, and tandem axle weight limits are often 34,000 pounds. Again, there are differences from state to state. In Colorado, the tandem axle weight maximum is 36,000 pounds.

A comprehensive quote considers real load dynamics, not mere estimates. Carriers should address heavy equipment hauling safety by planning the loading process well before the truck arrives.

Permits, Routing, And Escorts Are Not DIY Decisions

There is no substitute for a thorough knowledge of permitting, routing, and escorts. Variations by route and state make DIY decisions a bad idea. Some jurisdictions require special permits for moves at night or on holidays and weekends.

An oversize permit is typically required when:

• Width exceeds 8.5 feet
• Height exceeds 13.5 feet
• Length exceeds 65 feet
• Gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds 80,000 pounds.

Definitions of oversize thresholds do vary by state. In Colorado, the height limit is 14.5 feet, for example. In Minnesota, the length limit is 75 feet.

Escort teams coordinate movement along the route while managing intersections and turns. They also alert the driver to hazards and restrictions. Escort vehicles are often required when a load is more than 12 feet wide or 14 feet tall, but this varies by state. Escorts are also required for extra-long rigs of 90-120 feet or more.

Compliant, efficient routing should be a key component of any quote. Clearances, weight limits, and turning radii must be accounted for. Oversights are unacceptable.

Delivery Site Preparation Is Part of Transport Safety

Delivery site preparation is also an element of transport safety. Planners must determine the need for additional site preparation. It is vital to account for access width limitations, unstable ground conditions, and other challenges.

There is no substitute for expert planning and timely permitting. Delays from permitting failures almost always cost more than the fees themselves. A comprehensive quote accounts for permit timelines upfront. The quote process must also identify delivery site risks that lead to costly re-delivery or detention charges.

Always insist on a quote that breaks down different elements like base transport, loading/unloading costs, escorts, and permit fees.

When It’s Time To Request A Construction Equipment Transport Quote

How do you know when you need a professional hauling quote? Trigger points include:

• Oversize or overweight equipment
• Tight job site deadlines
• Transport of multiple machines
• Cross-state moves
• High-value equipment

A construction equipment transport quote is about much more than the cost. A thorough, itemized quote delivers added value in important ways. It reduces risk via proper trailer selection, route planning, timeline assessment, and regulatory compliance.