5 Ways to Avoid Extra Costs When Shipping Heavy Equipment

Extra costs may arise with heavy equipment shipping, but the good news is that there are measures you can take to avoid those unwanted prices. Prices are constantly on the rise in every business. Getting the equipment shipping cost estimate ahead of time will help prevent additional charges.

New methods are constantly changing with LoLo, flat rack, and roll-on/roll-off. It is challenging to keep up with updated shipment techniques, but knowing each way is critical to help save money.

The Three Methods of Loading a Shipment

LoLo is an easy way to load equipment for shipping. It uses a crane for lifting heavy equipment on and off the shipping conveyance. The crane is necessary, but it can also be an added cost to the crew used for rigging and the crane operator. Expect an added expense when paying for the heavy equipment shipping.

A flat rack is a method that uses a container without sidewalls or a roof. It allows the equipment to stack without the need for restrictions on dimensions. The extra cost comes when the laborers use shrink wrapping, assemble and disassemble, and tarping. The prices are essential to keep in mind. 

Last is the roll-on/roll-off method. It is also known as RoRo. These shipments require wheels and are quickly loaded and unloaded onto trailers, ship decks, or containers.

Now that the shipment methods are understood, it is good to move on to the five ways of knowing how to save money on the shipment cost of heavy equipment.

Knowing All the Factors Involved in Heavy Equipment Shipping Cost

Avoiding hidden or last-minute costs is critical when shipping heavy equipment from point A to point B. Asking questions about the heavy equipment hauling rates and understanding what is involved with the shipment techniques can keep a company safe from overspending. 

Know and understand the previous invoices. They will include everything paid for when shipping the equipment. The company can get with the carriers to collect good advice on how they can eliminate or cut costs. 

The primary factors that affect the costs involved in shipping heavy equipment are the size and weight of the equipment being shipped. As mentioned earlier, how the equipment will be loaded and unloaded, along with what the carrier uses to haul the equipment, is another factor, and the distance from point A to point B is the final factor.

Give Full Disclosure

Giving the carriers all of the information will help keep the additional cost down to a minimum. This goes with keeping an open line of communication with the weight, size, dimensions, and all factors that can change the price of the load. 

Use Automation

There are many to choose from, and each software is dedicated to each company. There is something in the software for every company that manages warehouse tasks. The company can stay ahead of shipping carriers with updated technology and software. 

An automated loading system can reduce costs on labor and protect the shipment. The company can have all the information used by the carriers before shipping, such as the weight, dimensions, and scanned before everything is verified for shipment. 

Utilize All the Space in the Shipping

Studying the load and figuring out the amount of space left over can save the company money. More than one shipment to a location will cost more money. The company should utilize the space if more equipment fits on board. Hundreds to thousands of dollars are saved by following this shipping advice. 

Plan Ahead of Time

Last-minute shipments put everyone in stress mode. Planning early and getting all the details will save on extra costs and headaches. It also makes the company more efficient and professional. 

Osage Specialized Transport for Heavy Hauling

Contact us if your company has heavy equipment to haul. We will answer questions and get the equipment to its destination safely.