Shipping large or oversized loads can be daunting for many heavy-duty auto transport companies. Vehicles, machinery, or construction equipment are hefty loads that require special handling, transportation expertise, and obtaining the necessary permits since they cannot be transported using average or typical carriers.
Heavy-haul shipping companies have to overcome several challenges to become effective and reliable in the industry. This article will discuss the challenges and solutions companies face when shipping heavy-duty vehicles.
Variety of Auto Shipping Tools
Typically, all heavy-duty machinery is provided with shipping tools tailored to its requirements to avoid damage during shipping and ensure the cargo’s safety.
For example, flatbeds are ideal for transporting large and bulky items that cannot fit in a closed container, while lowboys are suitable for shipping heavy equipment that requires low clearance.
Moreover, multi-axle trailers transport heavy machinery that exceeds the legal weight limit. They can handle an extensive range of weight loads and provide better stability and balance during transit, reducing the risk of damage.
In addition to these specialized trailers, auto-shipping tools include various containers and accessories, such as crates, skids, and pallets. These tools help to secure the machinery and prevent it from shifting or moving during transit, reducing the risk of damage.
An auto shipping company must have access to all types of heavy-duty shipping tools to fulfill client requests.
Infrastructure Limitations
Some machinery can be quite large and difficult to maneuver on the road since many streets can be narrow and unaccommodated to larger vehicles or machines. Sometimes, even bridges or tunnels on the road can become quite an obstacle in shipping large machinery or vehicles. Hence, heavy-duty vehicle shipping companies plan different routes to avoid potential damages and achieve maximum efficiency while transporting different types of oversized cargo.
In order to execute successful shipping plans, a thorough understanding of all the relevant roads, highways, interstates, and local regulations is required. Auto shipping companies possess this knowledge and expertise, allowing them to plan the most efficient routes that minimize driving time and ensure the successful completion of the task.
High Auto Shipping Costs
Transporting large and heavy cargo is not easy, and it requires specialized heavy equipment transportation that can be quite expensive. These tools must also be regularly maintained to ensure their safe and efficient operation; maintaining such equipment requires skilled professionals, who may not always be readily available.
One such tool is the crane, which is crucial in lifting and moving heavy objects. To keep cranes in optimal condition, they must be checked around four times yearly. During these inspections, the electrical circuits, air conditioners, and ventilators are examined and replaced if necessary. Furthermore, the crane’s parts, such as cables and electric rooms, must be inspected to detect any signs of wear and tear or damage.
Another essential tool for moving heavy cargo is trailers. Trailers also require regular inspections to ensure their safe operation, typically twice a year. The brakes, tires, and electric wiring are carefully examined during these inspections for any potential issues. Any worn or damaged components are replaced to prevent accidents or damage during transportation.
While cost is a big issue, there is no way around paying the necessary amounts to ensure the quality of equipment used in heavy-duty shipping.
Legal and regulatory requirements
To comply with legal and regulatory obligations, shipping companies must ensure that all shipments are accompanied by necessary documentation and permits. For instance, wide loads, which are wider than 8.5 feet, may not fit on highways for road travel, while oversized loads typically exceed legal limits. Such shipments require careful handling, appropriate permits, and legal documentation, depending on their type. As a result, reputable shipping companies take steps to shield their clients from the complex legal requirements of the shipping industry.
Failing to meet these requirements can result in severe consequences, such as fines, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Therefore, shipping companies must remain vigilant and keep up-to-date with the latest regulations to ensure compliance and minimize risk.
Theft
A prevalent fear of any client is theft, as this problem isn’t limited to one industry. Heavy-duty shipping companies are always alert and looking to prevent any exploitation of the cargo while shipping. Using high-security rear door locks and air cuff locks on shipping containers is a simple yet effective example of how companies take measures to prevent easy access to their shipments.
Summary
Heavy-duty shipping companies face various issues during the shipping process. Yet, the continuous strive to improve and be the best in the industry motivates them to find solutions to the challenges that arise. Finding the best routes and modes of transport while managing all the legal, environmental, and other aspects is only a glimpse into what these shipping companies do to provide quality services and cater to their customer’s preferences.
Tempus Logix has provided all types of auto transport services for the past eight years. So far, the company has shipped over 45,000 vehicles across the United States, including heavy-duty vehicles of different types. In order to overcome different challenges, Tempus Logix partners with more than 25,000 carriers nationwide to ensure access to professional tools and trailers when needed.