Heavy equipment hauling is no easy task. Make one wrong choice and you’re left with thousands in repairs and re-delays if the worst happens. Because moving equipment is an essential service with new infrastructure projects constantly underway, the heavy hauling market continues to grow. Trucking in particular, a huge industry generating over $906 billion annually alone, is on track for continual expansion in the coming years.
With growth, of course, comes choice. New businesses are popping up every day, each touting some kind of advantage over their competition. But while haulers throw big numbers and flashy marketing at business owners and contractors, finding an honest-to-goodness reliable hauling service is anything but a piece of cake.
Seasoned contractors and businesses with a ton of experience need to know what to look for. This buying guide is dedicated to that. Let’s break down all that goes into choosing the right heavy equipment hauling service, smartly and strategically.
Table of Contents
- Why Does Heavy Equipment Hauling Even Matter?
- Key Factors to Consider for Heavy Equipment Hauling
- Warning Signs of Bad Hauling Companies
- Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Heavy Equipment Hauling Service
- Wrapping it All Up
Why Does Heavy Equipment Hauling Even Matter?
Let’s talk about context.
Heavy equipment hauling is not like moving your personal goods when relocating or shifting inventory around. These are expensive assets sometimes going into the hundreds of thousands for a single item. Excavators, bulldozers, cranes, loaders and other “big boys” require trained professionals to safely transport and cannot be loaded onto standard freight trailers.
Excavators, for example, can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. That’s not your everyday machine, and it certainly can’t be moved by just any hauling company. Proper trailers, permits, and drivers with experience are a must or else you risk major problems.
This is why heavy equipment hauling matters so much.
Businesses can’t risk the possibility of delayed projects, liabilities, fines or equipment damaged during transport. The heavy hauling service market, estimated to hit almost $6 billion by 2033, is there to help solve this issue for companies.
Key Factors to Consider for Heavy Equipment Hauling
Choosing a heavy equipment hauling provider depends on a few factors. Neglect any of these considerations and things are certain to go awry.
Licensing and Insurance
This is a must. Period.
Legitimate haulers need to have proper licensing from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They also need to have access to the right insurance that will cover any damage to cargo, accidents and worker compensation claims. Any reputable company worth hiring will have these and it should never be an issue to show proof before signing contracts.
Equipment and Fleet Types
Not all haulers can do all jobs.
Heavy equipment transport demands certain types of trailers like lowboys, step decks and removable gooseneck trailers. You need to find a hauling company that is equipped to handle different machinery and can transport the required weight limits.
Ask questions such as:
- What trailer types do you offer?
- What is the max weight limit of your trailers?
- Are you able to do oversize loads that require special permits?
Experience and Track Record
Experience is everything.
The logistics of transporting heavy equipment go beyond picking it up and delivering it. There’s route planning, paperwork for necessary permits and navigating roads with oversized loads. Experienced haulers know this and have likely been around the industry for quite some time.
Look for:
- Years in business
- Past customer reviews
- Certifications in the industry
Geographic Reach
Does the company offer transportation in areas you need it?
Some heavy hauling companies only operate in certain regions, which is perfectly fine if you’re in that area. If you’re crossing state lines or need to cover various territories though, this is a big red flag. Construction companies especially need haulers that have nationwide coverage.
Warning Signs of Bad Hauling Companies
Bad haulers really are a thing and you need to be on the lookout. Certain red flags are immediate warnings to look elsewhere.
Suspiciously Low Quotes
Nothing screams desperation like choosing a company based on low quotes.
Unrealistically cheap pricing means corners are being cut somewhere, whether it’s insurance, maintenance of equipment or experienced drivers. Proper heavy equipment hauling costs money, money that is deservedly paid by businesses for high quality service and equipment.
No Response or Communication Problems
Communication is key in any business relationship. If a hauling company takes an unreasonably long time to get back to you or can’t answer your basic questions, it’s not going to get better as a customer.
Companies that have a professional customer service and dispatch process will have:
- Designated points of contact
- Real time tracking for your equipment
- Timely answers to your questions
Incomplete or Missing Documentation
Real haulers have documentation.
Proof of insurance, licensing, safety records and signed contracts should be available to you as a business owner making decisions. Any company that fumbles around this or makes excuses for missing information immediately disqualifies themselves as a contender.
Virtual Company with No Physical Address
Digital businesses popping up all over that don’t have any visible physical presence is more common than you might think. Look for the trucking and hauling companies with yards and equipment. A simple internet search can usually tell you if it’s a ghost or not.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Heavy Equipment Hauling Service
Smart business owners and contractors with experience know what to ask before settling on a final decision.
Important questions you must ask include:
- What experience do you have with this equipment type?
- How do you go about permits for oversize loads?
- What safety measures do you take to protect machinery?
- If the equipment is damaged during transport, what is your liability?
- What are the terms for payments and cancellation policies?
Remember this…
Verbal agreements mean nothing. If something you’re told over the phone is important, make them provide it in writing with the quote and contract.
Wrapping it All Up
Heavy equipment hauling is a service you can’t gamble with.
There’s no pressure, tight deadlines, expensive equipment, fines and lawsuits to deal with if things don’t go according to plan. Therefore finding a hauling company that’s right for you is one of the most important steps in moving your project forward.
Here’s a quick recap of what we covered.
- Verify licenses and insurance; this is a must.
- Check capabilities and types of equipment/fleet
- Investigate their experience and track record
- Steer clear of the warning signs
- Ask important questions and request things in writing
- Get multiple quotes and compare them all
Heavy hauling is a specialized industry that demands specialized service providers. By following these simple steps, you should be well on your way to securing a trustworthy and honest company that will get your machinery safely to where it needs to go, on time and on budget.
The right company isn’t just a vendor; they’re your business partner.