Shipping heavy equipment internationally is going to require attention to detail (especially if you are trying to save money).

Below we’ll go into what to consider when shipping heavy equipment and what to consider if you want to save money. From insurance to taking proper measurements, we’ll get into all of that below.

Let’s get started.

What to Consider When Shipping Heavy Equipment Internationally?

Working with Experts

The biggest factor you want to consider when shipping heavy equipment (especially internationally) is the company you choose to ship your equipment. With potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars having been invested, it’s paramount that you don’t hand off your equipment to a company that doesn’t know the ins and outs of heavy equipment shipping.

With multiple types of shipping available, you’ll have to rely on the expertise of your transportation company to help guide you along the process. Experts will also understand the necessity of full insurance coverage and will be able to deal with that for you and provide paperwork so that you can sleep easy knowing your heavy equipment is going to be taken care of along the way.

Dimensions

It’s vital that you have the correct dimensions available for your transportation company available before you give your equipment to be shipped. The reason is they need to plan well in advanced the type of shipping container that’s going to be used, and plan logistically if you’re going to use roll on/roll off, load on/load off or typical cargo containers for your shipment.

Without these dimensions, your quote is going to vary wildly and you may end up with a huge price discrepancy (and even fines) for having the wrong dimensions upon arrival. You may end up having to forego the entire shipment if there is no longer room on the ship itself.

Customs and Shipping Tarriffs

Tarrifs are going to account for a huge portion of the delivery cost. This is going to vary from different countries as well as the total amount the heavy equipment is worth. You’ll have to do some research beforehand for the country you’re dealing with.

Unfortunately, your shipping company won’t be able to provide you with any help here as the amount the tariff will come out to is out of their hands. It’s still important that you go with a shipping company that’s aware of these regulations and rules and can handle it in the appropriate manner so your equipment doesn’t get locked up for months in governmental limbo.

Timing

Timing your delivery will also be crucial. If you require your equipment on a specific day, then you’ll need to plan well in advanced to avoid having it show up late. To save money, it’s better to plan your shipment months ahead of time to reduce on the pricing.

If you batch together a large delivery, then you may be able to get a bigger discount. It’s best to get multiple quotes at once with a company like A-1 Auto Transport who can connect you with heavy equipment professionals that know the industry well and can take care of your heavy equipment so it arrives in one piece.

Insurance

Insurance is going to be another factor to consider when trying to save money while shipping heavy construction equipment. Your equipment may be out in the open if you choose a shipping method like roll on/roll off, putting it further at risk.

While it may seem like a good idea to only cover the bare minimum of your total haul, it’s going to be a huge risk as you never know if your items are going to be damaged, stolen or mishandled during the shipping process.

One way to save money is by getting quotes from insurance companies and negotiating it down. If your transportation company has insurance connections, they may be able to help you out. This is going to further add to the importance of hiring a well-reviewed shipping company that knows the ins and outs of the heavy equipment shipping industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shipping heavy equipment internationally requires careful consideration of various factors. The choice of a reliable shipping company with expertise in heavy equipment transportation is crucial.

Entrusting your valuable investment to a knowledgeable and experienced company ensures that your equipment will be handled appropriately throughout the shipping process. Providing accurate dimensions to the transportation company is vital to avoid price discrepancies and potential issues with container selection. Understanding customs regulations and shipping tariffs is essential to avoid delays and complications at the destination.

Planning the timing of delivery in advance and exploring options for batch shipments can help reduce costs. Lastly, obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage and working with insurance providers and shipping companies with relevant connections can provide added protection and peace of mind. By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure the safe and efficient transportation of your heavy equipment internationally.