Heavy Haulers Daily Blog

How to Transport Road Construction Equipment

Transporting heavy equipment is an essential part of the construction process. Construction companies rely on safe, efficient, punctual transport to start their projects.

When considering the equipment’s safety, quality, and importance, you must hire someone you can count on. When it’s time to transport road construction equipment, you need a company you can rely on.

Why It’s Important to Ship Road Construction Equipment Safely

Roads do not just connect places, but they actively contribute to economic growth. Modern road construction allows you to drive on smooth, efficient road systems. Therefore, taking care of the equipment that makes these roads happen is essential.

Unfortunately, improperly secured heavy equipment causes several accidents each year. The equipment is often much heavier than the truck, and a slight oversight could prove disastrous. Machines can tilt, and parts could roll off and cause an accident.

Equally important is proper route planning. A circuitous route may be the safest option if you avoid unnecessary obstacles. Too often, poor planning led to excavators striking bridges and damaging infrastructure. This usually happens when the construction company wants to save money by doing the transport themselves.

Road construction is often a high-pressure job with specific deadlines. Any delay can result in hefty fines or penalties. Your project may suffer significant setbacks if the machinery is damaged during transport. Hiring a professional road construction machinery transport service ensures your equipment will arrive safely at your destination.

The Most Common Types of Road Construction Machinery Transported

There are many types of road construction machinery, with some having different transport requirements. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • Motor graders: Used to create flat surfaces
  • Milling machines: Also known as cold planers, used for milling the surface of the road
  • Compactors: Drum rollers used to compact/compress surfaces
  • Road pavers: Machine that spreads asphalt on the road
  • Excavators: Heavy machines used to dig trenches, excavate rocks, and remove debris
  • Wheel loaders: Used to transport materials across the construction site

Depending on your project, you may need additional machines. Transporting large machinery is a costly yet necessary step in construction. Proper planning and research can help make cost-efficient choices. For example, large machinery could be disassembled into multiple parts, as smaller loads are cheaper to transport.

You may be able to avoid the permits required for transporting heavier equipment. Another way to reduce costs is by shipping the most essential machines first. Then, you could opt for a cheaper option for the rest of the equipment.

Wheel loader shipped on a lowboy trailer.

Working With a Reputable Road Construction Equipment Hauling Company

Safe road construction equipment shipping requires expertise and special equipment. Construction companies can save a lot of money and frustration by hiring a reputable hauler. Logistic professionals know which trailer is best suited for the equipment.

The company will also plan efficient routes to avoid low bridges, roads with weight restrictions, and other risks. If the transport requires special permits, they can quickly obtain them as they have years of experience. Lastly, their operators and drivers are trained in safety procedures to prevent accidents and injuries.

Proper preparation of the equipment will ensure it arrives safely and without damage. Here is a list of pre-transport steps to get the equipment ready:

  • Inspect the machinery.
  • Check the machines for leaks, loose parts, or damage. Ensure wheels, tracks, electric system, and other components are in good working order.
  • Clean the equipment.
  • Mud and dirt add weight to the machines and will increase fuel costs. Most road construction equipment shipping companies only carry cleaned equipment as it is safer.
  • Check the manual.
  • Heavy equipment manufacturers often have guidelines on how to transport the machines. Some include removing fuel tanks, disconnecting batteries, locking doors, and covering latches.
  • Remove attachments.
  • In some places, you may be required to remove blades and other detachable parts to make the transport safer.

Rely on Heavy Haulers for Professional Road Construction Transport Services

Saving money on road construction machinery transport may seem impossible. Yet, if you follow safety guidelines and hire a reputable company like Heavy Haulers, you can avoid many expensive mistakes.

We prioritize your equipment’s safety and guarantee it will arrive on time. Contact us today to experience our award-winning shipping services.