Transporting A Wheel Loader

Big construction jobs require some pretty big equipment. Even construction jobs on a smaller scale could require some intense power tools and heavy machinery. All construction work calls for established safety protocol to be followed throughout the duration of a job.

Safety while setting up, while on the job site, while operating machinery and while cleaning up. There is so much focus on safety during the job, that the practices involved in how the heavy machinery arrived at the site in the first place are rarely discussed.

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Transporting a wheel loader isn’t easy for someone who’s never done it before. In fact, it’s not always easy for someone who has done it before. A company with years of experience is required to take on a job of this scale. It’s vital that the transport of heavy machinery is always done by a knowledgeable crew, thereby avoiding disastrous results.

What Is A Wheel Loader?

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You probably already know, but for those who are unfamiliar, a wheel loader is essential to large scale construction job. They may even be necessary for something like digging up a septic tank, depending on the situation.

A wheel loader is heavy duty construction machinery used mostly used to move unwanted materials to the side of the job site so they can be disposed of. Most commonly, wheel loaders are used to get rid of demolition debris, snow, asphalt and gravel, logs or wood chips.

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Wheel loaders make life on a construction site a lot easier when they are properly operated, so moving them from storage to site is simply a way of life in the world of construction. If fact, a wheel loader on site it makes for a faster route to completing the job.

Wheel loaders are a construction necessity, and so are the companies who haul them.

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Shipping A Wheel Loader Domestically

 If you’re having a wheel loader or other heavy equipment shipped domestically, then it’s probably traveling by truck says the a1autotransport.com website. The planning and logistics involved in this must be calculated by a crew that has access to trailers and flatbed trucks that are large enough to support a wheel loader.

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Not only that, they should have extensive knowledge of both wheel loader and the construction of the truck, including how much weight the axels can support. These regulations are legally binding for the safety of all motorists involved. They must be followed by every heavy haul company.

A full-size wheel loader traveling domestically will need to travel on a step-deck trailer for the safest method of transport. A removable gooseneck trailer will work here as well.

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In fact, if the wheel loader is longer than 10 ft and weighs over 40,000 lbs, it has no choice but to reach its destination atop an RGN trailer. An RGN trailer is often used to haul wheel loaders, because they can be driven directly onto the trailer.

In some cases, a crane can lift a wheel loader onto the RGN, but if the loader is in working condition it won’t be necessary. The RGN is definitely a great option when it comes to ease of loading the equipment.

If the wheel loader you need is on the smaller side (a compact wheel loader, for example), it can ship domestically on a flatbed trailer. Loading a wheel loader onto a flatbed can be a little more time consuming, because you’ll have to access a dock in order to drive it up and on.

A knowledgeable company will always load a wheel loader with the boom (arms and scoop) facing the rear of the trailer.

Shipping A Wheel Loader Internationally

When it comes to shipping a wheel loader internationally, you’re going to want to choose a company that knows the ins and outs of process. Customs, ship times and costs can be a bit trickier when shipping overseas, so communication throughout the process is vital. Also, if your shipment method requires the wheel loader to be dismantled, you really need an expert.

The easiest way to send a wheel loader overseas is by ship, which is considered a roll on/roll off vessel. Basically, you can roll the wheel loader on, and when the trip is over…roll it off. You’ll find that using a roll on/roll off vessel is an extremely cost-effective way to ship large machinery as well, because the cost is calculated by size, not weight.

Your wheel loaders will be driven onto the ship and secured in place. To decrease size, it’s not uncommon for your shipping company to remove the bucket on a wheel loader and ship it separately.

You can also have a wheel loader shipped internationally in a container. Shipping a wheel loader overseas in a container means dismantling it in order to pack it. Of course, not every type of wheel loader can be taken apart.

It’s important to verify with your shipping company that the wheel loader you want to ship can not only be taken apart, but successfully reassembled when it arrives. If your loader can be taken apart, then it can absolutely be sent abroad in a shipping container.

A wheel loader than you can dismantle is a great investment. You’ll cut shipping costs by sending it in a shipping container, and it will give you the opportunity to ship the wheel loader to more locations. It’s good for business on both ends.

Shipping A Wheel Loader Safely

Whether you’re shipping internationally or abroad, safety is the number one priority. The company you choose to haul your loader will be knowledgeable in every aspect of safety, but it doesn’t hurt to learn the ropes.

An unsecured load is extremely dangerous both on a trailer and on a boat. If the items are not tied down by means of rope, tarps, bungees or other fastenings, then the company is completely liable for any issues that come up during travel.

Every load, no matter what the size, must be secured. Secured loads will not adjust their position at all during travel.

A reputable shipping company will take care to make sure that any load they ship is secured. Light items are secured first, followed by heavier items – as long as they won’t cause damage.

First, you’ll tie down the load by the use of chains, rope or netting depending on what is being hauled. In the case of a wheel loader, you’ll see most chains or heavy duty rope.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a wheel loader that is transported by trailer must withstand certain acceleration and deceleration requirements. If there is an emergency or car accident, these requirements will keep other motorists safe because a load will not loosen. All requirements are listed on the FMCSA site.

In Summary

Transporting a wheel loader without accessing the proper avenues will cause you a world of trouble. Successful transportation of a wheel loader is no easy feat, unless of course you’ve hired a company that is familiar with doing so.

Take the time to do some research regarding available ship times, shipping costs and client reviews and satisfaction.

By going with a well known company, you can ensure safety standards are met and worry a whole lot less about the shipment process. The departure and arrival times will be all you have to worry about.

Ease of shipment will make it possible for your construction job to go off without a hitch, right on schedule. When all the parts of the machine are working well, efficiency and production are sure to result. Tags:

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  • Great article!

    Make sure you’re working with a company who has experience transporting heavy equipment.

    We’ve used Nationwide United a few times for their heavy haul service. We would definitely recommend giving them a try

    Reply