Get Your Heavy Equipment Ready To Be Shipped With These 4 Tips
Posted on: 8 June 2015
If this is your first time moving a crane or other heavy equipment, you may not be sure how to make sure your equipment stays safe during transport. Use the following tips to prepare for your heavy equipment transportation.
Don't Skimp on Tie-Downs
If you are like many people, you are aware that you need chains and ropes to make sure that your heavy equipment is attached to the transportation platform or the transporting vehicle. However, you need to be sure that you have enough of these tie-downs to keep your equipment from jostling around as it is moved.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMSA, has some guidelines to follow, so that you have some idea of how many tie-downs you will need. For instance, they recommend at least two tie-downs if your equipment is over 1,100 pounds. Be sure to check their guidelines so that you have enough tie-downs and your equipment can stay secure as it is being moved from place to place. In fact, consider using more tie-downs than suggested so that you are sure that your equipment is secure.
Secure Loose and Moving Pieces
If you're transporting equipment that has movable pieces or pieces that swing out, it is critical that you fasten them securely. Loose or swinging parts can be lost along the journey, and they might also be damaged or cause damage. Make sure any loose pieces are removed and transported separately, and ensure that any swinging parts are tied down or otherwise secured.
Don't Use Knots
While you may think nothing of knotting ropes and other tie-downs to make them secure, that can be a problem in an emergency. If something happens on the hauling vehicle, you need to make sure that your equipment can be moved off of it in a quick manner. If there are knots to work through, precious moments can be lost. To avoid a problem, use tie-downs that use Velcro or straps.
Check Transportation Laws
Every state is different, so it is critical that you check the transportation laws in your state to be sure that your heavy equipment has the proper travel permits and that you have met all requirements to transport your equipment. While your transportation company can help you with this, it is important that you find out and know this information for yourself, as you are the one who might have to pay fines and fees if your equipment violates any transportation laws.
Use the tips in this article to help you make sure that your heavy equipment is ready to be shipped. Talk to your transportation company to get more ideas for how you can ensure that your equipment reaches its destination safely.
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