If you rely on heavy equipment and vehicles to run your business, you will need to move them long distances from time to time. However, transporting oversized materials, heavy equipment, and other large loads is expensive, dangerous, time-consuming, and complicated. As such, there is no room for mistakes, since even a small mistake can cost your company a great deal in terms of delays, missed business opportunities, and damage to your assets. Essentially, you will want to choose a heavy equipment trucking company that not only meets your transportation needs but also reduces transportation problems and difficulties. While there are many heavy hauling companies in the industry, it is important to understand that not every company can handle these jobs.
What Should I Be Looking for in a Heavy Equipment Trucking Company?
Once you are sure that your load is oversized, you will need to find the right heavy equipment trucking company for your needs. Below are some of the qualities you should be looking for.
Regulatory Requirements
The hauling of major freight is heavily regulated, with the regulations covering different issues ranging from insurance and safety to size and weight limits. When choosing a transportation company, you must check whether the service stays on top of the rules and follows the requirements. There are both federal and state requirements, with some of the state requirements varying from state to state. Familiarizing yourself with the requirements will help you determine whether or not the service is a good fit for your needs.
Planning
Hauling of heavy equipment and machinery is a serious job that comes with huge responsibilities. A good transport company should have a solid and clear plan of how they will move the machinery to the desired destination. Planning will also involve identifying the right equipment and personnel for the job to ensure that the process will carry on smoothly and with minimal disruption. The company should also conduct a route survey and possibly include escort services to enhance safety. As you look for transportation services, take time to find out if your preferred company plans properly before moving your machinery.
Insurance and Safety
Considering the risks involved when transporting oversized loads, safety should be a major concern for both you and the transport company you choose to contract. A good service will put in place measures to ensure that your load is transported safely, minimizing the risks of accidents that could cause injuries to other road users and damage to property. Make sure you look at the safety record of the company by going through their accident record, taking into account their volume. However, you should remember that things may not always go smoothly and that accidents can happen. As such, you should choose a company with specialized insurance to protect your cargo in case of an accident.
Capability
Before settling for a given company, it is important to establish whether the service is capable of handling the type, weight, and size of your cargo. You will also want to consider the distance to be covered and whether the company is in a position to make it through any inclines, rough surfaces, corners, and obstacles along the route. In addition to their fleet of vehicles and specialized trucks for the loads, a reliable company will have skilled drivers and the necessary experience in the industry.
Tracking Services
Regardless of the load, you want to be transported, you will want to be sure that it is moving along the right path and will be delivered at the destination in good time. A good transport company will take advantage of the opportunities associated with technology to offer commercial GPS trailer tracking solutions so you can have up-to-date information on your freight. Knowing where your load is and that it is safe will give you the peace of mind you need.
Customer Service
When looking for a heavy haul trucking company, most people tend to focus on the transportation service and overlook customer service. However, you can get a sense of how a company will treat your shipment by looking at how they treat you. A professional service will promote fast and reliable communication so you can reach out to them easily. They will also emphasize transparency in terms of prices and information. Lastly, there should be a support team that is available around the clock to address customers’ concerns and answer questions.
Flexibility
It is important to work with a company whose services are flexible enough to accommodate your unique needs. Their approach should not only cater to different load sizes and types but also different customers in line with their budgets. Make sure you choose a company that takes time to listen to your needs and understands your company before working on providing the best solutions.
Company Reputation
One of the best ways to identify a good heavy hauling trucking company is to look at its reputation. A company that is likely to deliver quality services that will meet your expectations will have a positive reputation. During your research, make sure you go through customer reviews and testimonials to learn more about the experiences of customers who have previously worked with the company. If a good number of the customers were happy with the service, there is a good chance that the company will serve you well.
Hauling Cost
While this may not be the most important factor to consider, it is something you will want to take into account. It is vital to choose a company whose services are reasonably priced based on the shipment and route because you will be looking to get reliable transportation services at a great price. However, as much as you may want to compare several quotes and negotiate prices, you should prioritize value over cost. Compromising quality in a bid to save money may end up costing you more in the long run.
Support Services
While the core business of these companies is offering transportation services, you should find out if the company you intend to work with has any add-on services that you may need. These services will go a long way in ensuring you have a smooth experience. Some of the services you should consider include help with obtaining permits, storage facilities, and logistics.
Hire a Heavy Equipment Hauling Company You can Trust
Finding a good heavy equipment trucking company will require that you do some research on your own. You should then look at the qualities above to help you narrow down to the reliable ones. At Osage Specialized Trucking, we provide a wide range of reliable, convenient, and reasonably priced hauling and freight transport services. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free quote.