Moving heavy machinery is always going to be a challenging task, because there are a lot of components. On top of that, heavy equipment moving can bring various problems, so having an adequate plan and even spare parts can help quite a bit. Another thing that’s crucial about machinery moving is the overall cost. Yes, moving heavy machinery is expensive and you have to find ways to keep costs down. Here are some methods you can use to lower moving costs!
Always try to plan ahead
Whenever you work with machinery movers, you always want to plan ahead. The idea here is that you want to schedule in advance, as it will help you keep prices affordable. If you end up just doing the machinery moving last-minute, that might come with additional costs. But if you prepare beforehand, that alone can help you save both time and money.
Additionally, you want to try and optimize transport scheduling. What does this mean? You should always try to transport during the off-peak seasons and when the traffic is not that packed. Weekdays and mid-morning departures tend to be the right option to consider here, so keep that in mind. You also want to keep an eye on things like traffic congestion or construction that could deviate traffic, as that’s problematic.
Consolidate shipments
Another way to save money when moving machinery is to consolidate shipments. The idea here is that you can bundle equipment, which means you can reduce the number of trips. Of course, that will translate into less expenses, and that’s something you need to keep in mind. Multi-drop shipments could work as well, especially if you are delivering on a route. That way, you can lower costs, while still making sure that you move the right items.
Pick the right transportation method
Depending on the type of heavy machinery you want to move, there will be different transportation methods you can focus on.
- If you don’t ship enough equipment to fill a trailer, going with the less than truckload version might help you save some money. However, it’s mostly suitable for smaller parts or machines. When you move large items, a full truckload avoids additional handling and extra damage as well.
- Using the right trailer type is just as crucial here. You want a dependable, durable and very high quality trailer that fits your needs. Flatbed trailers are good for construction equipment, but RGN and lowboys are good for heavy, tall equipment. Then, step-decks can handle moderate height and weight, but they are less expensive than the previous option.
Shop around
When choosing any machinery movers, it makes a lot of sense to try and shop around. Don’t just settle with the first offer that you’re getting. Chances are that other movers will match that, but offer extra benefits or even better pricing. It never hurts to ask around and see what options movers can provide. And then you choose the best one to fit your needs.
Additionally, you can also check freight marketplaces, and remember that you can also negotiate your move. You do want to check what’s included with the quote, so you can avoid hidden fees or any stuff similar to that. It does make sense to ask for quotes and see where you get the best value. Because, as we said, you will never know where the best offers will come from, so use it as an advantage.
Use technology
These days, machinery moving is easier because you have freight marketplaces, apps and load optimization software. You can find the best prices a lot easier. And with software, you can optimize routes, predict equipment availability and even reduce empty runs. All of that can be a godsend in many situations, so you have to avail the opportunity and make the most out of it.
Always make sure that the equipment is ready for transport
Why does this matters when moving machinery? Easy, if the machine needs repairs, it has leaks or it’s dirty, that could lead to delays and extra costs. Make sure that there are no leaky fluids or anything of that nature. Addressing such concerns always helps, and it will prevent any possible problems that could arise in here.
Outsourcing can be an option
Outsourcing the moving process to machinery movers can be less expensive. Even if you might have some transportation equipment, specialized companies tend to have the better solutions and they are more dependable. That way, you know you get the best deal and results, and the ROI can indeed be very good. Use that as an advantage, and you will not have to worry about any concerns that might arise.
Train your team
Always make sure that the movers are fully trained to transport the heavy machinery without a hitch. If you hire someone else, do ensure that their team is trained. Machinery damage can easily end up costing you a ton of money. And that’s what you want to focus on, avoid concerns and focus on implementing everything rightfully. Once you start doing that, it will only make the experience better in the end.
Insurance helps
When you think about extra costs, insurance immediately stands out. But how can insurance save you money? In case any issue arises and you have machine damage, that can end up costing you a ton of money. But if the machine is insured, that will be great, since you can avoid any costs related to that. It’s the best approach you can have, and it definitely provides a much better return on investment than expected.
Minimize the downtime costs
When you move any heavy machine, you are losing money because it’s not in use. That’s why you want to schedule the moving process to ensure it falls during a downtime. That way, it becomes easier to minimize any downtime costs. Site shutdowns, weekends or maintenance periods for other machines could prove to be the ideal time for this type of situations. Additionally, you also want to use real-time updates and GPS tracking if you can, to ensure that you avoid downtimes.
Adjust the route based on permits
Permits cost money and they also bring downtime. The best approach is to find a route that requires as few permits as possible. You can also try to bundle permits or avoid restricted times. All the things you can do to save some time and money, try to do them. Adjusting the route might seem like a hassle, but you always want to monitor how you can save money. And if a slightly longer route will save you money on permits, use it, as it’s a great way to save money in the end.
You always want to hire the best machinery movers on the market, and make sure that you work with a team that you can trust. Additionally, you want to use these tips shown above as you try to minimize costs. It’s not an easy thing to move heavy machinery, and there are always issues to consider, risks and extra costs that arise during machinery moving. But if you have the right movers and take proper precautions, the results can be exceptional!
