In the construction business, transporting big machinery and heavy equipment is just part of the job. Construction may take you to projects all around the country, or even across borders. Therefore, finding ways to safely transport excavators, dozers, cranes, and other precious gear from point A to point B becomes crucial.
Utilizing shipping containers is a smart method for moving heavy-duty equipment. In this blog, we’ll break down why shipping containers make sense, container types to consider, how to pick the right size, and important preparation steps for packing equipment.
Why Shipping Containers Make Sense For Heavy Machinery
Before we dive deeper, why are shipping containers well-suited to handle construction equipment in the first place?
Protection – Unlike canvas covers on makeshift trucks, weatherproof steel containers provide complete protection for your gear. Rain, snow or road debris won’t cause exposure damage en route. Lockable containers also shield equipment from potential tampering or theft during pit stops.
Standardization – Since containers come in globally standardized dimensions, they can easily be hauled onto ships, stacked onto trains, or loaded onto truck beds. This intermodal flexibility means simpler port transfers and handling.
Adaptability – You’ve got cargo diversity in the construction world – excavators one day, gensets the next. From dry bulk containers to temperature-controlled units equipped with diesel gensets or heavy lift crates, containerized shipping can accommodate various equipment types and sizes.
Cost-Efficiency – Optimal space utilization means transporting more equipment per container. And containers’ standardized handling can often result in lower associated labor expenses, too.
How To Choose Your Shipping Method
Once you’ve decided that container shipping is the way to go, the next step is figuring out the best carrier option. You’ve generally got two choices here:
FCL Shipping (Full Container Load):
FCL shipping is exactly what it sounds like – booking an entire container just for your exclusive use. This makes economic sense for large construction equipment shipments that will occupy full 20 or 40ft container space. Direct transport to the final destination also allows faster transit times since the container isn’t opened mid-journey for other loading/unloading stops.
LCL Shipping (Less than Container Load):
The optimal solution for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who don’t have enough cargo to fill an entire container is LCL shipping. Whether you’re transporting a few pallets of construction materials or a single piece of heavy machinery, LCL shipping allows business owners to share container space with other businesses, paying only for the space that is required for your shipment. This cost-effective option is ideal for SMBs looking to optimize their shipping budget, though transit times may be slightly longer due to consolidation and deconsolidation processes at ports.
Choosing The Right Container For Your Heavy Machinery
While dry general-purpose containers suit most construction equipment, you may need special container types for niche situations:
Standard Containers – Your 20 ft and 40 ft standard options will be ample for most gear. This would make them a good fit for goods such as excavators, loaders, gensets, etc. High cube containers provide that extra overhead clearance if needed.
Open Top Containers – Allows top-loading access for tall equipment like tower cranes via the removable roof section. This is a convenient option for oversized cargo.
Flat Rack Containers – Like open containers minus the sides, while enabling fork lift access from multiple angles. This option is ideal for shipping construction vehicles, drill rigs, and other out-of-gauge project gear you can’t fit into enclosed boxes.
Refrigerated Containers – Maintains precise temperature and humidity control for transporting delicate equipment components such as electronics or materials, such as custom fabrics, that are prone to weather damage.
When deciding on container dimensions, carefully assess your machinery’s height, width and weight. Crunch the numbers to figure out optimal loading layouts that utilize every inch of interior space, if you’re opting for FCL shipping. Some shipping liners also provide free container load planning software to virtually experiment with different packing configurations before committing.
Must-Do Preparations Before Packing Your Containers
Here are some quick tips for preparing your shipment:
Cleaning – Pressure-spray down equipment to remove every speck of loose dirt, rocks, grease and construction dust residue. Seemingly insignificant particles can lead to major customs clearance delays, hefty decontamination fees or rejected agricultural imports. This is not worth the oversight.
Inspection and Photos – Document any pre existing damage on gear or catalog current condition with dated pictures taken from multiple angles, backed up offline. This provides indisputable visual proof should you need to file damage claims later.
Disassembly – Break down vehicle attachments, blades, booms and other oversized parts into more manageable sections that actually fit inside your container. Use your floor plan to guide dismantling. Label parts clearly for easy identification and reassembly by crews on the other end.
Load Securement – Tightly strap down, chain or block and brace all cargo to prevent shifts while at sea. Pay extra attention to securing fragile gear components like exhaust pipes, lights and protruding mirrors, too. The following paperwork is also mandatory:
- Bill of Lading – Outlines your precise cargo type, quantity and delivery terms
- Packing List – Highly detailed manifest describing each of the container’s contents
- Export/Import Documentation – Country-specific customs declaration forms
Lean on Logistics Experts For Heavy Hauls
Safely shepherding heavy construction machinery through global supply chains is no small task. Leaving the logistics coordination to specialized teams is a great way to give yourself some peace of mind knowing that the small details are taken care of.
Freight Forwarders – Find freight forwarders with proven experience in shipping containers internationally. Go beyond comparing basic quotes – vet their reputation, safety track record, customer service, tech integration, and claims response.
Insurance Specialists – Interview insurers familiar with the niche construction equipment niche. Make sure policies comprehensively cover potential risks like damage and theft with reasonable deductibles.
Licensed Customs Brokers – On international shipments, customs paperwork makes all the difference. Look for veteran brokers with a good understanding of import and export regulations in your destination countries to ensure smooth customs clearance on both borders. Let the professionals handle the bureaucracy.
Final Word
Transporting construction equipment requires dealing with some complex logistics. From selecting the ideal container types and dimensions to properly securing your sensitive gear, small oversight can cause huge headaches down the line if cargo gets damaged or delayed.
Hopefully this overview gives you a clearer game plan and checklist for navigating those key decision points when planning your next heavy machinery shipment. Whether it’s assessing your shipment’s volume needs, determining necessary preparation steps, or finding the right freight forwarder and insurance to connect the dots, the small details make all the difference for smooth sailing.
