The Heavy Stuff

A Guide to Moving the Heavy Stuff: Big Machinery and Equipment Moving Tips to Help You

Moving the heavy stuff is always one of the hardest calls to make. Sometimes you may have to purchase additional liability insurance if traveling through multiple states or across certain areas. However, it’s always better to have the tools you know than to have to purchase new. Here, we’ll talk about the process of moving your larger machinery with a moving company.

Clearance

The first thing you must do is to speak with a local authority figure and understand the necessary precautions, permits, and limits of moving your large load. Some potentially hazardous materials may need written consent, while large display pieces common on military installations merely need a police escort through towns due to their girth.

Prior to setting a moving date, get your paperwork finished and keep it handy. Almost all large moves will require some form of consent from the local government. Get yours so you don’t have to send the movers away.

Checking the Road Ahead

If moving across a long distance, you may have to find further permits. In most cases, your state’s department of transportation can contact other states at your request and search for information regarding the movement of your belongings. If your shipment is not an oversized load or hazardous material, it will likely require little permitting.

We also recommend that you advise the driver of the weight of your shipment. It can mean the difference in the route the driver takes since some bridges are still unable to hold certain heavy trucks.

Securing Large Machinery

If not transported within a box truck for any reason, this is another excellent time to speak with the DOT. The DOT will advise you on the required securing strap weights, if you need chains, etc. This is up to you to know. We advise that if the minimum weight load allowed for your shipment is 2,000-pound straps, you search for 5,000-pound straps.

If your shipment fits within a box truck, standard securing measures are likely enough to contain the shipment. It won’t be dealing with wind shear or other weather issues, therefore should remain secured far easier than an oversized load.

Cranes and Other Helpful Machines

Some moving companies may allow the rental of a crane or other such equipment that makes it easier to place the item. However, this expense falls to the client. You may wish to rent a crane yourself and be ready to place the machinery yourself. Speaking to your commercial office moving company will help clear this up. If the equipment being moved is under a certain weight, it is possible that the company’s movers may be able to hand-lift it into position.

The moving company chosen will advise you further on your options upon booking your move.

Local Laws

We touched on this earlier, but every area your shipment goes through will have laws regarding this sort of heavy-duty equipment. Oversized loads may require police escort in some areas, while others will only ask that you have a forward vehicle to accompany the truck. Study these laws so you are proficient in them and will be prepared for anything that comes up along the road.

Delivery

Whether you are shipping a large piece of equipment to a new owner or moving your own, delivery is always a tricky case. We recommend asking the local law enforcement to restrict access to the street the item is being moved to if you are in a busy urban area. This helps to keep everyone safe as a very heavy object makes its way home.