When shipping heavy equipment and machinery, your cargo must be packed and crated correctly to ensure its safety during transport. You’ve likely got a lot of resources tied up in these items, and they should be treated as such—valuable assets that must be protected in the best way possible.
Cutting corners in this area could result in massive financial consequences too. Loss, damage, or delays can’t always be resolved by simply ordering or sending out a replacement.
Here are a few considerations to help you get equipment and machinery crating and shipping right.
Things You Need to Know Before Crating Your Machinery
Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before planning your equipment and machinery crating process.
Can the item be disassembled into parts?
Sometimes disassembly will make sense, and other times it won’t. What are the pros and cons of doing so?
Do I need specific professionals to disassemble and reassemble at the destination site?
If reassembly is a complex task, you need to ensure you have capable personnel at the other end.
Does the item tolerate external exposure?
If the item cannot or should not be exposed to the elements, it must be enclosed, crated, and wrapped.
Are the item’s dimensions considered an “oversized load”?
Oversized items may have special requirements, both in transport and at the destination, to accommodate their size. Transporting oversized items over the road, for example, requires special scheduling and an escort.
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Do you know and meet all rules and regulations for heavy equipment?
Compliance and regulations must be followed to ensure your load gets where it’s going as expected. States and jurisdictions may have different rules and concerns, and you’ll need to know these in advance. Working with a logistics partner helps as they are well-versed in current requirements and legislation and will help you avoid any surprises.
What Should You Look for in a Logistics Partner with Crating Services?
When choosing a logistics partner for crating services, here are a few vital attributes to look for.
· Years of experience. Not all logistics companies specialize in crating large machinery. Don’t hesitate to ask questions as you want to be confident your cargo is in good hands.
· Type of machinery they usually transport. Ideally, you’ll want to work with a 3PL with experience in the kind of cargo you’re shipping.
· Industry experience. Look for 3PLs that work in your industry and have a good track record of success.
· The scope of their shipments. If you intend to grow or expand into new markets, you’ll want to be sure your logistics partner is capable of scaling with you.
· Shipment tracking and problem resolution. Choose a 3PL that uses state-of-the-art tracking, documentation, and communication technology to minimize problems and provide transparency in all processes.
Why DTS World Cargo is the Best Option for Your Machinery Crating
Choosing DTS World Cargo for your equipment and machinery crating needs is a smart business choice. Many logistics providers offer crating services, but few specialize in large machinery and equipment. DTS ships oversized items globally, and we will ensure your oversized items always arrive as expected.
