If your equipment is shipped as LTL, it is likely handled frequently, as the shipping company will pick up more load during the shipping process. Therefore, if your equipment is not securely packaged, you might end up with damaged goods when it’s finally delivered. This is the most important step to prevent your equipment from incurring any damage during the freight.
To prevent this, you must prepare your equipment so that continuous handling would not cause it to crack, bump, or be crushed. You can use crates for packaging your equipment as they have a hard exterior, and you can pad the interior. This method prevents your equipment from any form of damage.
Truckers that carry LTL shipments usually have different instructions to follow depending on the package. Sometimes, the handlers find it difficult to memorize and remember these instructions. To prevent your small equipment from being mishandled, it is advisable to label your package clearly with a set of handling instructions such as; “Handle with care,” “Fragile,” or “Breakable Material.”
It may be frustrating if, during the shipping process, you find out your shipping company doesn’t have the necessary resources to handle your small equipment, leaving you to begin to scramble for alternatives. This can be prevented by simply expressing your expectations and requirements by asking essential questions such as; “Do you provide load-tracking services for your shipments?” “Is there a more cost-effective way to ship this equipment?” “Do you have insurance coverage in case anything goes wrong with my equipment?”
There are no standard shipping rates when it comes to small equipment. This is because the rates vary with shipping companies, and they consider a few factors while drawing up their rates. Below are some of the factors they consider;
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Location of Delivery
If your delivery is going to an area that is remote and difficult to navigate, you should certainly expect to pay higher fees than normal.
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Time of Delivery
During the colder season like winter, shipping demands drop, and many companies begin to reduce their rates and offer discounts and promos to encourage people to ship. So, you can expect the rates to be significantly lower than during summer when there is an increased demand.
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Size of the small equipment
When it comes to size, your small equipment can be an LTL or partial load. LTL means Less than Truckload, and partial load means you will use up to half of the truck. Certainly, the cost of shipping will be higher if you’re using a partial load. To accurately give you a price, most shipping companies often require the dimensions of the equipment, such as the width, length, weight, etc.
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Extra Services
If you require the shipping company to provide extra services like giving special care for your package, or hiring a forklift, lift gate, or crane to offload your equipment, you would have to be able to cover the cost. Also, if you prefer express delivery, you would have to pay more.
Special requirements come with shipping small equipment, and only some shipping companies have the expertise to handle the logistics for your shipment. At Ship A Car, Inc, we provide a variety of efficient equipment shipping services, have experienced shipping coordinators, and provide fast, timely and cost-effective service. So, the next time you need expert assistance to transport your equipment, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (866) 452-3657.
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Does SAC ship all types of small equipment?
SAC specializes in most types of equipment, both small and large. From mining equipment to farm equipment to construction equipment, we provide transport services for equipment of all shapes and sizes across the United States.
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Is there any insurance coverage for small equipment?
Yes, there is. Every reputable equipment shipping company should have adequate insurance coverage to protect the client in case of damage during the shipping process. At SAC, we understand the importance of protecting your equipment and select only the best carriers in the business and we vet them to ensure they have the proper coverage to transport small equipment.
