Equipment Shipping

Before your SAC coordinator can quote or dispatch a carrier, they need the equipment’s length, width, height, and weight. These specifications determine the trailer type required and whether state permits will be needed for the route. Use the equipment manufacturer’s specifications if you do not have a way to measure directly. For equipment with attachments, include the dimensions with attachments in the loaded position unless they will be removed for transport.

Inaccurate dimensions at booking are the most common cause of pricing adjustments and dispatch delays in equipment transport. A carrier that arrives with a standard flatbed for equipment that requires a lowboy cannot complete the pickup. Accurate specs upfront prevent this scenario entirely and ensure the right carrier shows up on the scheduled day.

Many states have agricultural inspection requirements that prohibit the transport of equipment carrying soil, plant material, or organic debris across state lines. Construction equipment with mud-packed tracks, undercarriages, or buckets may be refused at state inspection stations. Clean the equipment thoroughly before pickup, particularly tracks, tires, undercarriage, and any soil-contact surfaces.

Beyond regulatory compliance, clean equipment loads faster because the driver can inspect it for pre-existing damage without having to work around mud and debris. A clean unit also produces a cleaner Bill of Lading condition report, which gives you better documentation of the equipment’s pre-transport condition. For agricultural equipment moving between states, confirm any state-specific agricultural inspection requirements with your SAC coordinator before dispatch.

Booms, buckets, blades, augers, and other attachments significantly affect the equipment’s transport dimensions. Where possible, retract booms to their minimum length, lower buckets and blades to the carry position, and remove detachable implements that can be transported separately. This reduces the equipment’s profile, may allow a less expensive trailer type, and simplifies loading and securing.

For attachments that cannot be removed (permanently mounted implements, integral working components), document their position and configuration at booking so the carrier knows exactly what they are loading. Some attachments may need to be positioned in a specific configuration for legal transport, particularly on road-legal width requirements. Your SAC coordinator will communicate these requirements to the carrier before dispatch.

Before transport pickup, secure all loose panels, covers, doors, and access points on the equipment. Hood latches, engine cover fasteners, cab doors, and tool compartment locks should all be confirmed closed and latched. Loose components that open or detach during transit at highway speeds create road hazards and can cause damage to adjacent cargo on the trailer.

For equipment with hydraulic lines, fluid caps, and fill ports, confirm all caps are tight and lines are secured. Fluid leaks during transport are a liability issue and can result in cleaning fees or carrier damage claims. A quick walk-around inspection of all caps, covers, and access points before the carrier arrives is a five-minute step that prevents the most common causes of transit damage on equipment loads.

For equipment that has been in storage, is non-operational, or will not be started during transport, disconnect the battery before pickup to prevent parasitic drain during transit. Equipment with active warning systems or monitoring electronics can drain a battery significantly during a multi-day cross-country haul, potentially leaving the equipment unable to start at delivery.

For equipment with anti-theft systems or GPS trackers that require continuous power, note this in your booking information and discuss with your SAC coordinator whether a battery tender or alternative power solution is appropriate for the transit duration. For standard construction and agricultural equipment with no active monitoring systems, disconnecting the battery before transport is a simple protective step with no downside.

Equipment is often located at job sites, farms, construction yards, or facilities that may not be easily accessible by a large commercial trailer. Before your pickup date, assess the site access: Is the entry road wide enough for an 8.5-foot wide trailer? Is there a low bridge, an overhead obstruction, or a weight-restricted road on the approach? Is there adequate turning radius for a 48 to 53-foot trailer to maneuver?

Communicate any access limitations to your SAC coordinator before dispatch so the carrier can be briefed and, if necessary, alternative pickup staging can be arranged. A carrier that cannot reach the equipment due to site access issues will need to reschedule, which delays your transport and wastes time for everyone involved. Confirming access in advance takes a few minutes and prevents the most common cause of equipment pickup delays.

Equipment transport operates on scheduled pickup windows, and carriers plan their loads and routes around confirmed appointments. If your equipment will not be accessible during the scheduled window (due to active use on a job site, a scheduling conflict, or a site access issue), notify your SAC coordinator as early as possible to adjust the pickup time. Last-minute cancellations or unavailable equipment on pickup day can result in rescheduling delays and potentially a rebooking fee.

For equipment at active job sites where the unit may be in use close to the pickup window, coordinate with your site foreman to ensure the equipment is staged, clean, and accessible at least an hour before the carrier is expected to arrive. Having the equipment ready to load (parked in an accessible position, keys available, and any operators or site personnel who need to be present on-site) makes the loading process efficient and keeps the carrier on schedule.