The first time you need to hire a heavy haulage company, you may be surprised by the cost. There are a number of factors that you need to consider when estimating the cost of shipping your goods. A heavy shipping load is very different from any other type of load.
Time of year
Heavy transport is a specialty and companies are in high demand, especially during the summer months. The time of year has an impact on shipping costs. This is true whether the shipment will be moved entirely by truck or if part of the cargo’s journey will be by rail or ocean liner. If you have to ship at peak times, it will cost more and you will need to schedule in advance to ensure availability.
The direct route is not always the best
Distance is another cost factor. The shortest route may not be optimal to reach a particular pier. The advanced logistics used by heavy transport companies will plan the route that presents the least possible dangers and impediments to ensure the safety of the cargo.
Special accommodations
Depending on the item to be transported, attachments such as plows or crane poles may need to be removed prior to shipment. In other cases, the cargo may require a shipping container to prevent road dirt, inclement weather, or ocean spray from coming into contact with the cargo. The same goes for the transport of large ships. If specialized loading equipment is required, it will affect the costs.
Some heavy loads require special lights, signage and one or more escort vehicles. Depending on the dimensions of the goods, it may only be allowed to travel during certain hours of the day. If police intervention is required to direct traffic or infrastructure such as power lines must be temporarily disrupted, this also adds to the overall cost.
Fuel costs
An expense that is often overlooked is the fuel required. The engines of the semi-tractors used to transport loads are optimized for power and efficiency. It still requires a significant amount of fuel to provide the power needed to move a heavy load.
Contact us today for Free shipping estimates and heavy truck information. We welcome any questions, concerns or comments you may have.
CONTACT US TODAY
