How to Ship a Crane (And Some of the Challenges)

Shipping a crane, whether for construction, mining, or other industrial purposes, is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about shipping a crane, from the initial preparation to the final delivery.

Understanding the Type and Size of the Crane

The first step is to identify the type and size of the crane you need to ship. Cranes come in various forms, such as mobile cranes, tower cranes, crawler cranes, and overhead cranes, each with unique transportation requirements. Knowing the exact specifications will help in planning the shipping process.

Preparing the Crane for Transport

Preparation is crucial for safe transport. Larger cranes often need to be disassembled into smaller, manageable parts. This may involve removing the boom, counterweights, and other attachments. All components must be securely fastened and protected to prevent damage during transit. Ensure all necessary documentation, including permits, shipping papers, and insurance coverage, is in order.

Choosing the Right Transport Method

Depending on the crane's size and weight, different transportation methods may be required:

Flatbed Trucks: Suitable for smaller cranes or disassembled parts.

Lowboy Trailers: Ideal for larger and heavier parts due to their lower deck height, which helps with height clearance issues.

Specialized Heavy Haul Trucks: Required for extremely large cranes that exceed standard load limits.

Obtaining Necessary Permits

Transporting large and heavy equipment like cranes often requires special permits. These can include oversize load permits for dimensions that exceed standard limits and overweight permits for loads that exceed weight restrictions. Some jurisdictions may also require route surveys to ensure that roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can accommodate the load. It's essential to check with local and state authorities to secure the necessary permits.

Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount when shipping a crane. All parts must be securely loaded to prevent shifting during transit. Depending on the load size, escort vehicles may be required to guide the transport and ensure road safety. Compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding oversize and overweight loads is mandatory.

Hiring a Professional Transport Company

Given the complexity of shipping cranes, hiring a professional transport company with experience in heavy equipment shipping is often beneficial. These companies can handle permits, provide expertise in disassembly and securing loads, and offer adequate insurance coverage.

Delivery and Reassembly

Once the crane arrives at its destination, reassembly begins. Qualified technicians should reassemble the crane, followed by a thorough inspection to ensure all parts are intact and properly assembled. Operational tests should be performed to ensure the crane is fully functional and safe to use.

Shipping a crane requires meticulous planning and strict adherence to safety protocols. By understanding the type and size of the crane, preparing it for transport, choosing the right transport method, obtaining necessary permits, ensuring safety and compliance, hiring professional help, and managing the delivery and reassembly process, you can ensure a smooth and successful shipping experience. For more detailed information and assistance, consulting with specialized transport companies and regulatory bodies is advisable.

Here's a table summarizing the main points from the article How to Ship a Crane (And Some of the Challenges):

This table provides a concise overview of the key points discussed in the article regarding shipping cranes and the associated challenges.

Factors to Consider During Crane Shipping: Crane Transport Services

Several factors need to be taken into consideration when shipping a crane. The entire process can vary depending on the type of crane and its purpose. However, some general guidelines apply to most cranes. Here is a list of items that should be considered when shipping a crane:

Safety

All of the wheels and components of a crane can weigh up to 1500 pounds. As a result, they must be carefully packed and placed to prevent the drivers using to deliver them from tumbling or sliding out of their trucks.

Most cranes are shipped loaded with additional equipment and services like lights, break-away hooks, and electrical systems. If you're transporting a crane assembly on its own, you'll also want to factor these items and services into your delivery plan.

Type of Crane

Different types of cranes require different shipping methods. The best way to ship a crane depends on the kind of work it does. For example, stacking them closely together is ideal if you are shipping a crane that will be used for moving heavy equipment around, such as a forklift or mobile cranes. If you're shipping other types of cranes, like derricks or boom-and-boom cranes, it's best to place them in separate boxes, so they don't get out of balance.

Transportation Costs

If you're shipping a crane assembly, you'll need to make sure that the company is aware of any weight restrictions or regulations associated with shipping container deliveries and the route they will be taking. If an overweight fee applies to the delivery, you will want to ensure that it is included in the price of shipping a crane assembly before it arrives at its final destination.

Map the Route

The next step in the crane shipping process is to talk with the person picking up the crane. When you're talking about taking a crane from one place to another, you'll want to map out a route that will be as efficient and safe and timely delivery of as possible. Route mapping involves avoiding potholes, bridges, and other detours, which may cause your crane to break, fall over, or get damaged.

Other Shipping Considerations

When shipping a crane, you'll want to factor in adequate time for other aspects of the crane transportation process. For example, some cranes ship better in certain weather conditions than others. If you'll be shipping a crane during an unusual season, or if the weather is going to be bad at the time of delivery, it may be advisable to schedule your delivery for a different time of year.

Challenges of Shipping A Crane

There are several challenges associated with shipping a crane, including:

Weight Restrictions

Many shipping routes have weight restrictions that must be considered, especially if you're shipping cargo on a flatbed truck. If you're shipping something like a boom-and-boom crane, it may require a flatbed trailer capable of carrying more weight than a standard truck could handle. You must balance and manage the loads, so they don't tip or fall over while transported.

Distance Restrictions on Crane Transport

In some cases, the delivery or shipment process may involve construction crane traveling over large distances. If this is the case, you'll want to ensure that your shipping company includes a transit time in their quote. Having distance restrictions in mind will give you an estimate of when the crane will safely arrive at its final destination.

Weather Restrictions

Shipping containers with a crane during harsh weather can sometimes be difficult and challenging for shipping companies. If the weather is going to be bad at the time of delivery, it's best to schedule the delivery for a different time of year.

Length Restrictions

The length of the crane may also have an impact on the shipping process. If your crane is longer than the typical length a shipping or trucking company allows, you'll have to consider this when working out the logistics partner for your delivery plan.

Shipping Costs

Shipping a crane is expensive, so it's essential to ensure you're getting it delivered at the best rate possible. Delivery costs vary widely, depending on what type of crane you're shipping, the origin, and the destination. To get the most accurate quote and timely delivery anywhere, you'll want to work with a freight broker or freight service specializing in shipping cranes.

Delivery Period

If you're shipping something like a boom-and-boom crane, it may require a flatbed trailer capable of carrying more weight than a standard truck could handle. If this is the case, you'll want to ensure that the length of your delivery plan is sufficient to factor this into the freight cost equation.