In Australia, industrial machinery haulage is a specialist logistics service offered by a few transport companies, like JCS Global.
If you’re you’re looking to move industrial machinery or heavy equipment in Australia, you need to take your time investigating, to find a reliable and affordable option.
In this article, we explore several heavy machinery freight service providers in Australia and how to get the best rates. We’ll also cover some tips for preparing your machinery for transport and what to look for in a freight service.
Why Choose a Professional Industrial Machinery Freight Service?
Moving industrial machinery requires specialised equipment, experienced operators, and a deep understanding of the logistics involved. Knowledge of the different state and territory laws and permits required as well as experience with risk management and contingency planning as all essential.
If you want try to move heavy or oversized machinery on your own, you need to be aware of the risks – from damaging the equipment, injuring yourself, or causing accidents or harm to others. The logistics of moving industrial equipment is complicated and requires a lot of planning.
When you choose a professional industrial machinery freight service you not only get the specialist carrying equipment, you also get the expertise of the many people involved in the process.
Company’s like JCS Global who specialise in industrial machinery haulage also have insurance to cover any damage or problems that may occur during transport.
What to Look for in an Industrial Machinery Haulier
When choosing a machinery transport service provider, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to make sure that the company has experience moving the type of machinery you need to transport and they have the right containers, trailers and vehicles.
Next, you want to make sure they have insurance to cover you, your equipment and the public for damage or injury that may occur during transport.
Another thing to consider is the company’s reputation.
You can also check with industry associations and regulatory bodies to see if the company has any complaints or violations on record.
- National Transport Commission
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport & Vehicles
- Austroads
- ACCC – Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Industrial Machinery Transport Options
Hauling heavy equipment or machinery is a serious task, whether you are travelling a long distance or just around the block.
It is rare for large industrial machines to fit into a truck as an enclosed load, so transport options tend to be different to what many people expect.
Flatbeds
Flatbeds are open trailers that attach to larger trucks. They are one of the most common ways to haul machinery and equipment, because they can handle heavy loads.
A flatbed provides a level surface, making loading and unloading easier.
Towing
If you need something moved a shorter distance, towing is a great option.
As with longer moves you need to know what preparations need to be done to your machine, to make it ready for transit.
You’ll also want to check that the towing vehicle can safely handle the weight of your equipment.
Special trailers
Some equipment options are oversized or heavier than others.
In this case, you’ll require a specialised trailer, such as double drop and step deck, for your hauling needs. So check that your transport company has the right gear to haul your load.
Shipping
With the right, chassis or container, your industrial machinery might be able to be shipped. Usually as RoRo – driven onto and off the shipping vessel.
Another option for shipping is using a flat rack which makes loading your machine on the shipping vessel easier to handle.
Tips for Preparing Your Machinery for Transport
We recommend, before you transport your heavy machinery, that you clean it thoroughly. This helps prevent additional dirt and debris building up on the sensitive parts of your machinery during transport.
Next, you need to secure any loose parts or components. We advise customers to follow the manufacturers instructions for preparing the item for movement to do this.
Unless it’s stated elsewhere, you should drain any fluids from the machinery, such as fuel reserves or hydraulic fluids.
Finally, we suggest taking photos of the machinery before transport. This will help you document any damage for insurance purposes or recalibrate and set-up on arrival.
The Best Heavy Machinery Freight Services in Australia
Now that you know what to look for in a heavy machinery freight service and how to prepare your machinery for transport, let’s take a look at some of the best options in Australia.
National Heavy Haulage
National Heavy Haulage is a leading heavy machinery freight service in Australia. They have a fleet of specialized equipment, including low loaders, extendable trailers, and platform trailers. They also have experienced operators who can handle all types of machinery.
National Heavy Haulage offers door-to-door service throughout Australia, and they have insurance to cover any damage that may occur during transport. They also have a reputation for excellent customer service and competitive pricing.
Freight People
Freight People is another top heavy machinery freight service in Australia. They specialize in moving mining equipment, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery. They have a fleet of specialized equipment, including low loaders, extendable trailers, and platform trailers.
Freight People offers door-to-door service throughout Australia, and they have insurance to cover any damage that may occur during transport. They also have a reputation for excellent customer service and competitive pricing.
T&G Transport
T&G Transport is a family-owned and operated heavy machinery freight service in Australia. They have a fleet of specialized equipment, including low loaders, extendable trailers, and platform trailers. They also have experienced operators who can handle all types of machinery.
T&G Transport offers door-to-door service throughout Australia, and they have insurance to cover any damage that may occur during transport. They also have a reputation for excellent customer service and competitive pricing.
Getting the Best Rates for Industrial Machinery Haulage
Selecting a logistics partner for moving your industrial machinery is relatively simple, but with so few companies in Australia getting good rates can be hard to negotiate.
Here are a few tips for negotiating better rates:
- Shop around: With quotes from the company’s competitors you can use their terms of service and pricing to help you negotiate rates.
- Be flexible: Being flexible with your transport dates, will get you a better rates. The more time to plan and prepare, the less that can go wrong, so use that to your advantage.
- Group shipments: When you have multiple pieces of machinery to transport, consider getting seperate quotes as well as unit quotes. By grouping your machinery together (down to sub-assemblies) packed as a single unit you can sometimes save a lot more than you’d expect.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with your transport company. It’s not always just price that you can get a good deal on.
Putting Industrial Machinery Haulage Tips into Action
Moving heavy machinery is a complex and challenging task, but with the right haulier, it can be done safely and efficiently.
When choosing a heavy machinery transport company, look for experience, equipment, insurance, and reputation. National Heavy Haulage, Freight People, and T&G Transport are all good options for industrial machinery logistics in Australia.
To get the best rates on moving your industrial machinery, get quotes from a few places, be flexible with the move dates and negotiate.
Follow these tips and you’ll get your industrial machinery transported safely and affordably.
