Guide To Shipping Heavy Items for Businesses
When it comes to shipping heavy items weighing over 150 lbs or very heavy specialty loads, the logistics can be challenging.
Traditional name-brand courier services such as FedEx, DHL or UPS max out their shipping weights at 150 lbs (68 kg) per shipment. Their ground service counterparts typically have a 150 lb limit as well. When it comes to USPS, weight limits per package are 70 pounds (31.75 kg) per package.
Once your shipment is over these limits, you will need to investigate alternate methods of shipping the heavy loads your company needs to move. However, with proper planning and execution, shipping heavy items can be accomplished with ease. As such, here is how a business can ship heavy items over 150 lbs.
Choose the Right Carrier
The first step in shipping heavy items is to choose the right carrier. You want to look for carriers specializing in heavy freight with the equipment to handle the weight. For very heavy loads, you will want to look for a heavy haul transport company. Selecting a specialty shipment company that understands the nature and complexity of shipping a heavy item will ensure that your shipment arrives at its destination safely and on time and undamaged. You can choose from trucking companies, freight brokers, or logistics providers to help you transport your heavy items.
Heavy Haul Transport Companies
If you need heavy haul transport, there are companies specializing in shipping oversize, overweight, or otherwise challenging cargo that cannot be transported using standard transportation methods. Here are some examples of the types of shipments that heavy haul transport companies may handle:
- Heavy Machinery: Heavy haul transport companies may transport various types of heavy machinery, such as construction equipment, mining equipment, cranes, and drilling rigs.
- Oversized Vehicles: Heavy haul transport companies may transport oversized vehicles, such as buses, RVs, and boats.
- Industrial Components: Heavy haul transport companies may transport large industrial components, such as turbines, generators, and transformers.
- Modular Homes: Heavy haul transport companies may transport modular homes or other prefabricated structures that cannot be transported using standard methods.
- Specialized Cargo: Heavy haul transport companies may transport specialized cargo, such as military equipment, aerospace components, or wind turbine blades.
Transporting these types of cargo requires specialized equipment, permits, and a high level of expertise. Heavy haul transport companies like Next Exit Logistics and similar companies have the experience and equipment necessary to ensure that these types of shipments are transported safely and efficiently.
Preparation and Packaging
Proper packaging is critical when shipping heavy items. You want to ensure that the item is packaged securely and that it can withstand the weight of other items that may be stacked on top of it during transportation, if applicable. You can use pallets, crates, or specialized containers to protect the item during transport. Your carrier can advise of any special packing materials or procedures required to protect the shipment from vibration, loading and unloading conditions and environmental factors that may impact the load they are shipping for your company.
Obtain Proper Permits
Depending on the weight of the item being shipped, you may need to obtain permits to transport it. You want to make sure that you have all the necessary permits and that you comply with all state and federal regulations. Check with your chosen carrier, as they will be able to assist with any paperwork you’ll need to file or any government permits you may need to apply for.
Consider LTL Shipping
For smaller heavy loads, LTL (Less Than Truckload) shipping is a cost-effective way to transport heavy items that do not require a full truckload. This option is ideal for businesses that want to save money on shipping costs but have sizeable loads that are not shippable with an air or ground courier but do not require the services of a heavy load hauling company.
Schedule Pickup and Delivery
Once you have chosen the carrier and packaged the item, you will need to schedule pickup and delivery. You want to make sure that the carrier has enough time to pick up the item and that it arrives at its destination on time. You’ll also need to make your team aware of the pickup dates and advise the transport company about any details about the pick-up location, including the availability of an OTR dock or unusual conditions at the place of loading.
Provide Proper Documentation
Finally, you want to ensure that you provide proper documentation to the carrier. This includes the bill of lading, permits, and any other necessary paperwork. This will ensure that the carrier has all the information it needs to transport your heavy item safely. Any missing information may delay the pickup or shipment dates.
Shipping heavy loads made simple
While shipping heavy and extremely heavy shipments may seem daunting, a bit of research, preparation and following guidance from any experts you work with will make your shipment process smooth, problem-free, and successful.