ranes are widely used today by construction companies for a number of construction works. It is mostly used for building houses, skyscrapers, bridges and other types of constructions. Given their wide applications, they are available in a number of types and forms. It is the usage that will determine the form a crane will take. They can be mounted on trucks or attached to a building. Normally, on their own they are not mobile even though there are some that are drivable and towable. Their mobility depends on where they are mounted on or fix to.
Cranes are normally transported to the construction sites. Given their height, size and weight, moving them from one location to another requires expertise and special skills. It is not a type of machinery that you can easily pack or handle the shipment. When it comes to shipping a crane, there are two important stages, namely, preparing the crane for shipment and the shipping stage which comprises the hiring of a reliable shipping company, the selection of the right transport option and the buying of the proper insurance coverage. Learn about these steps below.
As mentioned above, it is always complicated to pack and ship a crane because of its colossal dimension and weight. If you are shipping a crane, you will find the steps given below helpful when it comes to the preparation of the crane for shipment.
Going through the manual
The first step to take when it is time for you to prepare and pack your crane for shipment is to go through the user manual. Most manufacturers provide useful information about the packing of their cranes. The manual may provide useful guidelines on how to empty the engine fluids, disconnect batteries, secure loose parts and take certain measures. If you take time to study the manual, you will be well guided on how to go about the packing of the crane. When you are dismantling the crane into its parts, you should endeavor to follow the instructions step-by-step as stipulated in the manual.
Required permits for crane transportation
Cranes are classified as heavy machinery and most nations, there are restrictions on their movement or regulations guiding their movement from one locations to another or on the type of road they are supposed to run on. So, before you continue with the shipping preparation, it is advisable that you obtain the required necessary permits. Find out the regulations on the movement of cranes and if there are any permit you should obtain before you can move your crane from one location to another. If there are any special permit required for the transportation of a crane, then you have to obtain the permit before you continue. It is important that you obtain all permits in order to avoid legal complications.
Develop the itinerary
The movement of a crane is different from the movement of any other type of vehicle. This is because of the size. Cranes can be very tall and large that they will not be able to go through under bridges and power lines on the road. So, you have to create the itinerary to make sure the crane move on the right roads covered by the permit obtained in stage above. So, you have to discuss this with transporter you want to hire. Reliable crane movers already know the route and permit required on these routes. They will provide reliable information regarding this for you.
Make arrangement for the loading of the crane
ranes are not boxes that you can easily lift and load unto a truck or a pickup. So, it is advisable that you make arrangement for the loading of the crane. Provide all the materials and equipment required for the task. This may be indicated in the user manual. Each crane is unique and thus the material or tool you require for the loading and unloading of crane may not be the same that you will require for the loading and unloading of another.
Shipping of the crane - choosing the right mover
After completing the first stage which is the preparation and packing stage, the next step is the shipping stage. Here are some tips to help you go through this stage successfully.
In the UK, there are many shipping companies that offer crane transporting services. But when it is time for you to hire a transporter, it is advisable that you go for the best. All the transporters do not offer the same quality of services. If you want to have a rewarding moving experience, you should make sure that you hire a reliable company to handle your shipment. Finding a reliable and reputable international transport companies may not be easy especially if you have not used such services before.
The internet will be useful for you in this regard. Perform a Google search on shipping a crane, you will definitely obtain impressive results. Take time to go through the search results especially the high ranked sites. Read the terms and conditions of each site, go through their services page and read the reviews and comments made by the previous consumers. From your findings about the company, you will be able to tell the companies that are reliable. Choose about 4 or 5 transporters that you like their services.
Take your time to research more on these companies to know if they are actually reputable and reliable. If you are happy with your finding, you request for quotes from the companies. Compare the quotes in order to determine which company offers you the best price.
Best shipping options for transporting cranes overseas
Transporters or shipping companies transport cranes overseas as well as other items using various shipping means with each having its pros and cons. The shipping means are airfreight, shipping over the sea and road shipping. You may require one or more of the shipping services. The airfreight shipping is very fast, safer and efficient. A special type of airplane or airplane specifically meant for moving of heavy machinery that can move the hoist. The problem with airfreight is that it is very effective. Besides, it may be difficult to get airfreight that is able to carry heavy cranes because of their sizes and weight. Airfreight shipment is an option for construction companies that are in urgent needs of their crane to start and complete a particular construction project. But it is costly to ship a heft using an airfreight.
You can ship your crane over the high sea using the ship. The ship is very large and larger than any other means of transportation. Regardless of the size of the crane, it can be transported in a big ship. The cost of shipping over the high ocean is very low when compared with other means of transportation. Shipping over the high ocean is also suitable international removals rather than depending solely on airport. The road transport is not as affordable as the ship transportation, but it is faster than shipment over the high ocean. It is the most suitable option for local shipment or shipment to the neighboring countries. It is the most common because even people that using airfreight in case of transporting crane internationally and ship may also require using a trailer to move their cranes to the required location.
There are a number of factors that determine the best shipping option for you. One important factor to consider here is the type of hoist you have. Do you have a fixed crane or a drivable one. If you have a fixed cranes, it means that you have to dismantle it so that it will be truck-size before you can transport it. If your hoist is towable, then you have to look for the right trailer for its transportation.
Another important factor that you should consider before deciding on the right transport option for you is the size or dimension as well as the shape of your heft. If the machine is extremely oversize or if it is awkwardly shaped, it requires a special type of truck or hauling equipment for loading unto the ship, airfreight, train or truck. The same thing is applicable to a tall and heavy hoist. However, if the crane is small in size, it can be put into a shipping container.
The final destination where it is being moved is another factor that determines the shipping option to be used. If you are moving locally within a short distance, it can be towed to the location especially, if it can fit with road axles. If you are moving it abroad to a far country, shipping over the high sea may be your only option especially if you are on budget. Only a few and special airplanes that can ship cranes and the cost is very expensive. Only a few company can afford such high price. You can also use an airfreight when the shipment is very urgent and time sensitive. If you are moving within Europe, you may consider road or rail transport. If you are shipping to Australia, USA, New Zealand or other overseas destinations then you should consider sea shipping as it is the most economic way of sending large and heavy loads.
Buying insurance
You may be wondering why you should buy insurance since you have taken pain to hire a reputable and reliable transporter. The reason is quite obvious. Distance and accidents can occur at anytime even one is very careful and conscious of it. Sometimes, it is inevitable and no matter how skillful a transporter may be, it will be impossible to avoid certain accidents especially those resulting from elements of weather. So, if you buy insurance cover, you are protected against such unfortunate occurrences. When you have purchased the right insurance, you are now good to go.
Complete all documents and paperwork
Find out from your transporter if there is any other thing that you have to do before the move. If there is, complete all the necessary documentation and paperwork and then hand over your crane to the transporter on the agreed moving date.