Forklifts are an essential tool for most worksites, but getting them from point A to B can be a pretty complicated process.
Transporting a vehicle of this size comes with numerous complications, and it can even be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.
You can’t drive them on the road, because the government doesn't consider them an automobile per se.
So, you’ll need to use a different method. Fair warning: the process isn’t exactly easy, and you will need to allocate quite a few resources to complete it.
If this is something you're struggling with right now, here’s a complete guide on how to get your forklift to where it needs to be safe.
Read related article: Can Forklift Be Used for Towing? (Safety Precautions to Do)
Understanding Forklift Specifications
Understanding the variety of forklift types is crucial in identifying specific transport requirements. Forklifts come in numerous sizes, shapes, and designs, each tailored for specific applications. For instance, a warehouse forklift is considerably different from a telehandler or a rough terrain forklift. Key differences often lie in size, weight, height, and the type of power system (electric, propane, diesel). Each of these factors significantly impacts the mode of transport, and hence it is vital to understand the type of forklift you intend to move.
Importance of Knowing the Weight, Dimensions, and Special Features of Your Forklift
The weight and dimensions of your forklift are fundamental factors to consider when preparing for transportation. These specifications will determine the type of transport vehicle required, whether a standard flatbed truck, specialized heavy-duty transportation, or even a crane in some cases. In addition, knowledge of your forklift's weight and dimensions can also help prevent transportation issues related to overloading or unbalanced loading.
Special features, such as attachments (like forks or clamps) or safety devices, also play a significant role in transport. Some features may need to be removed or secured differently during transport to prevent damage or unsafe conditions.
Understanding How These Specifications Impact Transport Options
A thorough understanding of the specifications of your forklift allows for accurate determination of the best transportation options. Heavy or oversized forklifts, for example, may require specialized transport methods or vehicles equipped with cranes or ramps for loading and unloading.
The specifications also influence other transport considerations like securing methods. For instance, heavier forklifts may require more robust securing equipment, such as chains, rather than straps.
In addition, these specifications can affect logistical planning, including route selection (considering factors like bridge weight limits or low clearances) and obtaining necessary permits for oversized loads. By comprehending how these specifications impact your transport options, you can ensure a smoother and safer transportation process.
Read related article: Can You Wear Shorts on a Forklift?
Pre-Transportation Preparation
A. Conducting a Thorough Inspection of the Forklift
A comprehensive forklift inspection is vital before transport to ensure it is in safe working condition and will not cause any issues during transit. This inspection should include checking the tires, brakes, steering, warning devices, and any attachments like forks or clamps for any visible damage or defects. Also, look out for any fluid leaks from the hydraulic system or engine. Any issues identified should be fixed before the forklift is loaded onto the transport vehicle.
B. Ensuring Your Forklift is Ready for Transport - Fuel, Battery, Moving Parts
Prepping your forklift for transport involves several steps. First, ensure the fuel tank is not full to reduce weight and potential fire hazards. For electric forklifts, the battery should be fully secured to prevent movement during transport. All moving parts, especially loose attachments or accessories, should be correctly secured or removed if possible to avoid damage. Lastly, ensure the forks are lowered to the ground, and the parking brake is engaged.
C. The Importance of Proper Documentation – Insurance, Licensing, and Transport Permits
Having the correct documentation is a legal requirement for transportation. This includes proof of insurance to cover any damage during transport and a valid forklift license or certification. For large or overweight forklifts, you may also need specific transport permits depending on your jurisdiction's regulations. Failing to have the right paperwork can lead to legal issues, including fines or transport delays.
D. Choosing the Right Transport Vehicle According to Forklift Size and Weight
The forklift's size and weight primarily determine the type of transport vehicle required. Smaller, lightweight forklifts can often be transported using a standard flatbed truck or trailer, while larger or heavier forklifts may require a low-loader or even a specialized heavy-duty transportation vehicle. It's essential to ensure that the chosen vehicle has the correct load capacity and is equipped with the necessary equipment (such as ramps or a crane) to safely load and unload the forklift. It's also recommended to consult with professionals or a transport service to determine the best vehicle for your specific forklift.
Read related article: 11 VITAL Steps You Should Take When Transporting a Load
Handling Challenges in Forklift Transportation
A. Common Challenges in Transporting a Forklift
Transporting a forklift can come with a set of challenges, including:
- Size and Weight: Due to their significant weight and size, forklifts can be challenging to load and unload safely. This also affects the type of transport vehicle required.
- Route Planning: Forklifts, especially larger ones, may require special route planning to avoid weak roads, low bridges, or areas with weight restrictions.
- Securing the Load: Ensuring the forklift is securely fastened to prevent movement during transport can be challenging, especially given the unique shape and weight distribution of different forklift types.
- Legal Requirements: Navigating the legal requirements for transporting heavy machinery can be complex and time-consuming.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions, like heavy rain, snow, or wind, can make transporting a forklift more difficult and potentially hazardous.
B. How to Manage and Mitigate These Challenges Effectively
- Size and Weight: Utilize appropriate loading equipment such as ramps or cranes. For larger forklifts, consider hiring professional transport services with experience in handling heavy machinery.
- Route Planning: Thoroughly research the route ahead of time, paying attention to any potential issues such as low bridges or weight-limited roads. GPS services often have options for heavy or oversized load planning.
- Securing the Load: Use appropriate securement devices like chains or straps, and ensure they're in good condition. Always double-check the load after securing, and regularly inspect it during the journey.
- Legal Requirements: Research the relevant laws and regulations for your region and the regions you'll be passing through. This may involve consulting with a legal expert or obtaining special permits.
- Weather Conditions: Monitor weather forecasts and be prepared to adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Always prioritize safety over sticking to the schedule.
By planning ahead, understanding potential challenges, and being prepared to manage them, you can ensure that the transportation of your forklift is as smooth and safe as possible.
What to Consider
If you are moving the forklift on your own, then you must start by taking a few necessary precautions. First, make sure you have the proper insurance so that you are covered should anything go wrong.
Then, you need to have the exact weight and measurements of the forklift you want to move. They will point you towards certain trucks or accessories required to ship it. Once you’ve got all these numbers down, look at these other factors you need to consider to transport the forklift:
1. Safety First
Since it’s a huge piece of machinery, one slip up can have devastating effects. So one of your main concerns when transporting a forklift is to ensure everyone’s safety. You’ll need to know the weight and length of the forklift to figure out what truck or trailer is best suited for your transport.
Then, make sure the fork is facing the back of the vehicle transporting it, and secure the forklift to the bed of the truck. Check the fuel supply to turn it off, and secure the tank as well, so you don’t splash any fuel.
How you secure the forklift is also vital. Check the chains you’re planning on using to see if they can handle the weight of your forklift. If they don’t, then make sure to look for the right ones. Don’t try to wing it. If those chains break mid-transport, it can cause a massive accident.
2. Placing It on the Trailer
You may think this step is pretty straightforward, but the actual position of the forklift can make or break the entire process. You need to ensure that the forklift is centered on the truck or the trailer used to transport it, and the forks should be lowered to the floor and slightly tilted. Place blocks under each wheel to keep the vehicle secured while in transit.
If the forklift doesn’t sit right on the trailer or isn’t secured properly, it can tilt or even fall off the bed, regardless if you have it chained down.
3. Moving the Forklift
It’s a bit of a paradoxical situation: trying to figure out how to move something whose entire purpose is to move materials over short distances. But it is something you’ll have to think about. Consider the distance the forklift will have to travel first.
Long journeys are almost always a lot more complicated. And considering that the average forklift can weight about 9,000 pounds, you’ll need a truck with a lot of manpower to handle that.
And, you’ll most likely want to rent it, since you probably don’t have a vehicle of that capacity lying around, nor do you need to make such an investment.
What You Need to Transport a Forklift
A forklift is a massive piece of equipment, so you’ll need something equally massive (and strong) to move it.
Here are your best options:
- A flatbed trailer where you can load the forklift on the bed and tightly secure it with chains;
- An enclosed trailer will protect the forklift from outside elements.
Using an enclosed trailer to move your forklift would be your top choice, particularly if it’s a long drive. Flatbeds are alright for short trips, but keep in mind that large forklifts can be too tall to secure them on a flatbed properly.
Moreover, with a flatbed, the equipment is completely exposed. You can use a tarp to cover it, but if it’s due for a very long trip, it can still suffer some damage along the way.
You Should Hire a Professional
In all honesty, if you try to ship the forklift by yourself, the entire process can give you a headache. The logistics alone is enough to make anyone frustrated. Not to mention that the safety precautions required for transporting such a large piece of machinery are best left in the hands of professionals.
A-1 Auto Transport says that it’s safer to look for transporting companies that specifically provide forklift transportation because they have the proper equipment to do it. It’s too risky of a job to take it into your hands, especially if you have little or no experience shipping heavy equipment.
What a Professional Can Do
1. They Have the Right Tools
Right from the start, the main perk of working with a professional transportation company is that they have the proper equipment to get the job done.
Most companies will use flatbeds to transport forklifts. However, if your trip is long and you don’t want the equipment exposed to the elements, look for companies that have container shipping methods available. It’s safer, and you can protect the forklift from lousy weather and poor road conditions. But, try to remember: if your forklift if very large, it may take a while to find a company with the right vehicle to transport it.
2. They Have Insurance
The good ones do, anyway. Accidents can happen, and if they do, you’ll want to make sure you and your property is covered. Professional moving companies usually have insurance and will assume the liability of the goods they are transporting.
If something goes wrong on their watch, they are responsible for it. Keep in mind that there are different levels of protection. Have a look at what companies offer you before signing anything.
3. They Have the Right Skills
Then, there’s the experience, something that doesn’t come about easily. Moving companies have a highly-trained staff that brings loads of practical moving experience to the table.
And, if the company specializes in truck lift transportation, it’s even better. It means it has the right people to take care of the job from A to Z.
4. It’s Cheaper Than You May Think
If you handle the truck lift transportation on your own, you’ll have to cover all of the costs. That means manpower, driver, tools, renting a truck, and all the necessary equipment.
While most moving companies offer fixed rates, it’s possible to negotiate with them and get a better price.
Choosing a Transport Service
A. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Professional Transport Service
When selecting a professional transport service for your forklift, there are several important factors to consider. These include:
- Expertise and Experience: The company should have experience in transporting heavy machinery and specifically forklifts. An experienced transporter will understand the intricacies involved in safely loading, securing, transporting, and unloading a forklift.
- Licensing and Insurance: Ensure the service is fully licensed to operate in the areas where you'll be transporting and has appropriate insurance to cover any potential damages or accidents during the transport process.
- Equipment: The company should have the right type of vehicle and equipment for your specific forklift type, size, and weight.
- Reputation: Consider the company's reputation. You can often find reviews or testimonials online, or ask for references.
- Price: While it's important not to base your decision solely on price, it's still a significant consideration. Get quotes from multiple services and compare what's included in the price.
B. Benefits and Drawbacks of Hiring a Transport Service vs. Self-Transport
Hiring a professional transport service offers several benefits, including expertise in safely securing and transporting forklifts, knowledge of regulations, and proper equipment and insurance. This can provide peace of mind and free up your time to focus on other tasks.
However, professional services come with costs that might be higher than self-transporting, particularly for shorter distances. Also, you'll need to schedule your transport according to the service provider's timeline, which might not always align with your preferred schedule.
Self-transporting, while potentially cost-saving, comes with its own set of challenges. These include understanding and adhering to safety and legal requirements, having the correct equipment, and being prepared to handle any issues that arise during transport.
C. The Process of Working with a Professional Transport Service
Working with a professional transport service typically involves several steps. Firstly, you'll need to provide details about your forklift – type, weight, dimensions – and your pick-up and drop-off locations. The service will then provide a quote.
Once you've agreed on terms and pricing, you'll schedule the pick-up. The service will arrive, load, secure, and transport the forklift. They'll also handle any necessary paperwork related to transport permits.
Upon arrival at the destination, they'll unload the forklift. It's important to inspect the forklift for any possible damage before the transport service leaves to ensure any issues are addressed immediately.
Legal and Safety Considerations
A. Overview of Legal Requirements for Forklift Transportation
Legal requirements for forklift transportation vary depending on the region and type of forklift being transported. These regulations often include restrictions on transport during certain hours, specific requirements for signage and marking on the transport vehicle, and rules concerning securing loads.
For larger or overweight forklifts, special permits may be needed for transport, and some regions may require escort vehicles or specific route planning to avoid low bridges or weak roads. It's crucial to research and comply with all local, regional, and national laws and regulations to avoid fines or legal issues.
B. Essential Safety Measures During the Transportation Process
Safety is paramount during the forklift transportation process. Some key safety measures include:
- Proper Loading: The forklift should be carefully and safely loaded onto the transport vehicle. This often involves driving the forklift onto the vehicle via ramps. The operator should be trained and wear appropriate safety equipment.
- Securing the Load: Once loaded, the forklift should be secured using straps, chains, or other tie-down methods to prevent movement during transit. This is not only a safety measure, but often a legal requirement.
- Regular Checks: The load should be checked regularly during transit to ensure it remains secure. Adjustments should be made as necessary.
- Safe Driving: The vehicle operator should adhere to all road rules, including speed limits and restrictions related to heavy loads. The vehicle should be in good working order, and the driver should be well-rested and alert.
C. Tips to Ensure the Safe Unloading of the Forklift at Its Destination
Unloading a forklift should be done with the same level of care as loading. Some tips to ensure safe unloading include:
- Checking the Area: The unloading area should be checked to ensure it's suitable. It should be flat, clear of obstacles, and capable of supporting the weight of the forklift and transport vehicle.
- Removing Securements: Securements should be carefully removed, ensuring the forklift remains stable.
- Safe Unloading: The forklift should be slowly and carefully driven down the ramps and off the vehicle. The operator should wear appropriate safety equipment and be trained in safe operation.
- Post-Unloading Checks: After unloading, the forklift should be checked to ensure it hasn't been damaged during transit. Any issues should be reported immediately.
Conclusion
Transporting a forklift involves careful planning, adherence to safety procedures, and a good understanding of legal requirements. From understanding the specifications of your forklift to selecting the right transport service, every step plays a critical role in ensuring a successful, safe, and legal transport process.
By conducting a thorough inspection before transport, you can identify and resolve potential issues before they cause delays or damage. Preparation doesn't end there - understanding the size, weight, and special features of your forklift enables you to select the appropriate transport vehicle and secure the forklift effectively.
While there may be a temptation to self-transport, remember to consider all the facets involved. Professional transport services offer extensive experience, and knowledge of legal regulations, and often have the right equipment to transport your forklift safely.
Legal and safety considerations are non-negotiable. Compliance with all legal requirements for forklift transportation is essential to avoid penalties. Similarly, adhering to safety measures, such as securing the forklift correctly and ensuring safe loading and unloading practices, protects everyone involved in the process and the forklift itself.
Finally, it's crucial to anticipate potential challenges during the transportation process. Issues related to size, weight, route planning, securing the load, legal requirements, and adverse weather conditions are common. Yet, with forethought, you can mitigate these challenges effectively.
Transporting a forklift is a significant undertaking that requires meticulous attention to detail. By being well-prepared and prioritizing safety and legality, you can ensure your forklift reaches its destination without incident. Always remember, when it comes to transporting heavy machinery like a forklift, it's better to be safe than sorry.
