Considerations for transportation of excavators

Transporting excavation and other construction equipment falls under the heading of "exceptional transport. That is, transport that cannot be carried out by normal road transport. From the right permits to aluminum ramps, such transportation involves a lot. This article explains the points of interest.

Permits

Anyone who arranges paid transport with a vehicle with a load capacity of more than 500 kilograms needs a permit for Professional Goods Transport from the NIWO - this permit falls under the entrepreneurial permit for transport companies: the Euro permit.

Exceptions to the permit requirement:

1. Own transportation: For transport by a farmer of his own goods and equipment for his own farm, the permit requirement is waived.
    
2. Agricultural work: Similarly, no permit requirement applies if the transport takes place directly in the service of an agricultural business and is directly related to the performance of agricultural work.

Points of interest

When having construction and excavation equipment transported, as a shipper you obviously want your machines to be in good hands. Therefore, consider the following points of interest:

• Work only with transportation companies with the proper permits and specialty to haul heavy equipment.

• Make sure the transporter is properly insured and purchase additional goods transport insurance where necessary. If you facilitate the transportation yourself, a "self transport insurance policy" covers.

• Make sure at all times that your machines are ready for transport. Inquire in advance if the transport company has the proper aluminum ramps and other tools for transporting your particular piece of equipment.

• Make sure the arrangements between you and the transport company are well defined in a transport contract - preferably with the AVC/CMR conditions for goods transport.

International transport

Cross-border transportation is a complex matter. Within the European Union, there are strict rules regarding the maximum size and weight of cargo that can be transported by road. A number of additional permits and paperwork are required. In practice, this means that the transport of bulky and heavy construction and excavation machinery is customized, and it is advisable to hire a specialist to prepare the paperwork.