Guide for Forklift Transportation and Moving

Your Comprehensive Guide to Forklift Transportation & Moving

Moving a forklift isn’t something most businesses tackle every day, but when it’s time, doing it right matters. Forklifts are powerful machines built to handle heavy loads, but getting one safely from point A to point B requires a thoughtful approach and the right expertise.

Professional forklift transport ensures your equipment arrives safely and stays in peak condition, whether you’re relocating it across town, over state lines, or halfway around the globe. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to seamlessly move and relocate this heavy yet essential commercial piece of equipment.

When Do You Need Forklift Transportation Services?

Moving industrial equipment like forklifts can be trickier than it seems. So, when should you call in the pros? Whether you’re planning to streamline your operations, upgrade your facility, or just need to move your equipment over a long distance, it’s smart to rely on professionals who specialize in forklift transport services. A heavy equipment moving company like LA Machinery Moving knows exactly how to handle the logistics safely and efficiently, ultimately saving you time, effort, and the risk of potentially damaging your machinery.

Partnering with forklift transportation experts means your equipment will arrive at its destination ready for action without the headaches – and substantial safety hazards – of figuring it out on your own.

Key Considerations Before Transporting a Forklift

Transporting a forklift to a new location isn’t as simple as loading it up and driving away. Moving heavy equipment is a multifaceted process that demands thoughtful planning and serious attention to detail. Overlook one small factor, and things can quickly spiral into unmanageable chaos. That’s why it’s critical to know what needs to be considered and accounted for before relocating a forklift.

Forklift Specifications – Knowing your forklift’s exact dimensions, weight, and type is essential for a smooth move. The transport equipment used to move the forklift must align with these specifications, and movers with forklift expertise will rely on this data to ensure the process is seamless and safe.
Regulations and Permits – Transporting forklifts often involves adhering to local, state, and federal regulations. Depending on the route and machinery size, special permits may be required. Heavy equipment moving professionals ensure no critical legislative details are missed during the process.
Safety Precautions – Moving heavy machinery inevitably comes with risks. Properly trained personnel must oversee the loading process, with safety equipment like personal protective gear and wheel blocks securely in place. Avoiding accidents starts by preparing meticulously and prioritizing everyone’s safety.
Transport Vehicle and Equipment – The type of flatbed trailer or truck matters. There must be no question about the vehicle’s ability to bear the forklift’s weight. Loading these machines requires the right ramps, tie-downs, and securement tools to keep everything steady during the trip.
Route Planning and Timing – The transit route should be planned for efficiency and thoughtfully pre-determined to steer clear of tight corners, weight restrictions, and narrow roadways. Heavy equipment moving companies account for anticipated travel times to avoid potential delays or logistical complications.

Transport Methods for Forklifts

There are several ways to transport forklifts, but which one works best for hauling your machinery? Depending on the size, weight, and route distance, here are four commonly used options:

Flatbed Truck

A flatbed truck offers substantial space and a high weight capacity, making it suitable for transporting one or more forklifts. It features a low deck for easy loading and avoids clearance issues on the road. This truck type is particularly useful for long-distance transportation.

Tow Trailer

A tow trailer is a cost-efficient option for transporting forklifts over short to medium distances, but it must have sufficient weight capacity to hold the forklift. Once verified, the forklift can be driven onto the trailer and firmly secured with straps or chains to prevent movement during transit.

Tilt Tray Truck

Due to its tilt tray bed, a tilt tray truck makes loading and unloading forklifts smooth and straightforward. This type of transport is excellent for managing multiple forklifts at the same time, depending on size, and can easily handle medium-haul distances.

Automated Tailgate

An automated tailgate provides the largest capacity of all options, making it ideal for transporting heavy-duty or multiple forklifts. This method keeps everything safe and stable by allowing for more controlled loading and unloading, particularly for large-scale operations that demand absolute precision.

Getting a Forklift Transport-Ready

Getting a forklift ready for transport requires a careful preparation process and safety precautions along the way:

Determine the Forklift’s Weight and Dimensions – Calculate the weight and measurements of the forklift to confirm compatibility with your trailer or transport vehicle. This step prevents mismatches and ensures a solid foundation for safe transport.
Inspect the Forklift for Functionality and Safety – Conduct a thorough inspection of the forklift to confirm it is fully operational. Secure wheel chocks to stabilize the forklift and avoid any potential movement during loading.
Lower and Position the Forks Properly – Lower the forks to the floor and tilt them to a slight forward angle. This positioning improves stability and prevents any unexpected shifts during transit.
Secure the Forklift on the Trailer – Use blocks or wedges behind each wheel and secure them with fasteners to the trailer’s flooring. This action locks the forklift in place, adding another layer of safety.
Power Down and Prepare Fuel Systems – Shut off the fuel supply by disconnecting the propane tank or tightening the fuel cap for gasoline or diesel models. Disconnect the battery terminal to avoid electrical issues during transport.
Fasten With Chains and Tie-Downs – Attach chains or come-alongs to the truck’s anchor points, ensuring all connections are tight and secure. This step prevents movement and keeps the forklift in place while on the road.

Common Forklift Moving Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Transporting forklifts comes with its own set of challenges, starting with the fact that specialized shipping for forklifts isn’t in high demand. This often makes it difficult to find carriers, ultimately driving up both the cost and availability. Fewer specialized carriers mean higher prices, especially when flatbed trucks are required for the job. Planning and researching available services can help you avoid last-minute headaches and keep shipping costs manageable.

Another common obstacle involves the sheer size and weight of forklifts, which require careful consideration for loading and unloading. To ensure everything runs smoothly, it’s important to utilize proper equipment like ramps or cranes to simplify the process. Preparing ahead for each stage of transport minimizes delays and ensures forklifts are handled with care at every step.

Choosing the Right Forklift Transport Partner

Taking all the above into account can feel overwhelming without proper experience – a single overlooked detail can throw the entire operation off course. That’s why partnering with skilled movers with heavy machinery moving experience makes all the difference, saving you time, energy, and unnecessary headaches. Whether it’s speed and cost or security and peace of mind, the right method for completing your forklift transport project ultimately depends on your top priorities. Here are some of the main factors to weigh as you decide:

Look at their experience with transporting heavy machinery, especially forklifts.
Confirm they have the equipment necessary for safe handling, including specialized trailers and loading tools like ramps.
Make sure they have the proper licenses and insurance to safeguard your shipment.
Check their reputation and track record for safety by reviewing customer feedback.
Discuss transit times and delivery options to ensure your schedule aligns with their services.

Make Forklift Transport Stress-Free With LA Machinery Moving

Moving a forklift doesn’t have to be complicated. At LA Machinery Moving, we specialize in full-service forklift transport solutions across the Greater Los Angeles area and beyond. If you need your forklift moved from one location to another, our team will provide a comprehensive plan of action, complete the project, and keep your assets safe. Whether moving your equipment across town or around the globe, request your free estimate today and see why we’re the renowned heavy equipment moving company you can trust from start to finish.