How to Transport Of Cement Mixer Truck

While it is possible to transport a cement mixer truck on your own, other options exist. Transporting a cement mixer truck, also known as a concrete mixer truck, requires careful planning and execution due to the vehicle’s size, weight, and the nature of its cargo. Here are the steps involved in transporting a cement mixer truck:

Below we’ll get into how to transport a cement mixer truck, the benefits and downsides of each, and some alternative options to doing it yourself.

Let’s get started.

How to Prepare a Cement Mixer Truck for Shipment?

Before you ship your cement mixer truck, it’s vital to prepare it properly, otherwise, you may run into delays or damage during the journey. You can start by tightening all loose components and removing any fluid that is in the cement mixer, including any leftover cement.

It’s also important to remove any batteries and/or battery-powered parts that may be left plugged in. You’ll also likely want to consult the manual before disassembling the mixer or consult an expert to help you.

It’s also vital to rustproof the planter so that it doesn’t get damaged along the way. Sometimes, your cement mixer will be shipped in an open container, which means it’ll be left out to bear the weather which can result in rusting.

Once you’ve prepared your cement mixer for shipment, all that’s left to do is gather the documents and permits required for shipping. It may be that you’ll need an oversized permit and need to take certain routes, so it’s best to double-check with your local municipality on whether or not you’ll need it (Especially if it’s crossing borders).

How Can You Ship Your Cement Mixer Truck?

1. Do it yourself

You can always decide to ship your cement mixer truck. If you’re going a short distance, you can rent a big rig to transport it where you need to go, or even drive it yourself. However, once you go a few states over, the problem of returning home arises.

If you’re going to ship it overseas, you’ll also take on the load of figuring out how to ship a truck, which involves a lot of details. You’ll need proper permits, and insurance and you’ll have to figure out the best way to ship it.

You can use a roll-on/roll-off ship, which will drive the cement mixer onto the boat or you can disassemble the truck entirely and have it shipped in parts. The difficulty here is that while you may think it’ll save you some money, you’ll encounter many challenges along the way that will make it a headache to ship yourself.

If you don’t want to take the burden of figuring out how to ship your mixer truck on your own, you can always rely on a professional transport service for cement mixing heavy equipment transport.

2. Hire a professional moving service

A professional moving service understands how to ship heavy equipment and will take on the burden of the paperwork, permits, and any taxes that will need to be paid. Considering that cement trucks are often oddly shaped, it can be a hassle trying to figure out how to disassemble, reassemble, and ship your vehicle that way.

All you’ll need to do is get a free quote and then negotiate with a few transportation services that can help you get your truck wherever it needs to go. You won’t need to purchase your insurance and you’ll not need to know all the finer details when it comes to vehicle shipping.

While it may seem like you save some time by shipping it yourself, the time it takes to figure out how to do everything properly will in the end cost you more time than if you were just to outsource it to professionals in the first place.

Preparation:

Ensure the cement mixer truck is clean and in good working condition.

Check for any leaks, mechanical issues, or loose parts that need attention.

Make sure the truck’s drum is empty or contains only residual concrete to reduce weight during transport.

Select the Transporter:

Hire a reputable transport company that specializes in heavy equipment or oversized vehicle transportation.

Verify that the transporter has the necessary permits and licenses to transport such a vehicle legally.

Route Planning:

Plan the transportation route carefully, taking into account the size of the cement mixer truck, any height restrictions, and weight limits on roads and bridges.

Obtain any required permits for oversize or overweight vehicles, and be aware of any specific regulations in the areas you will be traveling through.

Secure the Load:

Use specialized equipment such as heavy-duty straps, chains, and binders to secure the cement mixer truck to the transport trailer.

Ensure that the truck is properly balanced and that the load is distributed evenly to prevent tipping during transportation.

Escort and Pilot Vehicles:

Depending on local regulations, you may need to have escort or pilot vehicles accompany the transport to warn other drivers and help navigate tight spots.

Loading and Unloading:

If necessary, arrange for a crane or other equipment to load the cement mixer truck onto the transport trailer.

At the destination, unload the truck safely using the appropriate equipment.

Safety Precautions:

Ensure that all safety measures are in place during transportation. This includes securing the load, checking tire pressure, and monitoring the vehicle’s condition.

Communication:

Maintain clear communication with the transport company and any escort vehicles throughout the journey.

Insurance:

Ensure that the transport company has adequate insurance coverage in case of accidents or damage during transport.

Regulatory Compliance:

Comply with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding the transport of oversized or overweight vehicles.

Emergency Plan:

Have an emergency plan in place in case of accidents, breakdowns, or other unexpected situations during transport.

Documentation:

Keep all necessary documents, such as permits, licenses, and insurance information, readily accessible during transport.

How to Prepare a Cement Mixer Truck for Shipment?

Preparing a cement mixer truck for shipment is a meticulous process that involves several steps to ensure the safety of the vehicle and compliance with transportation regulations. Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare a cement mixer truck for shipment:

Clean the Truck:

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the cement mixer truck, including the exterior and interior of the drum.

Remove any debris, hardened concrete, or other contaminants.

Inspect the Truck:

Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the entire vehicle to identify any existing damage or issues.

Check for leaks, mechanical problems, and loose parts that need repair before transport.

Ensure all safety features, such as lights and brakes, are in working order.

Empty the Drum:

Ideally, the cement mixer drum should be completely empty before shipment.

If there is residual concrete in the drum, remove as much as possible to reduce weight and prevent spillage during transport.

Secure Loose Items:

Secure any loose items on the truck, including tools, cones, or other equipment that could become dislodged during transit.

Disconnect Auxiliary Equipment:

Disconnect any auxiliary equipment or attachments that can be removed safely.

This might include chutes, water tanks, or other accessories.

Fold In Mirrors and Extendable Parts:

If your cement mixer truck has mirrors or other extendable parts, fold them in or retract them to minimize the truck’s width.

Protect Vulnerable Areas:

Use protective covers or padding on vulnerable areas of the truck, such as the drum, to prevent damage during transit.

Secure the Drum:

Ensure the drum is securely locked in place to prevent it from rotating during transport.

Some trucks have locking mechanisms specifically for this purpose.

Secure the Chassis:

Use heavy-duty straps, chains, and binders to secure the entire truck to the transport trailer.

Ensure that the truck is properly balanced and that the load is distributed evenly.

Document the Condition:

Take photographs of the truck’s condition before shipment.

Create a detailed inventory of any removable parts or accessories that are being shipped separately.

Review Transportation Regulations:

Familiarize yourself with the transportation regulations in the areas where the truck will be shipped.

Obtain any necessary permits for oversized or overweight loads.

Arrange for Transportation:

Hire a reputable transportation company with experience in moving heavy equipment like cement mixer trucks.

Ensure they have the necessary equipment and expertise for safe transport.

Insurance and Documentation:

Ensure that the transport company has appropriate insurance coverage.

Prepare all necessary documentation, including permits, licenses, and insurance information.

Safety Precautions:

Before the truck is loaded onto the transport trailer, ensure that all safety measures are in place, including tire pressure checks and brake inspections.

Loading and Securing:

If required, arrange for the cement mixer truck to be loaded onto the transport trailer using a crane or other suitable equipment.

Secure the truck to the trailer following best practices for heavy equipment transport.

Escort Vehicles and Route Planning:

Depending on regulations, you may need escort or pilot vehicles to accompany the transport and ensure safe passage through challenging routes.

Conclusion

Transporting a cement mixer truck is undoubtedly a complicated task that requires meticulous preparation, a deep understanding of transportation protocols, and awareness of potential challenges that may arise. Whether you’re considering the DIY method or hiring professionals, each option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Opting to handle the shipment yourself offers the illusion of control and potential cost-saving, but in reality, it can be riddled with hurdles, from securing the appropriate permits to ensuring the truck’s safety.

On the other hand, professional moving services bring expertise, experience, and peace of mind, mitigating the challenges of the process. They simplify the complex logistics, paperwork, and transportation needs, making the journey smoother for your heavy-duty equipment.

In conclusion, while the allure of handling the transport personally might seem tempting, the intricate nature of transporting a cement mixer truck suggests that entrusting professionals could be the wisest choice.

Weigh your options carefully, keeping in mind the long-term implications, potential risks, and overall efficiency of the chosen method. Always consider that a professional moving service will save you money and time in the long run.