Helpful Information When Shipping Engines and Transmissions
Engine Shipping Made Easy :
Finding a great company to move your item is one thing. Finding a company to do it right, cheap, and NOT DAMAGE your item is a whole different story. Freight damage is a common occurrence when shipping any piece or item, but the engine industry sees more than its fair share of freight damage. The main reason, IMPROPER PACKING! So we will lay out the simple steps you should follow when preparing your engine to be shipped!
Contact Us Immediately If You Have Questions!
When shipping an item via Motor Freight take the time to compare all the options available to you.
Be an informed shipper!
Finding a great company to move your item is one thing. Finding a company to do it right, cheap, and NOT DAMAGE your item is a whole different story. Freight damage is a common occurrence when shipping any piece or item, but the engine industry sees more than its fair share of freight damage. The main reason, IMPROPER PACKING! So we will lay out the simple steps you should follow when preparing your engine to be shipped!
It's tough if you are the buyer and you have to count on you seller to package the product correctly. You are pretty much at their mercy with little or no control over how they decided to ship your new purchase to you. However, there are questions that you can and probably need to ask before it ships. While these questions won't insure an undamaged engine at delivery, they will help and lower the risk of your item having a problem.
EVERY ENGINE/TRANSMISSION THAT IS BEING SHIPPED MUST BE COMPLETELY DRAINED OF ANY AND ALL FLUIDS, INCLUDING WATER!!!!
First, make sure that your engine is secured to a pallet, or is crated prior to the truck driver arriving for pickup. An engine just resting on a pallet WILL rock, tip, tilt, and BREAK. So, just ask whomever you are dealing with at the pickup end to make sure it is secure. Next, find out if the engine is protected by shrink wrap, wood, cardboard, or anything else. While this is not a necessity and many engines are shipped without being cover, it does decrease your odds significantly of damage.
Finally, ask that the person handling the pick-up end to place a shipping label with the ship to address on the shipment. Secure it to the engine via tape or whatever. ALSO have the shipper put DO NOT STACK sign on the engine. This will keep the truck company from loading anything on top of your engine and it generally insures that your engine will be in a "safer" part of the trailer avoiding a bunch of items that are stacked to the ceiling and can fall.
Now if you are in a position to package the engine yourself, here are the basic rules of thumb to get your engine from Point A to Point B with the least amount of risk.
First and foremost secure the engine or transmission to a pallet. Use ratchet straps, tie downs, banding wire, or even rope. BUT make sure that engine can't rock, tilt or slide off of the pallet. If you can, build a crate around and on top of the engine/transmission. This will not only prevent it from moving it will also protect it from other items falling or sliding into your engine/transmission.
Shrink wrap whenever possible. Shrink wrap, a garbage bag, plastic, even cardboard will protect the outside from any dings or dents but also, if there is even a drop of fluid in the engine/transmission this will help to catch it.
That is about it... pretty simple right? You'd be shocked at the amount of engines received each month that are damaged because the shipper did a terrible job at packaging the engine. Take the time to talk with the shipper, explain what needs to be done and impress upon him/her the importance of doing so based on the instructions you give. Or send them here and let them learn on their own.
On a related topic, when you receive an engine you MUST check every detail. Before you sign anything make sure to check the engine/transmission over thoroughly to verify that there is no damage. IF there is damage you can still receive the engine/transmission but make sure you write out the exact details of where the damage is on the delivery receipt before the driver leaves.
More on receiving freight to come but once you sign the delivery receipt you have absolutely NO grounds to claim damage later. This is vital to remember!
Back to the top.
Engine shipping made easy...the very basic steps
We have been a member of the freight and logistics community for nearly 20 years now and with our experience and knowledge of the industry we hope to provide information to those of you whom are looking to ship your freight with answers to some basic questions that will make your life easier and save you money.
At any given 30 day timeframe, eBay motors has 2500 to 3500 engines, motors and transmissions for sale. And that is just eBay. Individuals and small companies that are selling and buying engines increase that number to nearly 10,000! While most of the sellers offer shipping, a lot do not. The seller leaves it up to the shipper to secure their own freight company to pickup and deliver the recent purchase.
Most of these buyers are individuals who have never had the need to ship anything before, let alone an engine. Armed with little more information than the weight and dimensions these buyers set off on a task to secure, for a reasonable price, a company or broker who will move their freight.
We hope to educate those people who look to ship things for the first time, maybe the only time, and for those of you who ship on a regular basis but don't really know the industry.
We want to take the time today to simply give you some guidelines and a few things to think about when you are looking to ship your engine for cheap but also safely!
1) Don't contact a trucking company on your own. It is a waste of your time. They will offer you a 50% discount or something that may seem enticing but you simply CANNOT get the best rate by going to the trucking company yourself.
2) Brokers have established relationships with multiple freight companies and ship huge numbers every month. Therefore the rates that a broker has access to are simply lower than what an individual or small company will ever hope to attain.
3) FreightQuote.com and UShip.com are great sources to move a one-time shipment. However, you will pay a decent chunk of change to UShip if you accept a bid and FreightQuote get’s a nice chunk from all of their shipments, sadly enough, it will still be one of your cheapest avenues. And then there is EngineShipping.com which will give you lower rates without the 3rd party fees that you pay through most other brokers... if not all of them.
4) After you have found a suitable price, make sure the broker/logistics company is legit! At the very least they should have a website or direct you to feedback about them on another website or some reference point that you can consider legit. There are a lot of brokers out there that may offer decent rates...but you will never get your package shipped. More on brokers to come...
5) OK you have your price, you know who you are going to pay to pickup and deliver your shipment, and now you have to package it. Anything being shipped is pretty much the same. IT MUST BE SECURED TO A PALLET. Most companies will not do this for you...and even if they did, would you really trust them to do it right? If you can, package your purchase yourself. A lot of times you are the receiver of the package so you cannot do this. So you need to work with the shipper/seller to make sure they have packaged your item securely to a pallet, or crated the item.
6) Now you know when it is being picked up, you know it is packaged correctly, and you know when you should receive the package. If you are not comfortable with these three things...you need to find out and get comfortable before the item is shipped.
7) Receiving your item is next. While we are sure you are excited to finally have your purchase you also want to make sure it is in the condition that you expect it to be in. Check every detail of your item before you sign the delivery receipt. If your item has any damage and you do not mark the delivery receipt as such....you have no grounds to file a damage claim after the fact.
8) If your item is damaged you can still take possession of it but MAKE SURE YOU MARK THE DAMAGE ON THE DELIVERY RECEPIT. This way the freight company/broker/ or insurer will pay your claim. Most freight companies won't fight damage claims as long as it is clearly stated. They simply have too many shipments moving everyday to investigate any damage claims. That being said...no company will pay out on a damage claim without it being marked on the delivery receipt.
These are some very basic things to keep in mind while shipping. We will continue to break down, into more detail, each step of the process to help make you a more informed shipper. Thanks!
Back to the top.
Less than Truckload companies use several methods to determine the price they charge ship an item for you. The most common is Freight Class. The National Motor Freight Traffic Association issues a publication called the “National Motor Freight Classification” or NMFC. This serves as the rule and guide to the trucking industry and is used to determine the “classification” of shipments. The price you pay to ship an item is directly tied to its stated freight classification.
Shipment density is calculated to determine how many pounds per cubic foot your item is. This tells the carrier how many other shipments will practically fit into a trailer with your shipment in order to fill a full trailer. Dense items such as building materials, steel, engines, machinery, ect have low classifications such as Class 50 thru 85. The lower numbered classes are the least expensive to ship. Another factor that determines freight class is the item’s likelihood for damage. Fragile or bulky items fall into freight classes 125 to 500, and account for the highest of shipment cost. Your service provider should be knowledgeable in determining freight classifications and assist you in determining the freight class free of charge.
Brokers sometimes have been granted “FAK” or “Freight All Kinds” pricing with the carriers they contract with. What this means is higher classed items are shipped at a lower cost classification. As a individual shipper, the only way you can benefit from this type of pricing is to utilize a broker. Trucking companies do not offer this type of discounted pricing to private parties EVER!
Full Truckload pricing is generally computed by the mile. The trucking company factors the operating cost per mile, adds a markup which totals the rates you pay.
Back to the top.
More often than not you will realize a big savings by dealing with a freight broker instead of contracting directly with a trucking company. Brokers can instantly shop the marketplace and obtain lower rates for you than if you tried to hire a trucking company yourself. In the Less than Truckload marketplace, private individuals are usually only provided a "Courtesy Discount" from the carrier's published rates. By using a freight broker your pricing will be lower than dealing direct with the carrier because the broker's pricing is based on the shipping volume he provides the carrier. Brokers typically receive 50% to 85% discounts from published rates, where a private individual may only be offered 5%-30% discount by the carrier.
Back to the top.
Shop smart when pricing your shipment cost by sampling rates from several brokers. By obtaining rates from a few different providers, you will find quite a contrast in the pricing they offer. Ask the Broker or Forwarder for a copy of their Federal Operating Authority. Freight brokers / forwarders are required by Federal Law to be licensed by the Federal Highway Administration. Avoid unlicensed brokers and forwarders, if they working outside the law by not having a Federal Operating License, you will have no protection in the event of a problem. The internet is full of websites operated by unlicensed and inexperienced brokers and forwarders. Be sure to question the broker as to the amount of insurance coverage they will be offering on the shipment. Don't make the assumption that insurance is provided. Many providers offer little or no cargo coverage, and in the event of a damage claim, you may find yourself having to file a claim with the carrier directly without the assistance of the broker. Ask the broker the procedure they have in place regarding freight loss or damage claims. If they do not have a solid plan in place, BUYER BEWARE!
Back to the top.
Accessorial Fees and Cost Saving Tips
Every time the trucking company performs any sort of special service outside their normal duties, additional fees are usually accessed. The amount of these fees varies by provider and quite often can exceed the base cost of shipping!
Back to the top.
Liftgate:
This is a service that assists the driver in loading or unloading his truck when a loading dock is not available. The Driver’s trailer is equipped with a hydraulic ramp that lowers to the ground. Lift Gate service is almost always billed on residential pickups or deliveries and in commercial pickup and deliveries where loading docks or forklifts are not available. Only a small percentage of the trucking company’s trailers are equipped with liftgates so be sure to notify them of your need for one in advance.
Back to the top.
Residential Pickup or Delivery:
Anytime a trucking company must pickup or deliver into a residential area a fee is charged. This is because in most cases the local laws restrict the size of delivery trucks causing the carrier to utilize a smaller truck to service a residential area. Smaller truck requirement equals less shipments per day picked up and delivered hence the fees are assessed to offset the carrier’s losses.
Back to the top.
Appointment or Notify Pickup / Delivery:
By default, carriers make picks and deliveries in order arranged by geographic location (a route). If your shipment requires the carrier to call ahead, or schedule and appointment, the charge an additional fee for this service.
Back to the top.
Inside Pickup / Delivery:
By requiring the truck driver to pickup or deliver inside a building his route takes longer to complete. The carrier will charge an additional fee for this service.
Back to the top.
Many carriers allow pickups from or deliveries to their terminals. By doing this, you remove any accessorial fees that would normally be charged for liftgate, residential pickup / delivery, inside pickup / delivery or appointments. Your provider will be able to provide you the address and phone number for the closest shipping terminal to the origin and destination.
Back to the top.
Unlike small parcel shipping via USPS, Fed EX, UPS and DHL shipping freight yields a much higher likelihood of damage. The common misconception is that packaging is not required, or minimally required. Always ask the broker the packaging requirements for the type of freight you’re shipping. The trucking company that picks up the item may refuse to pickup if the packaging is not up to standard. They do this to avoid freight claims and the potential of damaging your item. Trucking companies don't want items to get damaged, so packaging guidelines are in place to prevent damage whenever possible.
Back to the top.
The #1 reason for denial of freight damage claims is IMPROPER PACKAGING.
If the carrier deems the packing of your item to be below standard, they have the legal right to deny your damage claim. They also have the law on their side, so don't think your lawyer will be able to help you.
At a minimum your item should be secured to a wooden pallet. The pallet should be a minimum of 4” larger than the item secured to it on all sides. Trucking companies load and unload their trucks with forklifts and pallet jacks. Sometimes a dock worker will try to slide the lift truck forks under and item not mounted on a pallet which causes damage in most cases. Should this cause damage, the carrier will yell “improper packaging” and accept no responsibility for the damage. When freight is loaded into a truck it will shift and move around slightly while going down the road. By using a pallet should your item shift the pallet will in most cases prevent or reduce damage.
Rarely do trucking company pickup at your door and go directly to the destination address. Instead, your shipment will go to a local warehouse or transfer facility where it will be unloaded from the pickup trailer, and sorted based on its final destination. Once sorted it is loaded onto another trailer along with other shipments heading the same direction. It is not uncommon for a shipment to ride on 5-10 different trailers prior to reaching the final destination. This is done to allow the trucking company to maximize the use of trailer space on each shipment, but at the same time greatly increases the opportunity for damage.
The best option is to have your item packaged in a wooden crate with a pallet used for a foundation. This provides the maximum protection you could ask for. The internet offers a wide range of crating and packaging services available to the general public. Think of these services as insurance policies. If you spend $750 or more on an item is it worth $100 or so in packaging costs to make sure it arrives undamaged?
Back to the top.
Accessorial Service
A service rendered by a carrier in addition to a transportation service, such as stopping in transit to complete loading or partially unload.
Back Haul
Freight secured to fill equipment which would otherwise return to base empty.
Bill of Lading
A legal contract between the shipper and the carrier spelling out the terms of the agreement.
Blocking or Bracing
Wood or metal supports to keep shipments in place in or on trailer.
Break Bulk
A location where freight is combined and redistributed.
Class Rate
A rate applicable to the class to which an article is assigned in the classification or exception to the classification.
Classification (Freight)
A publication containing a list of articles and the classes to which they are assigned for the purpose of applying class rates, together with governing rules and regulations.
Collect
A term denoting that transportation charges are to be paid at the point of destination (by the receiver).
Common Carrier
A person or firm engaged in the transportation of passengers or property for hire for the general public.
Concealed Damages
A damage to the contents of a package which is in good order externally.
Consignee
The person or firm to whom articles are shipped.
Consolidated Center
A location where freight is combined and redistributed.
Contract Carrier
By motor vehicles, any person not a common carrier, who under special and individual contracts or agreements, transports property by motor vehicle for compensation.
Density
The relationship of the weight of a shipment to the physical space it occupies.
Destination
The location to which a shipment is consigned.
Freight Bill
A bill rendered by a transportation line, giving a description of the freight, the name of the consignee and shipper, point of origin, weight and amount of charges.
Inbound
Refers to freight coming into a particular facility.
Interstate Traffic
Traffic moving from a point in one state to a point in another state; between points in the same state, but passing within or through another state enroute.
Intrastate Traffic
Traffic having origin, destination, and entire transportation within the same state.
Less Than Truckload (LTL)
A quantity of freight less than that required for the application of a reduced rate by reason of sizable weight. Weight bracket of less than 10,000#(0-9,999#).
Limited Service
A service point which may or may not be serviceable pending freight specifications.
Outbound
Freight leaving a particular facility.
Over Freight
Freight separated from its waybill and bearing no identifying marks.
Overage
An excess of freight over quantity billed.
Permits
Authority or permit granted by Interstate Commerce Commission or other regulatory body to motor carriers to operate in interstate commerce. (Much the same as a certificate).
Point of Origin
The terminal at which a shipment is received by a transportation line from the shipper.
Prepaid or Prepay
A term denoting that transportation charges have been or are to be paid at the point of shipment.
Pro Number
A number or combination of numbers used to identify a Freight Bill.
Surcharge
A charge above the usual or customary charge. (Most common surcharge is related to fuel)
|
|
|
EngineShipping.com © 2008
|
|
|
|
Email Us: Info@EngineShipping.com
800.998.2100
Feel free to call us Toll Free if you have any questions or if you need any personal assistance with your shipping needs...
Amazing Premium Pricing Rates!
As Low As $150.00
Nationwide Freight Services
