Shipping Modes Explained: Multimodal vs. Intermodal
Forklifts are oftentimes a warehouse manager's best friend. They allow the swift and efficient transportation management of bulky and heavy objects throughout the warehouse or distribution center. As great as forklifts are for product management, the shipping of the machines can be quite the headache. In this blog post, we'll explore the issues inherent in forklift shipping as well as best practices to consider.
The Problems of Forklift Shipping
Have you ever wondered why forklift shipping costs seem so high? The most prevalent issue is the relatively low demand for associated shipping services. This trend creates several challenges:
- Increased prices for forklift transportation due to lower demand
- Higher flatbed costs, as most forklift shipping requires flatbed carriers
- Difficulty in carrier selection, with fewer carriers dedicated to forklift shipping
- Reduced shipping availability compared to high-demand shipping sectors
For example, demand for automobile shipping is very high. This high demand translates into greater amounts of dedicated automobile carriers which drive down prices and increase shipping availability. Because forklift shipping does not benefit from high levels of demand, prices are more expensive and shipping availability decreases.
Forklift Shipping Best Practices: LTL vs. Flatbed
So now that we have a solid understanding of the issues associated with forklift shipping, let's now get into some of the best practices to consider. Compared to other heavy machinery, forklifts have the benefit of being relatively compact in size. Because forklifts are designed to navigate the narrow alleys of many warehouses they are comparatively easier to pack onto a trailer than other pieces of heavy machinery such as a tractor or some type of construction equipment. This allows for more flexibility in shipment sizes. So now the question is what method of shipping should be used for forklifts? For the purposes of this article, we will focus on LTL and Flatbed.
LTL shipping is a great choice for shippers when looking to mitigate costs and increase the flexibility of shipment sizes. The problem that LTL faces, regarding forklift shipping, is space. Forklifts, despite their compact size compared to other pieces of heavy machinery, are still relatively bulky.
LTL Benefits:
- Cost mitigation
- Flexibility in shipment sizes
- Ideal for small numbers of forklifts
LTL Limitations:
- Limited space for bulky items
- Fewer forklifts can be shipped per truck
If you are looking to ship a small number of forklifts and want to save on costs, then LTL may be the perfect option for you.
Flatbed Shipping
Flatbeds, on the other hand, are the more traditional choice for forklift shipping. Flatbed shippers, while usually more expensive, can handle larger numbers of forklifts per shipment.
Flatbed Benefits:
- Can accommodate larger numbers of forklifts per shipment
- Traditional and reliable option
- Ideal for transporting larger amounts
Flatbed Limitations:
- Higher cost compared to LTL
- May be overkill for small shipments
When deciding whether to use LTL or flatbed, much of the final decision comes down to the number of forklifts needing shipping. When making your decision, take the time to analyze your needs and priorities. A structured freight management approach can help lead to improved decision making and strategy. If you are unsure in your analysis, consulting with a Modern 4PL provider like Redwood can be a great way to acquire valuable expertise and advice. Your peace of mind is the primary objective at Redwood, and we would be more than happy to address all your shipping concerns.
Final Thoughts
Shipping forklifts is not a very common service in the transportation industry, but it can quickly turn into a costly endeavor for the ill-informed. The biggest factor to consider is the method of shipping that is optimal for transporting forklifts. LTL and flatbed are two good options to consider. Both have their pros and cons, but the choice between the two largely depends on the number of forklifts in the shipment. If you are unsure of which method to utilize, feel free to contact Redwood with any questions you may have. Redwood has decades of experience in the transportation industry and we have both the technology and expertise to address any questions or concerns you may have.
FAQs
Why is forklift shipping so expensive?
Forklift shipping is often expensive because it is a lower-demand transportation service, which limits carrier availability and raises prices. Most shipments also require flatbed carriers, and flatbed freight typically costs more than standard options. When fewer carriers specialize in the move, shippers usually face higher rates and fewer scheduling choices.
Should I use LTL or flatbed for forklift shipping?
The best choice usually depends on how many forklifts you need to move. LTL can be a cost-effective option for small shipments because it offers more flexibility, but space is limited for bulky freight. Flatbed shipping is the more traditional choice and works better for larger forklift shipments, though it usually costs more.
When does LTL make sense for shipping a forklift?
LTL makes sense when you are shipping a small number of forklifts and want to keep costs down. Because forklifts are bulkier than many other LTL freight items, space can become a constraint, so LTL works best when shipment size is modest. It is a practical option when flexibility matters more than maximizing trailer capacity.
When is flatbed the better option for forklift shipping?
Flatbed is usually the better option when you are moving larger numbers of forklifts. It is a traditional and reliable method that can handle more equipment per shipment, which makes it a better fit for bigger loads. The tradeoff is cost, since flatbed shipping is generally more expensive than LTL.
What makes forklift shipping different from other heavy machinery transport?
Forklifts are generally more compact than other heavy machinery, which makes them easier to load onto a trailer than items like tractors or construction equipment. Even so, they are still bulky enough that shipment method matters. That combination gives shippers more flexibility, but it also means carrier space and pricing still need careful review.
How do you choose the right forklift shipping method?
The right forklift shipping method comes down to the number of forklifts in the load and your priorities for cost versus capacity. A structured freight management approach helps you compare those tradeoffs and choose between LTL and flatbed. If the decision is unclear, it helps to review shipment size, available carrier options, and overall transportation needs.
Why is it harder to find carriers for forklift shipping?
It is harder to find carriers for forklift shipping because demand is lower than in major freight sectors, so fewer carriers dedicate equipment and capacity to it. That means shippers have fewer options to compare, and shipping availability can be more limited. Lower demand also contributes to higher pricing and fewer specialized transport choices.
