SHIPPING

Transport is performed

The metal building arrives at the final destination

A semi with a flatbed arrives for pickup

A crane or forklift places the metal building on a flatbed

A crane or forklift unloads the structure and places it in a designated area

The metal building is secured to the trailer

Before a metal building can be moved, businesses need to consider the unique needs of these structures. Each one comes in different sizes and weights that require special attention. Shippers will face many challenges when moving these structures. Companies and metal building transport providers will need to address these concerns before transport.

Garden Metal Buildings

Garden metal buildings are typically lighter and can often be moved using a standard flatbed truck. However, even these types of moves still require caution. Strapping down the metal building securely is essential to prevent any movement during transit. Tarps might be needed to protect it from adverse weather conditions.

Medium-Sized Metal Buildings

For medium-sized metal buildings that serve as more extensive storage for workshops, specialized equipment is involved. Flatbed trucks are commonly used for these types of structures.

Large or Commercial Metal buildings

Large or commercial metal buildings are the most complex to move. Typically made of more substantial and durable resources, these structures require special trailers for transportation.

Specialized trailers include:Lowboys,Double-drop trailers,Removable goosenecks (RGN)

If a metal building has odd features—like an irregular shape or is constructed from special materials—businesses will need a customized transportation plan. This means picking the right trailer and equipment to move the structure safely.

Equipment availability

Flatbed shortages or those of other specialty trailers can delay the transport process. 

Route planning

Oversized loads can’t travel on certain roads, bridges, or tunnels. Therefore, businesses need to plan a route that’s safe enough for their metal building to get from Point A to Point B. This can sometimes require last-minute detours, adding time, and complexity to the move.

Weather conditions

Weather can throw a real wrench into the shipping process. Rain can make roads slippery, and wind can be a significant concern when moving something as large as a metal building. Always check the weather forecast to ensure there will be no problems that impact the shipment.

Regulations

Each state also has its own rules about what constitutes an oversized load. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in hefty fines or even impoundment of the metal building. Conducting research beforehand will help shippers understand what paperwork is required.

1.  Pre-Transport Preparation

Before a company can even think about loading their metal building onto a truck, there are numerous tasks they’ll need handled.

Shippers should ready their metal building for transport by doing the following: Taking accurate measurements,Performing structural assessments,Disconnecting utilities,Clearing obstacles,Packing and securing

Determining the dimensions will help shippers pick the appropriate transport vehicle and obtain the correct permits. Companies should double-check their measurements to guarantee accuracy.

Checking the structure of a metal building means looking for certain safety hazards like loose boards and shaky windows. If dangers like these are present, shippers should address them before transport. Any utilities will also need to be disconnected prior to moving a metal building.These include: Electrical ,Water,A/C.

Any obstacles surrounding the metal building must be removed. This makes it easier to maneuver the structure onto the transport vehicle and minimizes the risk of accidents. Obstacles that might need to be moved include plants, furniture, and other items in proximity to the metal building.

If the structure can’t be emptied entirely, items inside have to be packed or secured before shipping. Doors and windows should be fastened to prevent them from opening or getting damaged during transit.

2.  Essential Equipment for Metal Building Transportation

Transporting a metal building involves more than just a truck. Various pieces of equipment are needed to ensure the move is successful, safe, and compliant with regulations.

In addition to a trailer and loading crane, the carrier should also have:

Protective covering

In some cases, shippers might want to use tarps and other coverings to protect their shacks. It’s possible that metal buildings will travel through rain or snow while in transit. A tarp will give it the protection it needs.

Straps and chains

Straps and chains secure shacks to the transport vehicle or trailer. The type and quantity depend on the metal building’s size and weight. Larger structures will require more fastening to secure them better. Straps or chains must be durable and compliant with safety standards to ensure the metal building stays in place during transit.

Pilot cars

Depending on the oversized load regulations in each state, pilot cars might need to accompany a metal building during transit. Therefore, businesses should determine the regulations that apply to where their shack will be transported.

3.  Permitting for Metal Buildings

Moving a metal building often involves navigating a maze of permits and regulations. Permit needs vary by state and size of the structure. If a metal building is transported through multiple states, then oversized permits are needed for each.

Not providing this document can result in fines and even the halting of a shipment. There are two types of permits shippers should know about.These include: Local permits,State permits.

Sometimes, local government or municipal permits are required for moving oversized structures like metal buildings. Rules can vary greatly from one locality to another, which is why shippers should consult local authorities for specific guidelines before moving their structure. These types of documents are typically required for moving loads through certain cities or towns.

Likewise, states have rules and regulations for moving oversized loads like metal buildings. Certain ones will share the same rules, while others can vary slightly. Shippers will always need a state permit, while local ones will be required depending on the cities and towns a load travels through.

The best way for a business to determine if their metal building requires oversized paperwork is by contacting state and local authorities. Shippers can call or send emails requesting more information. They can also call the relevant authorities for information.

4.  Metal Building Route Planning

While metal buildings are by no means the largest type of oversized load, a special route is usually plotted when moving one. Shippers will need to map a safe path they want their structure to travel on.

Two things that companies should consider include:

Traffic conditions

Real-time traffic data should be taken into account. Congested routes can cause delays, increasing the overall transportation cost. Less busy routes, even if slightly longer, often prove to be more efficient.

Weather forecast

Conditions like heavy rain, snow, or high winds can make some routes unsuitable for transporting large structures. Monitoring the weather forecast helps in making timely adjustments to the plan.

Once a route is chosen, shippers will need to obtain approval from local and state authorities. After approval is given, metal buildings can begin to be moved through the selected route.

Size and weight

The size and weight of a metal building is a big determining factor in transport price. When these shacks are extremely heavy or large, it’s much more expensive to transport them from one location to another. We’ve included data on the different dimensions that metal buildings can come in.

These are the most common dimensions that small, medium, and large metal buildings are built with. That said, these structures can come in even larger sizes. Metal buildings tend to weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, while wooden ones can be 1,000 to 3,000 pounds. While neither of these weights qualifies as an overweight load, it can still influence the cost of transporting these structures.

The Dimensions of Sheds

Distance&Labor costs

Longer routes incur higher fuel charges and may require additional permits, which adds to the overall expense. As mentioned earlier, permits are often required for transporting oversized loads. The cost for these documents can vary from one jurisdiction to another. However, most states don’t charge an excessive amount for permits.

Special equipment

Special lifting equipment like cranes or forklifts is required, which can raise the price as well. The same goes for pilot cars that travel with oversized loads. The number of professionals needed for the move can impact the price. If specialized skills are required, or if the move takes place outside of regular working hours, labor costs will be higher.

Is It Cheaper to Ship A DIY Metal Building?

Transporting a DIY metal building isn’t any more or less expensive than transporting a regular one. The factors influencing transport costs for these types of structures are the same. This means that expenses will vary with every unique shipment.

However, DIY metal buildings are much cheaper to buy than a pre-fabricated one or a kit that has to be assembled. Shippers or companies that have the materials to build their own can bypass transportation costs altogether.

Many of these will ship as pack-flat cargo and be delivered through standard freight services.

Expertise

Professionals have the right training and experience to handle oversized loads. This expertise can prove invaluable in navigating the challenges of metal building transportation, such as securing the load properly and navigating complex routes.

Legal compliance

Knowing that the metal building is in the hands of professionals who will help it reach its destination safely can bring a sense of security.

Equipment

Professional services have access to the right equipment and are accustomed to working with it.

Time-saving

With experts handling the transportation, less time is spent on planning out a shipment. This allows for a quicker relocation process, which can be especially beneficial if under a tight schedule.

Get Your Custom Metal Building Transport Solution with Heavy Haul and Oversized Today!

When it comes to the complex task of metal building transport, having a reliable partner makes all the difference. At Heavy Haul & Oversized, we bring years of experience and unparalleled expertise to ensure that your metal building reaches its destination safely and efficiently.