Packaging Machinery Equipment

Machinery equipment refers to mechanical devices or assemblies used in industrial, agricultural, or construction operations. This includes items such as CNC machines, lathes, generators, compressors, milling machines, conveyor systems, and other related equipment. These machines often require special handling due to their size, weight, or fragility. If you’re unsure whether your item qualifies as machinery equipment, FreightCenter’s team of logistics experts can help evaluate your freight and classify it correctly for transport.

Yes, FreightCenter can guide you through the entire packaging process for your machinery shipment. While we don’t physically package the equipment ourselves, we partner with professional crating and packaging service providers across the U.S. If you need a custom crate built, foam padding installed, or guidance on best practices for bracing heavy equipment, we’ll coordinate the right resources or walk you through how to do it properly based on your shipment details.

Crating is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended for certain types of machinery, especially high-value, fragile, or irregularly shaped items. Crating provides a rigid outer structure that protects your equipment from impact, vibration, and environmental exposure. In some cases, insurance carriers may require crating to validate coverage. FreightCenter can help you determine whether crating is necessary for your shipment and recommend reliable providers.

Accurate measurements are crucial for obtaining accurate freight quotes and selecting the right carrier or service. If you’re unsure how to measure your machinery, start by measuring the length, width, and height of the item in its packaged state, including the crate or pallet (if applicable). Also note the weight and whether the equipment is stackable. FreightCenter’s freight agents can walk you through what measurements are needed, and our website offers tools to help you calculate freight class and dimensional weight.

Packaging costs vary based on factors such as size, materials, complexity, and whether professional services are used. For example, building a custom wood crate can cost anywhere from $150 to $ 1,000 or more, depending on its dimensions and construction. Palletizing and shrink-wrapping might only cost $50–$200. If you need help budgeting, FreightCenter can provide estimates based on your shipment and help you find packaging services that match your needs and price range.

Yes, shipping disassembled machinery is often a smart move. It can lower shipping costs by reducing the overall footprint and help prevent damage by isolating delicate components. When shipping in parts, it’s important to label each item clearly, secure them properly, and provide detailed packing lists. FreightCenter can help you plan how to organize and label disassembled parts so that they’re packaged efficiently and received without confusion.

In almost all cases, yes, especially if you’re shipping items like generators, compressors, engines, or hydraulic equipment. Shipping equipment containing oil, fuel, or other fluids can pose a safety hazard and may violate carrier policies. Fluids can also leak and damage other freight. FreightCenter recommends draining all fluids and securing any hoses or reservoirs prior to shipment. If you’re unsure about how to prepare your equipment, we can guide you through the safety protocols and documentation requirements.

If your machinery is oversized or has a shape that makes crating impractical, don’t worry; specialized solutions are available to accommodate these needs. Flatbed trailers, step-deck trailers, and heavy-haul equipment are commonly used to transport large or irregularly shaped machinery. These shipments require additional securement methods, such as chains, tarps, and specialized permits. FreightCenter collaborates with carriers that specialize in oversized freight, helping to arrange the necessary equipment and permits for safe delivery.

Absolutely. Because machinery equipment tends to be high in value, freight insurance is strongly recommended. Most standard freight shipments come with limited liability coverage from the carrier; however, this coverage is often insufficient to fully replace damaged machinery. FreightCenter offers optional, third-party freight insurance through third-party providers that can cover the full value of your equipment. Our agents can help you select the right policy and ensure you’re appropriately protected.

Yes, FreightCenter can coordinate pickups from job sites, warehouses, factories, or other commercial locations. When booking, please provide us with the exact address and any site-specific restrictions. If there are challenges, such as limited access, no loading dock, or specific timing requirements, we’ll work with the carrier to ensure your pickup goes smoothly. Our goal is to match the right equipment and service to your specific shipping environment.

If your location doesn’t have a loading dock or forklift, we can arrange for liftgate service or white glove delivery depending on your needs. A liftgate enables the driver to lower the equipment from the truck to ground level, which is essential for delivering heavy machinery to residential, retail, or smaller industrial locations. Just let FreightCenter know ahead of time, and we’ll add the right accessorials to your booking.

Each item in your shipment should be clearly labeled with the destination address, bill of lading (BOL) number, and any special handling instructions (e.g., “Fragile,” “Do Not Stack,” or “This Side Up”). If your machinery has been disassembled, label each crate or package with its contents and reference numbers to facilitate easier reassembly. FreightCenter provides shipping documents and can guide you on what labels to include and where to place them.

If speed is the priority, expedited services are your best options. These services prioritize your shipment and reduce transit time by minimizing terminal stops. Expedited services may incur higher costs but are ideal for urgent installations, breakdown replacements, or time-sensitive manufacturing operations. FreightCenter collaborates with a network of carriers that provide flexible, expedited options specifically designed for shipping heavy equipment.

Yes, tracking is available for nearly all shipments booked through FreightCenter. You can track your machinery equipment in real time using your FreightCenter account dashboard or by using the tracking link provided in your confirmation email. For higher-value machinery, our agents can also provide proactive updates and assist in monitoring the shipment’s status from pickup to delivery.

Yes! FreightCenter’s free quote tool lets you enter your shipment details—including dimensions, weight, origin, and destination—and instantly receive real-time rates from top freight carriers. For machinery equipment shipments, we recommend speaking with a freight agent at (800) 716-7608 if your equipment is oversized, requires special handling, or has unique packaging needs. Our team can help you compare options and ensure your quote reflects all necessary services.