Relocating your factory can come with a long list of stressors. From choosing the right location to transitioning your workforce, there are lots of to-dos to consider! Choosing the right machine movers doesn't have to be one of them.
When you hire the right company, you can rest assured that your heavy-duty equipment will be smoothly and safely transported from one location to the next. This way, you can focus on the more mission-critical parts of the big move.
Not sure where to start? Today, we're sharing seven questions to ask prospective moving companies so you can make sure you're choosing the right one for your needs.
1. Do You Have Experience Moving Heavy Equipment?
While it's true that everyone has to start somewhere, you don't want your plant relocation to be the first one the team has handled. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure that the company has experience moving equipment similar to yours before.
Ask about the kind of machinery they typically move, as well as the type of projects they usually work on and the industries they support. If they're accustomed to transporting machines similar in size and scope to yours, then they know the best practices to use to make sure everything arrives safely to its final destination.
Experienced companies should also have reviews and testimonials you can review to learn more about their reputation. Look on their website for this information, as well as their Google Business Profile.
2. Can I See References?
When you're hiring movers, it can be helpful to contact a list of references so you can check their credibility and experience. Most reputable companies are more than happy to provide this list upon request.
These should be former clients who have firsthand knowledge of the team's expertise and professionalism. They should be able to speak confidently about how their moving project went, including any issues they had to work through. Contact each reference and ask how satisfied they were with the company's services.
If your equipment movers are unwilling to honor this request, consider this a red flag and continue searching elsewhere. Reliable companies won't have anything to hide and may even encourage you to ask others about their work! You need to know what sets this particular company apart from others in your area, and this is a great way to get that insider insight.
3. Are You Fully Licensed and Insured?
Two documents are critically important any time you're hiring heavy machinery movers: a business license and insurance.
The license verifies that the company is legitimate and operates under specific industry standards. The insurance ensures that if any equipment component is damaged or lost during the move, the moving company will be responsible for handling it.
The reality is that despite how careful a company might be, accidents and damage can happen, and you want to make sure that your business isn't left with the financial stress of recovering that item.
4. Do You Have the Right Tools and Supplies?
A plant or factory relocation could mean transporting an entire production line facility across a very long distance. Or, it might mean moving just one, highly critical piece. Either way, you'll need to verify that the moving company in question has all of the correct tools and supplies required to accommodate the move.
In addition, certain types of equipment may require specialized handling and transport methods. Ask the team if they're set up to support these needs without cutting any corners. The goal is to move your equipment not just quickly, but safely and securely.
In addition, also ask about any additional services you may require, such as temporary storage. If you need to store your equipment before or after moving, see if they offer any solutions to meet that need.
5. Can You Give Me a Detailed Quote?
You don't want to move ahead with hiring a company until you know for sure how much their services will cost. This is why you need a detailed, written quote and not just a rough estimate.
Make sure all anticipated costs are fully listed on the quote, so there are no surprises or hidden fees down the road. These services may include, but aren't limited to:
Transportation
Permits
Labor
Specialized moving services/equipment
Any additional services you require
Don't go by a verbal quote alone. You need to get everything in writing in case there are any disputes in the future.
6. What Are Your Best Practices for Safety?
Dealing with heavy equipment has its own set of risks. The moving company you hire should be transparent about the safety practices that all employees must follow to protect their own well-being and keep your machinery secure.
If this information isn't readily available, ask them to share more about their protocols and safety measures. You should be confident that they have the right steps in place to prevent accidents and damage from occurring. This includes guidelines to mitigate risks and liabilities, so they're always one step ahead of any issues that might occur.
7. Are You Available During My Timeline?
To be successful, factory relocations must operate like clockwork. You've likely been planning this move for months if not years. You need a moving company that can work with your pre-determined timeline.
Ask about their current workload and make sure they'll be available to handle your request. If they can't guarantee that their team can coordinate with your schedule, it might be time to consider another company.
Hire Machine Movers You Can Trust
When you're moving critical equipment from one location to the next, you should be able to fully trust the company at the helm. If you hire the right machine movers, you'll have invaluable peace of mind that your machinery is safe and secure.
At International Industrial Installations, we know what it takes to get your heavy-duty machinery up and running safely and effectively. From automation controls and manufacturing plants to full-scale production lines, we can move and install it all.
We'd love to share more about the services we provide and what you can expect. To learn more, feel free to reach out to us today!