Long distance equipment moving

[Furu]

I question if there is a good or easy solution to my issue but thought I would turn to the group which has a large collective experience.

In the next couple of months I need to move a portable mill from Alabama to the Pacific Northwest. I have been quoted by the manufacturer that the folks they use charge $2.70 per mile. That is a bit over $7500 in shipping.:shocked:
Obviously I am looking at another option. One of which is to pick it up myself and tow it but don't want to drive there and back.
A solution would be renting a truck and towing but I am fairly certain that Penske and others do not allow you to tow a trailer that is not theirs. Their trailers are built for cars and thus will not handle a 30 foot trailer on top of their trailer most likely.
Are there any rental companies that anyone is aware of that will rent a vehicle for tow purposes? Any good ideas on a workable solution other than the shipping costs I mentioned.

 

[RBA50]

Shipping Wars? I saw it on TV once somewhere, no idea if it is till on, don't have TV at home.

There are independent haulers who will bid for jobs. Not sure how to find them though, as I never needed one.

A little more info might help in getting suggestions. Sounds like this is on its own trailer? Weight, type of hitch, brakes, lights, etc?

ABF has containers or trailers that they drop off and you load, then they deliver and drop so you can unload. No idea what it costs.

Maybe you could hire a retired or unemployed person to haul it, either using your truck, or theirs.

 

[JD 4520]

UShip.com would be my recommendation. The truckers are all independent and they bid your job. Be as flexible as you can to attract the best rate. Look for a back haul situation although with the distance you are talking about that might be tough. Size and weight will be real important to cost of course.

Also I don't think your assumption is right on rental trucks. You generally do not have to use or rent their trailers but I'm not sure that will be your best option without knowing more about your cargo. Again, flexibility will be your best help to cost.

 

[TomSeller]

Rail an option? Then trucked the final bit.

 

[Furu]

A little more info might help in getting suggestions. Sounds like this is on its own trailer? Weight, type of hitch, brakes, lights, etc?

ABF has containers or trailers that they drop off and you load, then they deliver and drop so you can unload. No idea what it costs.
.

It will weighs about 8000 lbs, 2-5/16 inch ball hitch, dual axle electric brakes, with street legal road lights.
Had not thought about the ABF containers but worth looking at.

 

[Furu]

UShip.com would be my recommendation. The truckers are all independent and they bid your job. Be as flexible as you can to attract the best rate. Look for a back haul situation although with the distance you are talking about that might be tough. Size and weight will be real important to cost of course.

Also I don't think your assumption is right on rental trucks. You generally do not have to use or rent their trailers but I'm not sure that will be your best option without knowing more about your cargo. Again, flexibility will be your best help to cost.

JD 4520
Do you know of any company that will rent a vehicle allowing you to tow with it not using their trailers? So far I have struck out in my research but I know it is not complete. That is why I turned to the group. The Uship option needs to be looked into.

 

[schmism]

sell and repurchase on the west coast? pacific northwest is full of portable bandmills for sale. Even if the sell/buy was at a net cost of several thousand, youd end up paying that to move your current one so net money out of pocket would be no diffrent and you may be able to upgrade or freshin the mill in the process.

 

[Furu]

sell and repurchase on the west coast? pacific northwest is full of portable bandmills for sale. Even if the sell/buy was at a net cost of several thousand, youd end up paying that to move your current one so net money out of pocket would be no diffrent and you may be able to upgrade or freshin the mill in the process.

There are none of the specific model out here for sale, there is only one owner/ mill company within 10 hours of me that I can even find and it is brand new purchased April 2013 and they have no plans to sell theirs. The shipping cost may limit my choices. I am not moving myself and a mill but am getting ready to purchasing a new one and trying to get it to me.

If I was moving from there it would be no problem to just tow it myself one way.

 

[schmism]

you familiar with the forestry forum?

many guys on there that have bandmills they may be able to point you to one in your area.

http://www.forestryforum.com/board/...ml?PHPSESSID=e3e5da83ae3af2b9913c166ad052689f

 

[JD 4520]

JD 4520
Do you know of any company that will rent a vehicle allowing you to tow with it not using their trailers? So far I have struck out in my research but I know it is not complete. That is why I turned to the group. The Uship option needs to be looked into.

I have use Budget Rental Truck twice across country and pulled my trailer behind. Not an issue with them in the past.

I bought my tractor in the south and used Uship.com to bid and haul my tractor to Washington. Very satisfied and paid a tip to the driver / operator for job well done on all accounts.

Happy to provide more info if needed.