Machinery transport in Melbourne is more layered than most people realise. It’s not as simple as loading the machine onto the back of a truck, strapping it down and heading out.

Here are a few complexities that can turn machinery transport into a logistical minefield if you don’t know your stuff – the reason it pays to have seasoned professionals like GM Towing do the job.

Weight Distribution is a Compliance Issue

You can’t just stick the heaviest equipment in the middle of the truck bed and call it a day. Loads must be positioned in accordance with strict axle load limits. Get it wrong and you risk fines, damage to the vehicle, or worse, a rollover. 

Proper weight distribution also impacts braking performance and overall vehicle stability, especially when navigating Melbourne’s tighter urban routes or uneven regional roads.

Permits Can Differ

Not all machinery moves fall under standard freight regulations. Oversized or over-mass equipment may require special permits, escorts, or time-specific travel allowances. These rules also differ across local councils and state roads. 

A single missed permit could mean hours of delays or a full stop from compliance officers, not to mention fines.

The Machine Itself Isn’t Always Transport-Ready

That excavator might look good to go, but is it? Some machinery needs partial disassembly before it can legally or safely travel. Boom arms, buckets, or attachments may have to be removed before loading. 

Moreover, all the separate components must be secured properly to avoid shifting in transit, which could unbalance the load or cause damage while on the road.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Can Be Tricky

Accessing the pickup or drop-off location can be a nightmare in itself. Construction zones, soft ground, steep gradients, or limited manoeuvring space can bring progress to a halt and pose a danger to your equipment and crew. 

It takes the right vehicle and an experienced operator to negotiate those kinds of conditions safely without chewing up half the job site.

Timing is Everything

Late machinery arrivals can disrupt entire construction schedules or farming operations. That said, traffic congestion, weather and tight delivery windows all conspire to cause delays. 

Fortunately, professional and experienced transport teams know how to plan buffer time, choose the best travel windows, and keep you in the loop. This minimises the chance of unforeseen delays and helps ensure more reliable planning.

Avoid costly delays and compliance headaches. Get in touch with GM Towing today for machinery transport in Melbourne that’s done right the first time.