Help: How do you ship large mills or lathes?

[dylancw]

Okay, whose services do you use to have something like a large CNC lathe or mill shipped to your shop? Is 2700 a reasonable price for getting a 9000 lb lathe shipped from Texas to Ohio? Links to preferred businesses or contacts would be appreciated, thanks!

[RICHARD ZASTROW]

I don't know if $2,700 is reasonable or not, been out too long.

You should probably ask for a liability insurance certificate. Also, be sure the price includes complete tarping.

If possible, you might want air ride suspension etc. to avoid damage to electronics.

I was fortunate, there was a local freight broker in the neighborhood. He appreciated our business and really treated us well.

Dick Z

[Geof]

The current shipping cost for something that size from Haas Automation in Oxnard, CA to Richmond, BC, which is just over the border from WA, is around $2400 I think so $2700 for your distance does not sound too bad.

If it includes loading that is very good.

As Mr Zastro suggests if you can get air ride that is better not only for electronics but also bearings. It is also a good idea to find the original shipping brackets that are used to immobilize the axes and spindle so you do not false brinell the bearings.

[panaceabea]

I just recently had an 11k lb lathe delivered from north Texas to Fl and it was just over $1000 . Had a 16k lb tree mill delivered from OC Ca to Fl for $1700 so that qoute sounds high to me

[Switcher]

dylancw, $2,700

Is that shipping only, or does that include rigging cost?

Who will unload the machine, & bring into the shop?

[dylancw]

Talked to a local machinery broker, got a quote from their shipper, $1100 to ship it ;-). The shop in Texas is handling loading. I've got a large forklift coming to handle unloading.

Given how much the machine cost and its as-is condition, I am more willing to take some risk with shipping methods (this is tarped flat-bed, not air-ride). If it was a full price $30k lathe or if I thought it was in the same condition as a $30 or $20 or even $15k lathe I'd be more careful.

Freightquote.com was not bad btw, $1700.

[Geo88]

Make sure who ever you chose they have insurance and document every thing i have had problems in the past.