The Hidden Costs of DIY Machinery Moves

Photo by Rusty Watson on Unsplash

While on paper, moving heavy machinery in-house may seem like a cost-saving move, the reality often proves the opposite. Many companies frequently underestimate the complexity, risks, and long-term expenses that are involved in DIY moves for equipment. A heavy equipment moving company may seem unnecessary at first, but many companies find themselves soon calling anyway in order to save time, money, and stress. Learn the hidden costs of handling heavy machinery on your own so that you know when to call the pros. 

Common Motivations Behind DIY Machinery Moves

There are many reasons your business leaders might want to handle machinery moves in-house. The first most common reason, though, is because of a cost-cutting mindset. Businesses are often trying to save on third-party service fees, and deciding to move M&E in-house seems to be the quickest way. 

Additionally, some businesses simply have confidence in their internal teams and trust maintenance or operations crews to just figure it out. This mindset isn’t fair towards employees, though. Some business leaders may also have a perceived sense of simplicity for the task, thinking all that’s necessary is a forklift and a few laborers, when that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Hidden Cost #1: Equipment Damage

The first hidden cost that makes moving equipment in-house challenging is any damage to equipment that occurs during the move. Considering that most businesses don’t have specialized moving equipment like air ride systems, cranes, or skates, inadequate rigging can lead to damage. Additionally, untrained staff may inadvertently damage sensitive components or the calibration of equipment when moving it.

Hidden Cost #2: Downtime and Delays

The second hidden cost you may come up against is related to downtime and delays. DIY moves often take longer due to poor planning or coordination, which naturally creates costs. Also, if one single piece of machinery isn’t installed on time, production or services can be delayed. For manufacturers and hospitals, as an example, the importance of uptime cannot be overstated. Every minute of downtime can have dollar consequences, and perhaps worse, for such companies. 

Hidden Cost #3: Injuries and Liability

Another area where your business might face unexpected hidden costs during and after a DIY equipment move is related to injuries. There are three particular sub-areas where costs may arise from:

1. Workplace accidents: Untrained staff lifting or moving heavy equipment can lead to serious injury.
2. OSHA compliance risks: DIY moves may violate safety standards, leading to fines or insurance issues.
3. Insurance gaps: General liability may not cover accidents that happen outside of authorized duties.
   

All of the above situations can result in expensive fees and should be a reason to avoid tackling an equipment move in-house.

Hidden Cost #4: Permitting and Legal Oversights

The fourth area where you may experience some costs if trying to move equipment on your own is related to permitting. Missed permit requirements, in particular, are troubling. Specifically, oversized or overweight loads often require DOT permits and escorts on the road. Not having either is a quick way to get slapped with a fine.

Also, a failure to accurately plan a route, such as not checking bridge clearances or road limits, can lead to further penalties or delays. Experienced movers can handle all of the compliance logistics as they use them for their day-to-day roles.

How a Professional Saves You Money

Even after knowing about these potential hidden costs that may add up when trying to handle an equipment move in-house, you may still be wondering how exactly a professional would help. Professional heavy equipment transporters utilize logistics that take advantage of proven processes to ensure both smooth and fast moves. They also use specialized equipment and handling in order to move equipment and machinery without a hitch and without ruining the settings of that equipment.

Additionally, professional services also provide you with end-to-end services, which include loading, transportation, placement, installation, and more. Above all else, though, the peace of mind offered by using professionals is unrivaled. Knowing that proper insurance coverage, trained teams, and guaranteed delivery timeliness are all in place is a major benefit. 

Move machinery with the help of a professional 

DIY machinery moves come with more hidden risks and costs than most people first realize. By partnering with a professional equipment mover, though, you can reduce costs in the long run. It’s true that a professional equipment mover may be more expensive up front, but the fewer headaches experienced and long-term savings more than make up for it. Save time and reach out to a tailored equipment mover as soon as possible in order to protect your equipment, your team, and your bottom line all at the same time.