Ordering and receiving heavy machinery involves several important steps. Understanding how the process works and what details need to be sorted out ahead of time helps keep everything moving as planned.
Here is an overview of the machine ordering process and how Productivity will support you at every stage.
How Does the Ordering Process Typically Work?
The overall process varies by machine, but there are standard requirements and details you need to know before buying.
1. Site and Machine Preparation
- Foundation Documents: For many machines, you will need foundation documents to make sure your space is ready.
- Anchoring: If your machine requires anchoring, you will receive anchoring information from Productivity.
- Power and Air: You must determine what kind of power the machine takes, ensure it is wired correctly, and check that your air supply meets the machine’s needs. For further details, check out our article on getting ready for a new machine.
2. People and Scheduling
- Assigning Contacts: Who will be responsible for machine setup? Please assign a dedicated person/s to lead this process and be in contact with your service technician.
- Grants and School Deadlines: If you are buying for a school or working with grants, keep in mind that the machine often needs to be up and running by a specific time.
- Tax Considerations: Talk to your accountant to discuss Section 179 and potential tax benefits for your purchase.
3. Unloading and Rigging Requirements
Before your equipment arrives, you need a plan for unloading it:
- Who will unload your machine? You will need to determine who is responsible for offloading the equipment at your site. Productivity Logistics can assist with finding appropriate riggers if necessary.
- Booking Riggers: We recommend letting Productivity book the riggers on your behalf. Reach out to service and schedule your rigging companies early. Once your rigger is selected, Productivity will coordinate with your rigger and the trucking company to schedule a smooth delivery either at your site or at the rigger’s location. Riggers are booked out at least two weeks in advance. Toward the end of the year, that timeline gets even longer due to the holidays.
Here’s What Productivity Will Do in the Process of Shipping Machines
Shipping heavy equipment requires specific coordination.
Customer Confirmation and Communication
Our logistics team will contact you to verify your details and ensure your delivery information is correct. We will explain how the shipping process works, what information we need from you, and when you can expect to hear from us.
Professional Transportation and Carrier Setup
It is critical that customers do not try to schedule their own trucking. Productivity manages the shipping because moving machinery requires specialized handling:
- Experienced Carriers: We work specifically with carriers that are used to moving heavy machinery and CNC equipment.
- Equipment Standards: All trucks used to transport your machine are required to have air ride capabilities on the trailer. The equipment must also be fully tarped and strapped down in a way that is appropriate for the machinery.
- Preventing Truck Refusals: Manufacturers will turn away trucks that arrive if they are not capable or properly set up to carry the specific equipment or machinery.
By verifying your information, coordinating with rigging companies, and managing specialized transportation, Productivity oversees the shipping process to get your equipment delivered correctly.
If you have any questions, please reach out to your dedicated sales support specialist or contact us.
