Transporting A Forklift, Keeping It Safe And Damage-Free

Transporting a forklift requires careful planning and safety measures to prevent damage or accidents. Learn essential tips for securely loading, securing, and transporting forklifts to ensure a smooth and safe process that complies with industry best practices.

Whether transporting a forklift that’s new, or one that’s been in the shop for service, when your equipment comes to the dock for delivery it should meet your expectations. Transportation plays a big role in the process.

ProLift Takes The Necessary Steps To Safely Deliver Your Forklift

Decrease Obstacles

The first step to prevent product damage is to reduce traffic and remove obstacles in the loading area. Keeping the back dock clear during forklift loading for transport minimizes the chances of collisions with equipment or products, ensuring a safer and more efficient process.

Confirm Forklift

ProLift handles multiple deliveries each day with careful attention to ensure the correct equipment is loaded, verified by reviewing paperwork to match model and serial numbers. The condition of the forklift is checked for any scratches or signs of oil leaks that could indicate issues.

If any concerns are detected, the ProLift Service Team is notified for immediate resolution, or the customer is contacted if the delivery will be delayed. This process helps maintain high standards and ensures reliable service for customers.

Loading And Securing The Forklift

The process of loading and securing a forklift is crucial for protecting both the equipment and other vehicles on the road. The forklift is secured using chains attached to built-in brackets or sturdy parts of the forklift, such as the mast. Each model may have different tie-down points, so it's important to avoid placing chains near sensitive areas like hoses, batteries, cylinders, or the load backrest, which could be damaged during transport. Careful placement ensures the forklift remains secure and undamaged throughout the journey.

Testing Security

Once the forklift is tied down, the driver tests its security by applying the emergency brake. If the brake doesn’t hold the forklift securely, further adjustments to the tie-downs are made. When transporting multiple forklifts, wooden blocks are positioned between them to prevent shifting and ensure safe transport.

Working directly with companies benefits both ProLift’s delivery drivers and customers. As relationships are established, drivers become familiar with delivery and pick-up points and key contacts for each location. After unloading, drivers perform a final walk-around inspection, cleaning any dust from transport and touching up any minor scratches with paint as needed. The proactive attention to detail ensures the forklift is delivered in top condition, maintaining customer satisfaction and equipment quality.

ProLift respects your forklift before, during and after transport. Safety and quality is our focus. If you have questions for our transportation team, contact us at (800) 583-4023.