Anyone transport on west coast

[JCasper]

I am thinking about starting my own machine shop, in which case I will be buying a CNC machine. This is probably a few months out from now, but it is never to early to start thinking of all the small things. I have not yet decided if I am going to buy a new or used machine. There seem to be a good number of used machines down around the L. A. area. My question is this. What is the most cost effective way of transporting a maximum of 13,500 lbs with dimensions of 12' Long X 8. 5" wide and 9' 2" tall. I have access to a Triple axle gooseneck flatbed that will handle that kind of load, just not sure if I want to bother with it, or how well my truck will take to that kind of load. If I buy a used Machine from the L. A. area I will need to go down and look at it, was just wondering if it would be worth trying to transport it back on my own.

Depending on what I find and decide to buy the weight could drop down to around 8,000 lbs.

Thanks for your input, everyone is always so helpful on here.

 

[pgleavitt]

If you have the time... ... ... ... ... Sounds Like a road trip to me. I tow a 36' 5th wheel that weights about that and have been up and down I-5 many times. Truck will handle it without any problems. Go for it!!!

 

[JCasper]

That weight is not including the trailer. I am not sure of the weight of it. I believe with it being a Triple axle it should help it to handle the weight. The trailer does have brakes on all three axles. I guess my decision will come down to whether or not I buy a used machine and have to transport it up here and how much I get for a quote for having someone else haul it. I will have to go out and buy a gooseneck hitch for my truck, but I've wanted one anyways, just a good reason to get it.

 

[SRadke]

I highly advice an exhaust brake if you're moving that kind of load in the NW.



-Scott

 

[NVR FNSH]

You're looking at ~1000 miles each way Portland/LA. I'd check shipping prices just because the fuel bill for the round trip will be pretty high. Time it right and you could 'share' a load with something else to save some money.



Brian

 

[KBalzuweit]

If you do it yourself, you are going into the land of having a cdl and going through weigh stations. Also make sure with that load and pin weight of the trailer you do not overload the truck or rear axle. The dot has been really hitting us pickup guys hard lately. Hate to see you try to save some cash and it end up costing you more in fines!!

 

[RonA]

I have a shop with a few CNC machines. I will haul a manual machine myself if it isn't over 8K. I would not even consider hauling one of my CNC's behind a pickup. They don't like the bumpy ride. I don't like paying rigging fees, but they do a great job and I don't have to worry about it.