Essential Metal Fabrication Tools and Equipment Hotshots Should Be Prepared to Transport

Medium and large-scale metal fabrication relies on heavy-duty machinery. When their essential tools and equipment break down, it can bring production to a halt and severely impact their bottom line. 

To prevent these costly delays, many metal fabricators turn to hotshot haulers that can get their tools and equipment delivered quickly and safely. By choosing hotshot haulers, fabricators can keep their production running smoothly and bypass the long wait times associated with traditional shipping methods.

Let’s take a look at some common fabrication tools and equipment that you may be hauling as a hotshot hauler.

Metal Fabrication Tools—Essential Equipment That Requires LTL Delivery

Many metal fabricators rely on large tools and equipment that can turn raw materials into precisely engineered finished products. These tools are often too large for cargo vans and require vehicles that are capable of hauling LTL shipments. 

Some of the most common fabrication tools that require LTL delivery include:

• Press brake
• CNC machines
• Band saws
• Table saws

As a hotshot hauler, it’s important to understand what these tools are to ensure they’re delivered safely and without damage. On top of that, being able to identify these tools will help you make sure the right tool is going to the right location.

Press Brake

Press brakes are primarily used for bending sheet metal, but some fabricators use them for bending metal plates too. They can be found across several different industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. 

Press brakes consist of a movable upper tool known as a punch, and a stationary lower tool known as a die. The punch clamps a metal workpiece into the die, creating precise, predetermined bends.

CNC Machines

CNC, or computer numerical control, refers to machines that combine advanced computer technology with heavy-duty metalworking equipment. There are many different types of CNC machines, some of which include:

• Turret punchers
• Plasma cutters
• Lathes
• Laser cutters
• Metal stampers

CNC machines allow fabricators to automate the manufacturing process. Compared to working by hand, they’re faster, more precise, and more reliable.

Band Saws

Bandsaws are tall pieces of fabrication equipment featuring a wheel at the top and bottom of the machine. These wheels are used to guide a saw blade in the shape of a loop or band. 

Bandsaws are ideal for cutting irregular shapes and curves into metal. Many fabricators rely on them for their precision, as it allows them to complete tasks such as resawing, beveling, and making intricate cuts.

Table Saws

Table saws consist of a flat, horizontal surface with a circular blade protruding from the middle of it. Underneath the table is the motor housing, and large versions of these saws come equipped with their own stands.

Unlike band saws, table saws are only used for cutting straight lines. Fabricators often use them for creating precise straight, precise cuts in long pieces of metal.

Discover how Open Road helps the metal fabrication industry keep their production running smoothly and their projects on schedule.

Metal Fabrication Hand Tools—Essential Equipment That Doesn’t Require LTL Delivery    

While many fabricators rely on hotshot haulers for large pieces of machinery, there are several other tools and equipment that they require to keep production running smoothly. 

Many of these items are small, handheld tools that don’t require LTL delivery, and they include:

• Angle grinders
• Welding machines
• Drill bits
• Fasteners
• Drill press 
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Fabricators rely on these tools and equipment for a variety of purposes, from cutting and securing to assembly and protection. Although these items don’t require LTL delivery, they still require special handling to ensure they function properly when they’re needed most.

Read our related guide to discover the ultimate hotshot trucking equipment list.

How to Properly Transport Metal Fabrication Tools and Equipment

When transporting metal fabrication tools and equipment, it’s crucial that you handle them with extreme care and use the right vehicle for the job.

For large tools and machinery, it’s usually ideal to use box trucks or enclosed trailers. These vehicles will protect them from the elements and prevent unnecessary damage during transport. Fabricators rely on these machines for their precision, so it’s also important to properly secure them and prevent them from rolling around or hitting walls.

For small pieces of equipment and handheld tools, many couriers use cargo vans. Cargo vans are capable of protecting them from the elements and providing enough storage to haul many items. Similar to hauling large pieces of equipment, you should also secure them properly to prevent them from shifting during transit.  

Read our related article to answer the question: Can you hotshot with a box truck? 

Become a Courier for Open Road

Open Road is a shipping platform that connects independent couriers with businesses that need them. Our driver app makes it easy to sign up, claim a job, and start hauling. With Open Road, you can take charge of your schedule and be your own boss.

If you’re a hotshot courier that’s ready to haul LTL shipments, sign up today to join our team of Road Runners. If smaller deliveries are more your style, keep an eye out for exciting new opportunities coming later this year!