Your Guide to Forklift Transport.

Forklifts are not legally classified as cars and therefore cannot be driven on the road like a vehicle. Forklift transportation needs to be safe and efficient, which is why we wrote this guide.

How to transport a forklift safely. Some companies specialize in forklift transportation and have the necessary equipment to move your forklift to your job site. However, sometimes it may be more cost-effective to move the forklift yourself.

If you choose a company to move your forklift or relocate your lift yourself, it is critical to be safe. If you make safety a priority, you can identify any hazards before the lift is loaded onto the trailer and taken to its new location. You can also make sure your lift arrives safely at its final destination so you can start using it right away.

When it comes to forklift transportation, please proceed with caution. If you make safety a priority during forklift transport, you can limit the risk of accidents or damage to your forklift during transport.

How to move a forklift is not rocket science. All you need is some common sense, proper safety precautions, and the equipment to make it happen. Moving a forklift safely is nearly impossible without proper planning and foresight. Now, let's take a look at seven forklift towing tips you can do to safely move your forklift to your job site.

1. Weigh your forklift. Weigh your forklift and make sure your forklift trailer fits the forklift's own weight capacity. Check the maximum capacity of your forklift trailer; trailer capacities vary and you should verify capacity against the manufacturer's specifications. In addition to weight, also verify the length of the forklift trailer.

2. Check your forklift. Before loading your forklift onto your forklift carrier, make sure your forklift is in good condition. The wheels should be chocked to keep them from rolling. If the trailer is not already attached to the truck, place a front jack under the front of the trailer to keep it from tipping over.

3. Load your forklift. Back your forklift onto the truck or trailer and make sure its forks are pointing away from the transport vehicle. Review recommended forklift haulage policies based on your job site requirements.

4. Center the truck. Knowing how to transport a forklift in a trailer often comes down to properly centering the machine. Lower the forks to the floor and lean forward. Place wooden blocks behind each wheel of the forklift for stability. Secure the block in place by driving screws into the block and into the wood floor of the shipping vehicle.

5. Shut off the fuel supply. Before you leave, disconnect the propane tank from your forklift. For gasoline and diesel powered forklifts, make sure the fuel tank is secure so that fuel does not spill out of the tank during transport. Disconnect battery terminals to prevent arcing. Also, if you're transporting an electric forklift, charge the battery before you head out.

6. Use fixtures. Secure the forklift with chains and accompanying gear, attaching them to the edge of the truck bed, and tightening. Establish four anchor points at each corner of the forklift transport vehicle using at least two chains or accompanying devices.

7. Check vehicle clearance. Assess the clearance of the vehicle. If the roof of the forklift is higher than that of the forklift truck, avoid overpasses or bridges.