Powering Industrial Logistics: Discover Practical Solutions for Shipping Heavy Equipment and Machine Parts

How to build a resilient industrial transport supply chain 

Canada’s industrial economy relies on transporting heavy equipment and machine parts—from mining supplies in remote locations to agricultural machinery, metalworking equipment and automotive parts for just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing. But shipping these bulky items involves a lot more than simply loading them onto a truck. 

Whether you’re an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), a construction firm, an automotive aftermarket parts distributor, hydraulic equipment supplier or any other kind of industrial manufacturing company, you’re likely familiar with the challenges of shipping machine parts and industrial supplies. Dealing with oversized items, cross-border documentation and compliance can be a lot to juggle on your own. Add in tight delivery windows, and suddenly industrial transport becomes a big challenge without support from an expert. 

What makes these challenges even trickier in 2025 is the shifting global trade landscape. As new global trade opportunities emerge, businesses need to rethink their logistics strategies to remain competitive. And with tariff uncertainty placing new pressure on supply chains, efficiency and flexibility have become non-negotiable. 

The good news? The right logistics partner makes overcoming these challenges a lot easier, especially if they have decades of experience in cross-border compliance, specialized services tailored for industrial transport and a vast Canadian network to reach even the most remote destinations. As discussed in our expert-led webinar on navigating Canada–U.S. trade, building a resilient supply chain that can remain competitive while navigating new policies starts with making informed logistics decisions. For many industrial shippers, that means working with a logistics partner who offers shipping solutions that help your business adapt, and even thrive, in times of uncertainty. 

• • On April 3, 2025, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian-made automobiles. Canada responded on April 9 with matching tariffs on certain U.S. vehicles. (Source: Government of Canada) 
  • On March 12, 2025, the U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum. Canada responded with tariffs on $29.8 billion worth of U.S. goods, including industrial metal supplies. (Source: Government of Canada) 

Key takeaways

What qualifies as parts for heavy equipment and machinery?

Shipping heavy equipment and machine parts involves more than just moving large items—it’s about transporting essential, high-value assets that power Canada’s industrial backbone and keep your business running. From construction and agriculture to automotive and manufacturing, these shipments often require special handling due to their size, weight and regulatory classification. 

Common examples of industrial shipments that fall into this category include: 

• Automotive parts and assemblies (e.g., parts for engines, transmissions, chassis components and electric vehicle drivetrains and lithium-ion battery modules) 
• Heavy construction machine parts (e.g., parts for excavators, bulldozer and cranes) 
• Pipeline components and equipment (e.g., parts for trenchers, boring machine parts and compressors) 
• Mining equipment parts (e.g., parts for drilling rigs and loaders) 
• Metalworking machinery components and industrial metal supply parts (e.g., parts for presses and welding equipment) 
• Hydraulic and pneumatic system components (e.g., parts for pumps, cylinders and control units) 
• Agricultural machine parts and equipment (e.g., parts for tractors, augers, seeders and harvesters) 
• Food processing machine components (e.g., parts for industrial mixers, conveyors and packaging lines) 
• Green energy equipment and parts (e.g., wind turbines parts, components for hydroelectric generators and solar panel assembly systems) 

Dangerous goods and regulatory requirements in Canada 

Many industrial shipments—especially those that contain fuels, compressed gases, batteries or chemical products—fall under Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) regulations. These rules are critical to ensure the safe and legal handling of materials and equipment that are potentially hazardous. 

As a shipper, you’re responsible for: 

• Properly identifying, classifying and packaging dangerous goods (DG). 
• Applying correct TDG labeling and placarding. 
• Completing and including all required documentation. 
• Ensuring carriers are certified and compliant with TDG requirements. 

Overcome the logistics challenges of shipping heavy equipment and industrial machine parts

Transporting heavy equipment and machinery comes with its own unique logistical hurdles, from managing oversized freight to meeting tight delivery windows. To navigate these challenges, industrial shippers need more than just a carrier—they need a strategic partner who understands the complexities of the industrial supply chain.  

The right logistics partner offers end-to-end solutions, including special handling, cross-border expertise and time-definite delivery services. When shipments are delayed, critical projects can stall, so working with a partner that ensures dependable, on-time delivery is essential to keeping job sites running and business moving forward. 

Let’s break down the exact challenges industrial shippers are likely to face. 

Are the complexities of industrial shipping throwing a wrench in your supply chain? Trust Purolator to transport your heavy equipment and machine parts on time. Partner with us

1. Cross-border regulations and tariffs 

Challenge:

Heavy equipment and machinery often cross international borders multiple times during production, assembly or repair. But shifting trade policies and ongoing tariffs can create uncertainty, delays and added costs for industrial shippers. 

Purolator’s solutions: 

Purolator offers cross-border logistics expertise, including customs support, access to the Purolator Trade Assistant and a Digital Commercial Invoice to simplify documentation. With multimodal shipping options, nearshoring strategies and compliance experts through partners like Livingston International, Purolator helps businesses adapt quickly and manage the impact of tariffs. 

Struggling with cross-border tariffs? Discover how Purolator helps industrial shippers manage costs and restructure supply chains. Learn more

2. Oversized, overweight and high-value shipments 

Challenge:

Industrial freight is often large, heavy and expensive—making it difficult to handle and susceptible to damage if not managed properly. 

Purolator’s solutions: 

Purolator provides special handling services and secure packaging tailored to machinery and parts. With decades of experience managing heavy or oversized shipments, the team offers specialized services like non-packaged item support, oversized van requests, vehicles with personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and second-person assistance for safe, compliant handling. 

3. Dangerous goods classification

Challenge:

Equipment that includes fuel systems, hydraulic units or pressurized components may be classified as DG under Canadian law, requiring specialized expertise to move legally and safely. 

Purolator’s solutions: 

Purolator is fully certified for DG handling expertise compliant with Transport Canada’s TDG regulations. We accept more classes of DG than any other shipping provider in Canada, and are the only carrier to provide the 500 kg Exemption service. Our team supports proper classification, labeling and documentation, ensuring compliance and minimizing risk. 

4. Industry-specific delivery needs 

Challenge:

OEMs, automotive parts shippers and construction sites may require deliveries outside standard business hours or shipments sent to remote locations. For example, sites like certain construction areas, automotive service centres or production facilities need deliveries outside of standard hours or in destinations that are difficult to reach. 

Purolator’s solutions: 

Purolator offers after-hours pick-ups and dedicated delivery services (DDS) to meet non-standard timelines. With time-definite and Mission Critical services, plus a vast network of regional distribution certains that deliver to any part of the country, Purolator ensures timely deliveries in remote locations or under time-sensitive limitations. 

5. Transportation costs and operational efficiency

Challenge:

Managing multiple suppliers, regions and shipment types can drive up logistics costs and add inefficiencies to your overall supply chain. 

Purolator’s solutions: 

At Purolator, cost optimization is all about letting your business ship in bulk with freight services, including less-than-truckload (LTL) and truckload (TL) options. Along with smart route optimization and flexible service levels—from standard ground to express—you have the freedom to choose how you want to balance speed and budget. 

6. Omnichannel fulfillment and e-commerce

Challenge:

OEMs and parts suppliers now face growing demand for fast, trackable deliveries across B2B and B2C dealership networks. This creates added complexity when managing large or irregular freight. 

Purolator’s solutions: 

Purolator offers integrated e-commerce shipping tools, complete with tracking visibility and delivery notifications. With 24/7 support, a Virtual Assistant and returns management solutions, we make it easy to handle aftermarket part deliveries and replacements across every sales channel. 

 

What to look for in an industrial transportation partner

Transporting heavy equipment and machinery isn’t just about capacity—it’s about choosing a logistics partner with the right infrastructure, industry expertise and adaptability to handle complex, high-value shipments. Whether moving goods across Canada or internationally, the right partner ensures safe handling, timely delivery and full compliance with regulations.  

With Purolator, your industrial business gains more than just another carrier—they gain a trusted partner who is equipped to improve supply chain reliability, streamline project timelines and help manage transportation costs without compromising on service. 

Cross-border expertise for heavy equipment and machinery parts

It might seem simple to move heavy equipment and machinery parts from point A to B. But when you’re shipping machine parts across international borders, the process is far more complex than a regular local shipment. From navigating tariffs and customs documentation to ensuring DG compliance, even minor missteps can lead to costly delays, fines or shipments being rejected at the border. Finding efficiency in the cross-border customs process is key. With a partner like Purolator, your business can leverage cross-border solutions designed to move industrial shipments smoothly and reliably, while staying compliant and minimizing risk. 

Look for an industrial transportation partner who can help you: 

• Navigate shifting tariffs and trade regulations when shipping to the U.S. 
• Implement nearshoring and offshoring strategies to optimize sourcing and reduce duty exposure. 
• Consolidate shipments for more efficient and cost-effective cross-border logistics. 
• Use multimodal transport (LTL/TL freight, air and ground) to balance speed and cost. 
• Ensure compliance with DG regulations and special handling requirements. 
• Reduce customs delays with digital tools like the Digital Commercial Invoice and Purolator Trade Assistant. 

Legrand optimizes distribution with Purolator’s freight consolidation solution

Legrand’s experience with Purolator highlights how strategic freight consolidation can solve real-world logistics challenges and create meaningful operational gains. Faced with limited dock space and growing shipping demands, Legrand needed a way to streamline outbound freight without relocating or disrupting operations. 

With Purolator’s freight consolidation solution, Legrand was able to: 

• Reduce the number of daily trailer pick-ups by consolidating parcels, boxes and pallets. 
• Improve dock efficiency and avoid fines due to overcrowding or scheduling conflicts. 
• Maintain high service levels across both B2B and B2C deliveries. 
• Eliminate the need for costly facility expansion by optimizing their existing space. 
• Meet key shipping performance goals while enhancing customer satisfaction. 

Purolator provided daily scheduled trailer pick-ups and a dedicated trailer system, helping Legrand simplify their shipping operations and scale distribution without compromising on speed or reliability. 

Technological excellence in industrial logistics

To stay competitive, your industrial shipments need more than just trucks and warehouses. Modern industrial logistics demands smart, tech-enabled logistics that can adapt to the growing complexity of modern supply chains. From real-time visibility to predictive planning, industrial shippers need tools that increase speed, reduce risk and support seamless fulfillment across multiple channels. 

Purolator is at the cutting-edge of logistics technological innovation. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our supply chain solutions with the latest technology. By partnering with us, industrial shippers can access: 

• End-to-end shipment visibility with real-time tracking across Canada and cross-border lanes. 
• Purolator Vision, a powerful platform offering complete tracking visibility, exception reporting and proactive shipping notifications to ensure reliable, on-time deliveries. 
• Forecasting and inventory management tools to support smarter planning and reduce downtime. 
• Integrated cross-border e-commerce and omnichannel solutions through Purolator E-Ship® Web Services, enabling direct-to-site, B2B and aftermarket part fulfillment. 
• Access to Purolator’s National Hub, featuring advanced automation, sorting and routing for time-definite deliveries. 

Avoid losses in logistics with our practical guide on supply chain risk management for B2B and B2C businesses. Download whitepaper.

Special handling and dangerous goods shipments 

Shipping equipment and machine parts requires careful handling, protective packaging and strict compliance with DG regulations. A single compliance mistake can lead to shipping delays, and improperly packaged equipment risks being damaged during transit. Whether it’s oversized parts or pressurized systems, industrial shippers must work with a logistics provider who understands how to manage risk, reduce delays and ensure safe delivery across all shipment types. 

Look no further than Purolator. We offer certified DG handling in full compliance with Transport Canada’s TDG regulations, backed by trained specialists who understand how to handle regulated materials and equipment safely. Our specialized delivery service experts are equipped to handle oversized and overweight items, using experienced personnel and properly outfitted vehicles. And if you’re in need to keep projects on schedule, we also provide after-hours pick-up and DDS for job sites, remote areas and time-sensitive deliveries. Last but not least, our team also offers packaging guidance to protect high-value shipments during transit. 

Efficient reverse logistics and sustainable solutions for industrial shipments 

For OEMs, industrial distributors, aftermarket automotive parts and equipment suppliers, logistics efficiency doesn’t end with delivery. Particularly in the automotive industry, customer experience is always a top priority, and in the modern industrial logistics landscape, customers look for timely returns, refurbishment options and environmentally sustainable solutions. With production lines and field operations depending on speed and visibility, businesses are in a difficult spot as they have to balance those factors alongside the rising pressure to offer eco-conscious logistics solutions. 

With Purolator, you get to have the best of both worlds: fast shipments and a logistics partner who can help you reduce your carbon footprint. Our time-definite delivery services like next-day delivery and Mission Critical ensure urgent or high-value shipments arrive exactly when and where they’re needed. If your customers are looking to return their items, no problem. Our reverse logistics solutions make returns, replacements or refurbishments for industrial parts quick and easy for your customers. And with a growing suite of environmentally friendly solutions—including electric vehicles, route optimization technology and guidance for eco-friendly packaging—Purolator keeps your industrial shipments on the move while also helping your business reach environmental and waste-reduction goals. 

Discover how OEMs and automotive suppliers are overcoming delays, part shortages and cross-border hurdles with digitized supply chains and sustainable logistics. Download whitepaper

Why choose Purolator for transporting heavy equipment and machine parts? 

Choosing the right logistics partner is essential when transporting machinery and industrial parts across Canada and beyond. Purolator delivers more than just freight services—it offers tailored, end-to-end logistics solutions designed to meet the unique demands of industrial shippers. 

Reach every corner of the country with 100% coverage in Canada*  

Once in Canada, your shipment has access to Purolator’s expansive network with complete nationwide delivery coverage. Reach every Canadian address, from major metropolitan areas to rural and remote communities. Whether you’re shipping construction machinery to northern Ontario or automotive parts to rural Alberta, Purolator ensures timely and secure deliveries.​ 

Cross-border expertise throughout North America and beyond

Navigating cross-border shipping can be complex, especially for heavy and oversized equipment. Purolator simplifies the process with:​ 

• Flexible multimodal transport: Utilize a combination of TL, LTL, rail, sea and air services to meet your specific delivery needs. ​ 
• Customs clearance support: Access tools like the Purolator Trade Assistant and Digital Commercial Invoice to streamline documentation and ensure compliance. ​ 
• Nearshoring/offshoring solutions: Optimize your supply chain with strategic shipping options to and from the U.S. and global markets.  
• Customs clearance solutions: Prefilled customs documentation helps minimize the risk of delays, and we can help reduce clearance times with consolidated shipments, which clear customs as a single unit. 
• Canadian border service: We deliver your industrial parts directly to the Canadian border, and can time the delivery so that it arrives on the same day as your U.S. pick-up.

Freight consolidation and cost management 

For large shipments, Purolator provides freight consolidation services, combining freight and courier shipments in a single truck to manage costs and improve efficiency, as well as LTL/TL hybrid solutions. Additionally, our route optimization technology brings further cost management opportunities while also prioritizing speed. And if speed is your priority, then our air freight solutions are ready to ship your industrial supplies as quickly as possible. 

End-to-end shipment visibility and loss prevention solutions 

Purolator helps you maintain control and peace of mind with robust tracking tools and preventative measures for high-value, heavy shipments. 

• Tracking: Monitor your shipment’s status at every stage with our enhanced tracking options, including estimated delivery times and updates throughout the shipping journey. 
• Loss prevention: Heavy equipment requires extra protection. Purolator’s experts are trained to handle your industrial shipments properly, and our trucks have received Level 1 Trucking Security Requirements (TSR) certification to reduce risk during transit. 

 Specialized flexible pickup and delivery services 

Purolator offers specialized services, like flexible pickup and delivery options, to handle the unique requirements of industrial shipments and to accommodate your facility’s production schedule:​ 

• Special handling: Experience our specialized services for oversized, fragile or irregularly shaped items, so you get peace of mind knowing your machinery is in the right hands. 
• After-hours flexible pick-up/delivery: Flexible scheduling options to meet tight delivery windows and operational needs.​ We even offer Saturday and evening deliveries, as well as early morning services with Hold For Pickup options. 
• Mission Critical service: Our fastest shipping service to date, Purolator Mission Critical is perfect for automotive and OEM businesses who need constant, reliable and dedicated logistics support. 
• Other services such as oversized van requests, second-person assistance and vehicles equipped with PPE kits. 

Streamline industrial shipping with smart logistics and tech integration

Our cutting-edge National Hub and centralized regional distribution centres help streamline order fulfillment, reduce transit times and optimize warehouse storage across Canada. Purolator also supports e-commerce integration for industrial suppliers, enabling consistent service across B2B, dealer and direct-to-site shipments—all backed by real-time tracking and data-driven logistics. 

Build a robust and flexible industrial transportation network with Purolator

In today’s evolving global landscape, industrial businesses and suppliers face mounting pressure to adapt their logistics strategies. Transporting heavy equipment and machinery now demands more logistics flexibility, compliance expertise and reach than ever before. Whether you’re moving high-value OEM components, heavy construction machine parts or DG shipments, Purolator helps you build a resilient supply chain, future-proof your shipping solutions and enhance your logistics with the latest technology designed for complex industrial demands. 

Ready to upgrade your heavy equipment logistics and strengthen your industrial supply chain? Partner with Purolator today.

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