Brewhouse Shipping Costs

[brewninja]

What does it typically cost to ship a brewhouse? Aside from mileage, is it usually figured on a per pound basis or whatever you can fit on a truck?

thanks for any info

[Beersmith]

If it's a 15bbl or larger system it will probably have to go on a flatbed semi. They charge (somewhat) based on deck space rather than weight for the distance travelled. Also, if your equipment doesn't take the whole trailer, the rate will depend on whether they can combine the shipment with another other haul. I had a 15bbl skid-mounted brewhouse (1/2 of the trailer) shipped cross country for about $3,200. A couple of years ago I had several flatbeds with a brewhouse, fermenters and cellar tanks shipped 850 miles for $1,300 per truck. I would have to guess with current fuel prices that same run would be at least $500 more.

If you use a transportation broker you will pay more, but will spend more time trying to find someone to haul it.

Also, you need to pay close attention to the height of the equipment being shipped. Depending on the route, most loads can't be more than 12-13 feet high. Figure on extra charges for a step-deck or low-boy flatbed or alternate routes (to avoid low overpasses) if the unit is very tall. That's my experience, I hope it helps.