Machinery Moving and Logistics in the Manufacturing Sector

Why this FAQ matters for Manufacturing Logistics

When manufacturing companies plan to move heavy equipment, questions arise quickly. How much downtime should you expect? What permits do you need? Who handles the packing? These questions aren’t just operational — they impact cost, compliance, and project timelines.

To make planning easier, we’ve compiled this comprehensive FAQ on machinery moving and manufacturing logistics, drawing on Jaberson Technology’s experience in heavy equipment relocation across Malaysia and ASEAN.

1. What Is Machinery Moving in the Manufacturing Sector?

Machinery moving refers to the planning, dismantling, transport, and reinstallation of manufacturing equipment. This can involve moving machinery within the same facility, relocating to a new plant, or transporting equipment internationally.

In manufacturing, machinery moves are often part of:

Facility Relocations: Moving to larger premises or consolidating operations.
Production Line Upgrades: Replacing outdated machinery with new models.
Expansion Projects: Adding new equipment to boost capacity.
Maintenance or Overhauls: Moving equipment for major servicing.

2. Why Is Planning So Important for Machinery Moves?

Inadequate planning is one of the main reasons machinery moves go over time and budget. Manufacturing machinery is often heavy, oversized, and precision-calibrated, requiring tailored handling methods.

Effective planning should include:

Site Surveys: Measure access points, floor load capacity, and utilities.
Method Statements: Define each step from dismantling to recommissioning.
Scheduling: Align moves with planned downtime or maintenance periods.
Contingency Planning: Prepare for route changes, equipment breakdowns, or weather delays.

3. How Long Does It Take to Move Manufacturing Machinery?

The duration depends on the size, complexity, and distance of the move. Moving a small CNC machine within the same facility may take hours, while relocating a multi-ton press to another country could take weeks.

Time factors include:

Preparation: Permits, packaging, and staging equipment.
Transport Time: Varies for local, interstate, or cross-border moves.
Installation & Calibration: Ensuring machinery is operational post-move.

4. What Permits Are Required?

Permits are a compliance requirement for heavy or oversized machinery moves, especially when using public roads. These vary by country and sometimes by state.

Common permits include:

JPJ/JKR/PLUS Approvals (Malaysia) for oversized loads.
Police Escorts for certain dimensions or weights.
Cross-Border Permits such as LTA (Singapore), Izin Khusus (Indonesia), DLT (Thailand).

Partnering with a logistics provider experienced in multi-jurisdictional permits prevents delays.

5. How Do You Minimise Downtime During a Machinery Move?

Downtime can be a manufacturer’s biggest hidden cost. The key is to plan the move around production schedules and ensure readiness at the destination site.

Downtime reduction strategies include:

Pre-Staging Materials: Have crates, tools, and lifting equipment ready.
Parallel Workstreams: Prepare installation sites while dismantling machinery.
Strategic Scheduling: Move during off-peak production or planned shutdowns.

6. How Should Manufacturing Machinery Be Packaged for Transport?

Packaging protects machinery from physical damage, vibration, and environmental hazards during the move. Poor packaging can turn a routine relocation into a costly repair project.

Packaging methods may involve:

Custom Crates: Tailored to equipment dimensions and weight.
Moisture Barriers & VCI Materials: Prevent corrosion during storage or transit.
Shock Absorbers: Protect precision components from vibration and impact.

7. Who Should Handle the Machinery Move — In-House Teams or Specialists?

While some facilities have skilled in-house crews, specialist movers bring experience, equipment, and compliance expertise that most internal teams lack.

Specialists provide:

Certified Operators & Riggers: Meeting safety and legal standards.
Specialised Transport Vehicles: Lowbeds, extendable trailers, or SPMTs.
Engineering Support: Structural analysis, lifting plans, alignment, and calibration.

8. What Safety Standards Must Be Followed?

Safety is both a compliance requirement and a project priority. Failing to meet safety standards can result in accidents, delays, and legal issues.

Key safety requirements:

DOSH & CIDB Compliance: In Malaysia, these govern lifting and construction-related safety.
PPE Enforcement: Hard hats, gloves, steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing.
Load Testing: Ensuring lifting equipment meets certified capacity.

9. How Much Does It Cost to Move Manufacturing Machinery?

Costs depend on the complexity, size, distance, and risk factors of the move. Factors that influence pricing include:

Permits & Escorts: Required for oversized loads.
Specialised Equipment Hire: Cranes, forklifts, gantries.
Packaging & Crating: Especially for sensitive machinery.
Engineering Services: Structural surveys and installation calibration.

Requesting a detailed scope from your logistics provider ensures cost transparency.

10. Why Choose Jaberson Technology for Machinery Moving?

Jaberson Technology delivers engineering-led, compliance-focused machinery moves tailored to the manufacturing sector. With expertise across Malaysia and ASEAN, we manage every stage from planning to recommissioning.

Our services include:

End-to-End Project Management — Single point of contact.
Permit & Compliance Handling — Across multiple jurisdictions.
In-House Equipment Fleet — Ready for any machinery size.
Post-Move Support — Calibration and operator readiness.

Confidence Through Clarity

By understanding the most common questions about machinery moving, manufacturers can approach their next relocation with clarity, compliance, and confidence. The right planning, partners, and processes ensure machinery arrives safely, production downtime is minimised, and projects stay on budget.

Have more questions about machinery moving in the manufacturing sector?

Speak to Jaberson Technology for tailored solutions, regulatory expertise, and end-to-end logistics support that gets your machinery where it needs to go — safely and on time.

📧 Email: info@jaberson-technology.com.my
🌐 Visit: www.jaberson-technology.com.my

About Jaberson Technology

Jaberson Technology is a leading provider of heavy equipment transportation, machinery relocation, engineering solutions, crating & packaging, and freight forwarding services across Malaysia and ASEAN. With a proven track record in manufacturing, oil & gas, data centres, and healthcare, Jaberson delivers safe, efficient, and compliant logistics solutions for even the most complex projects.