MRI Shipment Standards
- Edge Protectors are required under straps - Critical on metal cabinets and other structures.
- Furniture Blankets are required to pad all unprotected surfaces against direct contact with other components or stacked components. Loose components should be on skids.
- Drivers using ratchet straps are cautioned against strapping down too hard on metal cabinets or other components.
- Cell Phone Shipment tracking is required.
- Team Drivers are required if transit is longer than 4 days (MRIs only).
- MRI's are sensitive to rapid changes in altitude. Route planing to avoid going through mountainous or high elevation areas. We will pay for the extra miles. Coolant in the MRI's are is in sealed chambers and sensitive to elevation pressures.
- Driver to pay close attention to strap placement. Drivers should ask the professional installers and riggers for their recommendations.
- Pictures should be taken of all loaded units is required, prior to unloading, to identify if there are any load shifts or other issues.
- Conestoga Trailers ( aka - Covered Wagons)- standard or step deck, are specified for Large Magent MRIs. These trailers avoid the cost of crating and tarps having direct contact with the scanners.
- Conestoga trailers will be loaded / unloaded with a crane or fork lift - You will usually be meeting rigging company on site.
We Move Smaller CT Scanners Also
We normally move them in enclosed trailers !
Driver Caution
Drivers need to be aware that metal cabinets are sensitive to excessive strap tie down pressure. Pulling straps too tight can cause damage.
It is critical that all metal cabinets not be secured too tightly and that corner protectors are used under every strap.
Furniture pads are required to avoid metal to metal contact or products against the side walls of the van.
Are You Moving a CT Scanners ?
These units are smaller than MRI units. The average weight of main component is around 4000 pounds. The total shipment weight is about 7500 pounds.
CT Scanners vary in weight and the weight of their components. We will advise haulers of the weights and dims prior to load.
We work with local crews to transfer the larger component using a tilt back trailer. Small items are loaded using a lift gate truck. These units are hauled in straight trucks or sometimes large tractor trailers.
All trailers must have air ride suspension, e-track, straps and limited pads. Load bars are recommended but not mandatory.
Drivers will appreciate the loading experience of the local crews. It is important that each driver review padding and and safe tie down instructions for the local supervisor at the site.
Shipping an MRI or CT Scanner
Call us at 602 374 4400
Drivers: Read this please if you are transporting an MRI
Fear of The Quench.
A "quench" is, at a minimum, an extremely costly and timely repair. At a maximum, the MRI is all but useless. And this potential issue makes MRI logistics quite a bit more complicated.
Here's why: In order for the MRI's magnet to operate properly, it must run at a temperature near absolute zero (approximately –460°F). To keep it at this temperature, MRI machines use liquid helium, which keeps the the magnet at this temperature. However, if the liquid helium isn't kept at the correct levels, or otherwise reaches its boiling point (approximately -450°F), an accelerated "boil off" can occur and the magnet loses its supercooled state. Without the helium to keep the components supercooled, they heat up, expand, and the machine experiences a "quench".
Now, if you look at the differences in temperature outlined above, there are just a few degrees between properly operating MRI, and a 20-ton paperweight.
What kind of equipment is handled by our medical movers?
Throughout the years, Our professionals have had the opportunity to move just about every type of medical equipment, Whether it be a huge bulky machine or a small, hyper-sensitive precision instrument.
When moving medical equipment, experience matters. Damaged equipment means lost revenue and delays in patient care, so it is absolutely necessary that everything be treated with the utmost care and safety.
For your next medical move, contact Best Move USA. We provide a working estimate, so that you can begin to budget your costs for the transfer.
Drivers - Please Confirm Check Listp
Driver Facts and Assumptions
for shipping used MRI equipment.
- The large magnet on many MRIs weight about 25000 pounds. The total shipment weight of the MRI and related equipment is about 35000 pounds. It is important the trailer is empty upon arrival and you determine placement on the trailer..
- Larger MRI will have a high declared value unless otherwise stipulated
- Our customers normally will arrange for the rigger both at origin and destination.
- Carrier risk begins when the machine is strapped / chained to the flatbed and ends at destination before it is offloaded by the rigger.
Relocating an MRI requires highly specialized industry professionals utilizing the right equipment.
These are time critical transfers of high value and sensitive medical equipment.
Experience Matters - Cost Control Is Key !
Roll Back / Tilt Bed Trucks are a safer method of transferring CT Scanners from ground level to truck height.
Driver Check List For Hauling an MRI or CT Scanners
- Exclusive Use Required.
- Time Sensitive Shipment. MRI must deliver within 4 days. CT Scanners are not time restricted.
- Driver to work with origin crew to make sure there is no strapping over critical components
- Cabinets and other equipment should be banded to skids. Check to make sure the skid is in reasonable condition for the weigh and size of the item being shipped. When Items are banded or strapped to skids - tie down to skids only.
- When strapping over cabinets,for stability, we require pads and edge protectors. Caution - do not strap down hard. Light pressure only - please don't bend the metal. Use multiple straps if required. Strapping down too tightly can cause damage that could be chargeable claim against the driver.
- Hauler is required to supply 20 straps and at least 20-30 furniture pads ( Harbor Freight or Home Depot have them if not already on board).
- If the driver purchases required materials, they will be reimbursed. Note they must remain with the delivered shipment for reimbursement.
- Driver should ask the customer representative to sign off on adequate tie down.
- Driver to take pictures of fully loaded trailer before leaving site. Pictures can protect the driver as verification of original condition and tie down.
- Optional: Suggest sending a picture of the loaded trailer to cell phone (602) 803-6338 for a quick check for any recommended changes. They would be recommendations only, as the tie down is always the drivers decision.
- Driver to take pictures at time of delivery. This picture protects the driver with evidence of safe transit.
- Driver to note any visible damage on the delivery receipt / Bill of Lading and notify operations ( your dispatcher - GlobalTranz Operations - Jack @ Best Move USA - (602) 803-6338 or jack@bestmoveusa.com.
Conestoga -- "Covered Wagon".
A flatbed with a tarp in a frame that retracts.
No need to crate - There is no tarp abrasion. .
Main Scanner is mounted on a specialied dolly for easier handling. Floor protection is recomended.
MacroPoint Satellite Tracking connects to the drivers cell phone for continuous monitoring until delivery.
We are part of a TEAM
Our Shipping Team Works with Riggers, Installers and Technicians to move this equipment safely.
Driver / Hauler Page