Shipping Car Lifts, Mowers & E-Bikes: How We Crate and Deliver Heavy Equipment

Car lifts, whether two-post, four-post, or single-post, present unique shipping challenges. They are heavy, tall, and contain hydraulic components that must not leak during transit. Colivelo ships every car lift in a custom steel-safe vertical crate designed to protect the columns, hydraulic cylinders, and cable assemblies.

Each car lift is disassembled at the origin and the components are organized for reassembly. The vertical columns are crated upright to prevent warping. Hydraulic packs are sealed in protective wrap to prevent fluid leakage. The hardware kit including bolts, cables, pads, and fittings is bagged, labeled, and photographed before loading.

Liftgate delivery is standard on all car lift shipments because the crates are too heavy for a standard tailgate. The delivery vehicle is equipped with a hydraulic liftgate rated for the weight of the crate. For commercial garage installations, we coordinate with the installer to ensure the lift is delivered to the right bay at the right time. Every car lift shipment is fully insured and GPS-tracked — see Equipment & Vehicle Shipping.

Riding mowers, lawn tractors, and garden tractors require careful preparation before shipping. Colivelo manages every step. Fuel is drained or treated with stabilizer. Oil and hydraulic fluid levels are checked and documented. Coolant is verified if applicable. This prevents leaks that could damage other cargo.

The battery is disconnected and the terminals are taped to prevent accidental activation during transit. The mower is positioned on a pallet and the wheels are chocked to prevent movement. The mower is then strapped to the pallet using heavy-duty ratchet straps. The mower deck is cleaned and if possible removed for separate packaging. The blades are secured to prevent movement.

For larger tractors, we use specialized equipment trailers or flatbed containers depending on the size and weight. Each shipment is insured and tracked from pickup to delivery, with the same 9-milestone timeline as every other Colivelo load.

Shipping e-bikes requires compliance with international dangerous goods regulations because lithium-ion batteries are classified as hazardous materials. Colivelo handles all UN 3481 compliance requirements.

• UN 3481 packing

  Lithium-ion batteries shipped with equipment must be protected against short circuits, secured against movement, and packed in materials that can withstand transit.

• State of charge ≤30%

  Lithium-ion batteries shipped by air or ocean must be at 30 percent or less state of charge. Colivelo verifies and documents the state of charge before shipping.

• Protected terminals

  Battery terminals are covered with non-conductive tape or caps to prevent accidental short circuits. This is mandatory under IATA and IMDG regulations.

• Hazmat-aware handoff

  Our drivers and warehouse staff are trained in lithium battery handling. The shipment is labeled with UN 3481 markings and the dangerous goods declaration is filed with the carrier.

Every Colivelo equipment shipment includes all-risk cargo insurance at no additional cost. This means your car lift, mower, or e-bike is covered against physical loss or damage from the moment it leaves your facility until it is delivered and signed for.

The default coverage limit applies to most shipments, and you can declare a higher value at booking if your equipment is worth more. The declared value determines the insurance premium and the maximum payout. We recommend declaring the full replacement value of the equipment.

For car lifts valued above $25,000, a higher declared value is strongly recommended. For e-bikes with premium battery systems, declare the full retail value including the battery. See our insurance terms page for full details on coverage limits and exclusions.

Colivelo offers several delivery options for equipment shipments. Liftgate delivery is standard for car lifts and heavy equipment. Residential delivery is available for mowers and e-bikes going to residential addresses. Commercial delivery is coordinated with the shop manager to schedule delivery during business hours. White-glove service including inside placement, unpacking, and debris removal is available on request.

Every delivery includes a signed, timestamped, photographed proof of delivery. The POD is uploaded to our tracking portal immediately after delivery, so you can verify receipt without waiting for paperwork.

If equipment does arrive damaged despite the crating, our claims walkthrough shows exactly what to document and how fast the SLA moves — first review within 24 hours.

To get a quote for shipping a car lift, mower, e-bike, or other equipment, you need three pieces of information: the equipment description (make, model, dimensions, and weight), the origin and destination (full addresses including zip codes), and the declared value for insurance purposes.

With this information, Colivelo can provide a quote that includes freight, fuel surcharge, insurance, and any accessorial charges. Our quotes are all-inclusive with no hidden fees. Visit our Equipment & Vehicle Shipping page to request a quote, or read how US domestic freight handles liftgate final mile.