They are not "tie down tracks", they are load bar tracks, for these wimpy things:
Cargo Bars & Load Bars | Extendable Aluminum Shoring Beam 92" - 13"
They don't keep the load from rocking side-to-side, only fore and aft, mostly fore under hard braking. Problem is, the driver usually sets them
behind the load... go figure. The only good they do there is keep piles of boxes from tipping if he backs into a steep loading dock.
My rules of thumb for shipping machines:
1) The pallet has to be sturdy enough to keep the machine from tipping. For a Bridgeport, than means at least 2X6 planks on 4X4 stringers. Through bolts are better than lags.
2) The pallet has to be large enough that the lift truck fork plate will hit it before the mast can hit any part of the machine. If you have a 48" table, that means at least a 54" pallet.
3) Take the handles off and pack them in a
wooden box securely banded to the pallet.
4) Wrap the whole machine with stretch wrap. It will keep it dry, and show evidence if a wayward fork poked into it.
Added after some reflection:
Make sure you have insurance. The insurance that automatically comes with the tariff pays very little on new machines, less on used machines, and even less if it's not fully crated. You need insurance that will pay a specific value if the machine is lost or damaged. Best way is to see if you can get what is called an
Inland Marine Rider on an existing business policy This can be for a one time shipment, and is usually pretty cheap. The biggest advantage is you are dealing with your insurance company, not the motor carrier's.
Dennis