Shipping cranes is no small feat. These towering machines are the backbone of construction and industrial projects, but their size, weight, and complexity make transportation a logistical puzzle. Whether you’re moving a mobile crane across state lines or disassembling a tower crane for a long-haul journey, getting it right is crucial. Mistakes can lead to costly delays, damage, or even fines. But with the right approach, you can navigate these challenges smoothly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for shipping cranes, from understanding regulations to configuring loads and managing costs. Let’s ensure your crane arrives safely, on time, and within budget.
Regulations for Shipping Cranes
When it comes to shipping cranes, regulations are your roadmap—and they’re not one-size-fits-all. Each state has its own rules for vehicle dimensions and weights, and cranes often push these limits. Here’s what you need to know:
State-Specific Regulations
- Length: Most states cap vehicle combinations at 65–75 feet, but some allow longer with permits.
- Height: Typically, 13.5–14 feet is the limit, though permits can extend this to 16 feet in certain areas.
- Width: The standard is 8.5 feet, with oversize permits allowing up to 10–12 feet.
- Axle Weight: Single axles are usually limited to 20,000 pounds, tandem axles to 34,000 pounds, but check each state’s rules.
For example, shipping a 250-ton all-terrain crane from Texas to California requires permits from every state along the route, each with its own fees and restrictions. Travel times are often limited to daylight hours, and some states require escort vehicles for oversize loads. Freight SideKick handles routing and permitting, and it's included with every project estimate.
Federal Regulations
- Mobile cranes are considered Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs) under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). This means drivers must meet specific qualifications, adhere to hours-of-service rules, and maintain the vehicle properly.
Interstate Considerations
- Coordinating permits across multiple states can be tricky. A single misstep can lead to delays or fines, so planning is key.
Best Practice: Partner with a freight broker like FreightSideKick to handle the permit maze. We ensure compliance across all jurisdictions, so you don’t have to.
Configuring Crane Shipments
Cranes aren’t just big—they’re intricate. Each part, from the boom to the counterweights, needs careful handling. At Freight SideKick, we don’t just load and go; we strategize. Here’s how we optimize your crane shipment:
- Assessment: We start by understanding your crane inside out—its weight, dimensions, and how it can be disassembled.
- Load Planning: Think of it like a puzzle. We assign each piece to the right trailer: The house (the heart of the crane, including the cab and counterweight) often needs a multi-axle RGN trailer for its heft. Counterweights are heavy but compact, perfect for flatbed trailers. Boom sections are long and slender, so they ride on lowboy trailers. Smaller bits like hook blocks or winches might hitch a ride in containers.
- Smaller bits like hook blocks or winches might hitch a ride in vans or otherwise load on a standard flatbed.
- Minimizing Loads: By stacking compatible parts and balancing weights, we cut down on trailers. Fewer trailers mean lower costs and simpler logistics.
For instance, shipping a tower crane might involve:
- The house on an RGN.
- Counterweights on a flatbed.
- Mast and jib sections on separate lowboys.
This tailored approach ensures each part travels safely and efficiently.
Transportation Methods
Choosing how to ship your crane is like picking the right tool for the job. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Truckload (TL) | Partial Truckload (PTL) | Less Than Truckload (LTL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| What It Is | Your shipment, your truck | Shared truck, all your stuff | Shared truck with others’ stuff |
| Cost | Higher upfront, cheaper per unit | Middle ground | Low upfront, pricier per unit |
| Control | You call the shots | Some flexibility | Carrier’s schedule rules |
| Handling | Minimal—less risk | Moderate | Lots of handling—higher risk |
| Best For | Big, valuable shipments | Medium loads | Small or mixed shipments |
- Why FTL for Cranes?: Cranes are high-value and often very large. FTL (Full Truckload) keeps handling to a minimum and gives you control over timing.
- When PTL Makes Sense: For smaller cranes or partial shipments, PTL offers a balance of cost and control.
- Why Skip LTL: Too much handling, too much risk for something as delicate as a crane.
Best Practice: Go with Dedicated FTL. If your shipment is smaller, PTL can be a smart, cost-effective choice.
Cost Considerations
Shipping a crane isn’t cheap, but smart planning can keep costs in check:
- Consolidation: Pack more onto fewer trailers to cut transportation fees.
- Route Optimization: Choose paths that avoid tolls when possible. Depending on dimensions, special routes may be necessary for some shipments. At Freight SideKick, our internal tools ensure the most optimal route all things considered.
- Timing: Ship during off-peak times if possible to dodge delays and extra charges.
- Insurance: Don’t skimp—protect your investment. Most FTL carriers have $100,000 cargo coverage but we can add additional coverage for more costly components.
- Permit Planning: Permits can cost $15 to $70 per state or more. Budget accordingly.
Best Practice: Work with a freight broker to find cost-saving opportunities without cutting corners.
Tracking
When your crane is on the move, you want eyes on it. Freight SideKick’s GPS tracking lets you:
- See where your shipment is in real-time.
- Tackle delays or issues fast.
- Keep your team in the loop.
Freight SideKick also provides dedicated account management with a single point-of-contact. So if we are handling your project, we'll be carefully monitoring all the drivers assigned to your shipments and keeping you abreast of any delays or changes to the schedule.
Conclusion
Shipping a crane is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be a headache. By nailing the regulations, configuring loads smartly, picking the right transport method, managing costs, and using GPS tracking, you’re set for success. At Freight SideKick, we’ve got the experience. Let’s get your crane where it needs to be—safely, on time, and on budget.
Get Personalized Assistance
Ready to ship your crane? Contact us for a custom plan. Call us at 877-345-3838 or email your specs to support@freightsidekick.com.
