How do I know which trailer type I need?

It depends on equipment height, weight, and whether it can drive onto the trailer. Flatbed (48" deck height) works for equipment under 12.5 ft tall and under 48,000 lbs that can be lifted on. Step deck (lower ~34" rear deck) works for taller equipment. RGN/lowboy (18-24" deck) is best for very tall or self-propelled equipment that can drive on via the removable gooseneck.

Do I need permits to ship my equipment?

Permits are required when the loaded truck exceeds legal limits: over 8.5 ft wide, over 13.5-14 ft tall (varies by state), over 53 ft long, or over 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight. Your freight broker handles all permit acquisition and route planning.

How long does heavy equipment shipping take?

Standard loads (no permits) move at the same speed as any truckload: 1-3 days for regional, 3-5 days cross-country. Permitted oversize loads are slower because they can't travel at night, on weekends, or on holidays in most states. Permit processing adds 1-5 business days before the truck can even depart.

Can I ship inoperable equipment?

Yes. Inoperable equipment can be loaded using a crane, forklift, or by winching onto the trailer. This adds $200-500+ to the cost depending on equipment size and loading method. Let your broker know in advance so the carrier arrives prepared.

What's the heaviest equipment you can ship?

Standard heavy haul handles up to 48,000 lbs on a single trailer. Superloads exceeding 80,000 lbs gross vehicle weight require specialized multi-axle trailers, extensive permitting, and route surveys. Loads over 150,000 lbs are possible with proper planning but require weeks of advance coordination.

Cost Guide

How Much Does Heavy Equipment Shipping Cost?

Pricing guide for shipping construction equipment, machinery, and oversized loads

Quick Answer: Typical Rates

Reference ranges based on current market conditions

Scenario	Low Range	High Range	Notes
Skid steer / forklift (flatbed, 500 mi)	$1,250	$1,500	Under 10,000 lbs, standard dimensions
Excavator / backhoe (step deck, 500 mi)	$1,400	$1,700	15,000-30,000 lbs, taller equipment
Excavator / dozer (RGN, 1,000 mi)	$3,600	$4,500	30,000-48,000 lbs, drive-on loading
Oversize load with permits (1,000 mi)	$5,000	$8,000+	Includes permits + possible escorts

What Affects Your Cost?

Equipment Size & Weight

High Impact

Size determines trailer type and whether permits are needed. Small equipment (under 10,000 lbs) fits on a standard flatbed. Mid-size (10,000-35,000 lbs) typically needs a step deck or RGN. Very heavy equipment (35,000+ lbs) requires an RGN with possible multi-axle configurations.

Trailer Type Required

High Impact

Flatbed (~$2.12/mile) works for low-profile, liftable equipment. Step deck (~$2.35/mile) adds height clearance. RGN/lowboy (~$3.40/mile) lets equipment drive on and sits lowest. The right trailer depends on equipment height, weight, and whether it's self-propelled.

Permits & Escorts

High Impact

Loads exceeding legal limits (over 8.5 ft wide, 13.5-14 ft tall, or 80,000 lbs gross) need state permits ($50-500+ per state). Wide loads over 12-14 ft may require escort vehicles at $400-800/day each.

Distance

High Impact

Longer hauls cost more total but less per mile. Short hauls under 300 miles carry 18-25% per-mile premiums. RGN minimums start at $1,000 regardless of distance.

Operable vs Inoperable

Medium Impact

Self-propelled equipment that can drive onto an RGN is easier (and cheaper) to load. Inoperable equipment may require a crane or forklift for loading, adding $200-500+ to the cost.

Securement & Preparation

Low Impact

Heavy equipment requires chains (not straps) for securement. Booms, buckets, and attachments may need to be removed or repositioned. Proper preparation avoids delays and extra charges.

Example Pricing Scenarios

Skid steer loader

8,000 lbs, 10'L × 6'W × 7'H, flatbed, Texas to Oklahoma (300 miles)

Estimated Cost:$900 - $1,100

Mini excavator

12,000 lbs, 16'L × 7'W × 8.5'H, step deck, Florida to Georgia (350 miles)

Estimated Cost:$1,100 - $1,400

Full-size excavator

45,000 lbs, 32'L × 10'W × 10.5'H, RGN, Ohio to Texas (1,200 miles)

Estimated Cost:$4,300 - $5,500

Bulldozer (oversize)

50,000 lbs, 20'L × 12'W × 11'H, RGN + permits + 1 escort, California to Nevada (450 miles)

Estimated Cost:$3,500 - $4,800 (includes ~$400 permits + escort)

Ways to Save Money

Disassemble attachments (buckets, booms) to reduce height and avoid oversize permits

Choose flatbed or step deck over RGN when equipment dimensions allow - saves 30-40%

Plan routes through fewer states to minimize permit costs

Book 5-7 days ahead - permit processing takes time and rush fees are expensive

Ensure equipment is operable for self-loading onto RGN trailers

Drain fluids and disconnect batteries as required by DOT regulations

Have equipment accessible with clear loading path to avoid delays

Consider partial truckload for lighter equipment to share trailer costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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