What is the minimum charge for heavy haul?

RGN and Double Drop trailers have a minimum charge of $1,000 regardless of distance. This covers the specialized equipment and driver expertise required for heavy haul operations.

When do I need permits?

Permits are required when loads exceed legal limits: over 8.5 ft wide, over 13.5-14 ft tall (varies by state), over 48-53 ft long, or over 80,000 lbs gross weight. Your broker handles permit acquisition.

How long do permits take to obtain?

Standard permits take 1-3 business days. Complex superload permits can take 5-10 business days. Rush processing is available in some states for additional fees. Plan ahead to avoid delays.

What's the difference between RGN and lowboy?

They're essentially the same - a trailer with a removable gooseneck that allows equipment to drive on from the front. 'RGN' is the industry term; 'lowboy' is common in construction. Both offer deck heights of 18-24 inches for maximum cargo height.

Cost Guide

Specialized & Heavy Haul Rates

Understanding pricing for oversized, overweight, and specialty freight

Quick Answer: Typical Rates

Reference ranges based on current market conditions

Scenario	Low Range	High Range	Notes
RGN/Lowboy (under 500 miles)	$4.25/mile	$5.00/mile	Short-haul premium applies
RGN/Lowboy (500+ miles)	$3.40/mile	$4.25/mile	Base rate for standard heavy haul
Permitted oversize loads	+$200	+$500/state	Permit costs vary by state and dimensions
Escort vehicles (when required)	$400/day	$800/day	Per escort vehicle required

What Affects Your Cost?

Equipment Type

High Impact

RGN and Double Drop trailers run about $3.40/mile base rate with $1,000 minimum. Specialized multi-axle trailers for very heavy loads cost more. Equipment selection depends on cargo dimensions and weight.

Permits Required

High Impact

Oversize or overweight loads require permits from each state traveled through. Costs range from $50-500+ per state depending on dimensions and weight. Permit processing takes 1-5 business days.

Escort Vehicles

High Impact

Wide loads (over 12-14 ft depending on state) or very long loads may require pilot cars. Each escort runs $400-800/day. Some states require front and rear escorts.

Route Surveys

Medium Impact

Very large loads may require route surveys to check bridge weight limits, overhead clearances, and turn radii. Survey costs range from $500-2,000+.

Load Weight

Medium Impact

Standard heavy haul handles up to 48,000 lbs. Superloads exceeding 80,000 lbs gross require special permits, multiple axles, and careful route planning.

Travel Restrictions

Medium Impact

Oversized loads often can't travel at night, weekends, or holidays. This extends transit time and may require layovers, adding to costs.

Example Pricing Scenarios

Excavator on RGN

45,000 lbs, 10 ft tall, Texas to Arizona (900 miles), no permits needed

Estimated Cost:$3,200 - $4,000 (~$3.55-$4.45/mile)

Wide industrial equipment

38,000 lbs, 12 ft wide, Ohio to Indiana (250 miles), 2 state permits

Estimated Cost:$1,800 - $2,400 (includes ~$300 permits)

Crane transport

65,000 lbs, 11 ft wide x 14 ft tall, Pennsylvania to Virginia (350 miles), permits + 1 escort

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

Modular building section

40,000 lbs, 16 ft wide, California to Nevada (450 miles), permits + 2 escorts

Estimated Cost:$4,500 - $6,000 (includes permits + escorts)

Ways to Save Money

Disassemble equipment when possible to avoid oversize permits

Plan ahead - permit processing takes time and rush fees are expensive

Choose routes that minimize number of states crossed

Consider if standard flatbed or step deck can handle the load

Book during off-peak seasons for better equipment availability

Provide accurate dimensions upfront to avoid delays

Have equipment ready and accessible for loading

Consider partial disassembly to reduce escort requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

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