Heavy Equipment Transport Nationwide
Heavy equipment transport moves construction machinery, agricultural equipment, and industrial vehicles across the country. Unlike standard auto transport, heavy haul shipping involves specialized trailers, permits, and operators. As a result, only experienced carriers should handle these loads.
At Xpress Auto Transport, we coordinate heavy equipment shipping through our network of heavy-haul specialists. Whether you’re moving a single bulldozer or a fleet of construction machines, we have the right solution.
Equipment We Transport
Our heavy equipment transport service covers a wide range of machinery. Below are the main categories we handle regularly.
Construction Equipment
Excavators, bulldozers, backhoes, skid steers, wheel loaders, dump trucks, compactors, graders, scrapers, and asphalt pavers.
Agricultural Equipment
Tractors, combines, harvesters, planters, sprayers, balers, and farm implements of all sizes.
Forklifts and Material Handlers
Industrial forklifts, telehandlers, reach trucks, order pickers, and rough-terrain forklifts.
Cranes and Lifts
Mobile cranes, boom lifts, scissor lifts, articulating booms, and aerial work platforms.
Specialty Industrial
Generators, compressors, drill rigs, mining equipment, and oilfield machinery.
Heavy Haul Trailer Types
Different equipment requires different trailer configurations. The right trailer match prevents damage and ensures legal transport.
Flatbed Trailers
Standard 48-foot or 53-foot flatbeds work for equipment within standard height and weight limits. They’re the most common heavy haul trailer.
Step Deck Trailers
Step decks have a lower main deck for taller equipment. Common for forklifts, compact construction equipment, and farm tractors.
Lowboy Trailers
Lowboys feature an extremely low main deck for the tallest equipment. They’re essential for dozers, excavators, cranes, and other oversized machines.
RGN (Removable Gooseneck) Trailers
RGN trailers detach at the front, allowing equipment to drive directly onto the trailer deck. They’re ideal for self-propelled equipment and the lowest profile.
How Much Does Heavy Equipment Transport Cost?
Heavy haul pricing depends on multiple factors. Below are the main cost drivers.
- Weight — heavier equipment costs more per mile.
- Dimensions — oversized loads require permits and pilot cars.
- Distance — longer routes cost more in total.
- Trailer type — lowboys cost more than flatbeds.
- Route restrictions — some routes ban oversized loads.
- Permits required — oversize permits vary by state.
- Loading and unloading — whether you have equipment on-site.
Typical pricing runs $3.00 to $7.00 per mile for standard heavy equipment. Oversized loads requiring permits and escorts can run $7.00 to $15.00+ per mile. Get a custom heavy haul quote based on your specific equipment.
Oversize and Overweight Loads
Equipment exceeding standard dimensions requires special handling. The legal limits vary by state. Generally, loads exceeding any of the following are oversize.
- Width — over 8 feet 6 inches.
- Height — over 13 feet 6 inches (varies by state).
- Length — over 53 feet total combination.
- Weight — over 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Oversized loads may require:
- State-issued permits for every state on the route.
- Pilot cars or escort vehicles for the largest loads.
- Specific travel hours (often daytime only).
- Route surveys for the largest equipment.
- Police escorts in certain states.
Heavy haul transport involves significant logistics beyond just moving the equipment. Permits, routes, and timing all matter. We handle these details so you don’t have to.
Loading and Unloading Heavy Equipment
Loading heavy machinery onto trailers requires careful planning. Several methods exist depending on equipment and location.
Drive-On Loading
Self-propelled equipment drives onto the trailer using ramps or RGN trailers. This is the easiest method when the equipment is operational.
Forklift or Crane Loading
Smaller equipment can load via forklift or crane. This requires the right loading equipment at both pickup and delivery sites.
Winch Loading
Non-running equipment loads via winch systems on specialized trailers. This is the standard method for inoperable machinery.
Required Information for Heavy Equipment Quotes
Accurate heavy haul quotes require detailed equipment information. Have these details ready when requesting a quote.
- Make, model, and year of the equipment.
- Exact dimensions: length, width, height.
- Gross weight.
- Whether the equipment is operational.
- Loading and unloading capabilities at both sites.
- Photos of the equipment if possible.
- Any modifications, attachments, or accessories.
Why Choose Xpress for Heavy Equipment Transport?
Heavy haul requires expertise. Mistakes cost time, money, and sometimes damage. Our heavy equipment shipping team handles:
- Permit acquisition for every state on your route.
- Pilot car and escort coordination.
- Route planning around bridges, weight limits, and restrictions.
- Specialized trailer matching.
- Loading and unloading coordination.
- Communication throughout transit.
We’ve moved equipment for construction companies, farms, rental fleets, and industrial operators. Furthermore, our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees.