How To Transport A Forklift: Resolved (2022 Updated)

Last updated Sep, 26 2026

How To Transport A Forklift: Resolved (2022 Updated)

A forklift may not be as heavy as a farm tractor or a bulldozer, but it’s still thrice as heavy as an average automobile.

Thus, transporting this machinery requires the proper skill, special consideration, and precision.

Considering its weight, size, and attachments, learn how to transport a forklift using these five effective ways without jeopardizing your forklift’s safety. Keep reading.

How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Forklift?

Generally, transporting a forklift may cost anywhere from $200 to $1,500, depending on various factors, whether you hire a hauling company or not.

If the forklift weighs heavier or its size is more significant than an average forklift, expect a more expensive forklift conveyance fee.

You’ll also pay more than usual if the delivery time is shorter. Rush delivery often costs more than regular delivery.

The forklift transport is also a deciding factor in whether you’ll pay additional or not. The open-air shipping method is cheaper than the enclosed trailer shipping method.

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Do You Need Professional Help When Moving Forklifts?

Yes, you might need professional help because shipping forklifts isn’t easy. You might even pay more if you try to do everything from hiring trailers to logistics.

Doing the various processes alone is more costly than hiring hauling companies that provide an all-in-one package deal for the entire process.

Most companies provide skilled drivers, proper planning, safety/insurance coverage, forklift transport vehicles, and secure necessary permits.

Conclusion

To move a forklift, you must choose the best conveyance vehicle, secure the forklift, and observe safety protocols.

It’s also important to shut off the forklift’s power supply before the transport and check for vehicle clearance for safety purposes.

You can either opt to haul the forklift on your own by hiring a skilled driver, renting a conveyance vehicle, obtaining permits, or just hiring a shipping company.

Shipping a forklift? Contact A-1 Auto Transport for safe and secure forklift hauling nationwide.

Forklift transport costs $2.50–$7.00 per mile; total rates vary by unit weight, with most forklifts ranging from 3,000–30,000 pounds including counterweights.
Flatbed trailers are the standard method for most forklifts; oversized or rough-terrain units over 30,000 pounds require step-deck or lowboy equipment instead.
DOT load securement rules mandate rated chains, wheel chocks, and four-corner tie-downs; oversize loads exceeding legal dimensions require state permits and escorts.

References:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to transport a forklift?

For most domestic moves, the best way to transport a forklift is on a flatbed or step-deck trailer sized for its operating weight and loaded height. Standard warehouse forklifts commonly fit flatbeds, while taller or heavier machines may need a step-deck or lowboy to reduce loaded height. Confirm the machine's actual weight, dimensions, loading method, and site access before assigning equipment. A1's equipment hauling service covers related heavy-machinery transport options.

How do you secure a forklift on a flatbed trailer?

A forklift on a flatbed must be restrained against forward, rearward, lateral, and vertical movement with rated securement attached to appropriate points. Federal rules require a minimum of four tiedowns for wheeled or tracked equipment weighing 10,000 pounds or more; lighter equipment may follow the heavy-equipment provision or applicable general cargo rules. General cargo rules also require sufficient aggregate working load limit and restraint for cargo likely to roll. Use undamaged chains, binders, anchor points, and blocking suited to the actual machine.

How much does it cost to transport a forklift?

As of September 26, 2026, standard domestic forklift transport commonly falls around $700-$3,500, while oversized, difficult-access, or specialized long-distance moves can cost more. Current forklift and step-deck pricing sources overlap around roughly $2.50-$3.50 per mile for many regional and long-haul standard loads, with short moves often carrying higher per-mile minimums. Weight, loaded dimensions, trailer type, route, and loading access cause most quote differences. A1's heavy equipment shipping rates guide provides related pricing context.

Can you transport a forklift in a box truck or enclosed trailer?

Yes, a forklift can travel in a box truck or enclosed trailer only when the vehicle is rated for the machine and the loading setup is suitable. Check payload capacity, floor strength, door and roof clearance, ramp or dock capacity, weight distribution, and usable tiedown points before loading. An open flatbed is often more practical for heavier counterbalance forklifts because it gives easier loading access and direct access to securement points. Never assume a rental box truck or its ramp can handle concentrated forklift weight.

Does transporting a forklift require an oversize or overweight permit?

A forklift shipment needs an oversize or overweight permit only when the loaded vehicle exceeds the legal limits that apply along its route. On the National Network, federal rules use a 102-inch commercial-vehicle width limit, while there is no federal vehicle-height limit, so states establish their own height standards and permit procedures. Interstate weight rules also consider axle weights, axle spacing, and gross vehicle weight. Give the carrier accurate loaded width, height, length, and weight before dispatch so the required permits and route can be determined.

Can a stand-up or small forklift be shipped like a standard forklift?

Yes, stand-up and compact forklifts can be transported, but trailer selection should use the machine's actual shipping weight and dimensions, not its lifting capacity. Include the battery, counterweight, forks, and any attachment that will remain with the unit when calculating transport weight and space. A flatbed works for many domestic moves, while an enclosed trailer or container may work when its payload, clearance, floor, and securement system are adequate. A1 has a separate stand-up forklift shipping guide for this equipment type.

1) Enclosed Trailer

An enclosed trailer is your best choice if you want to move a forklift at different construction sites with longer distances.

While flatbed trailers are best for small forklifts, an enclosed trailer can accommodate large equipment that is either too tall or too heavy for a flatbed truck.

Enclosed trailers will also ensure your forklift is covered and protected against a potentially hazardous situation. They can deliver the goods safely until they reach the final destination.

2) Flatbed Truck

A flatbed truck is your best choice if you want a fast and inexpensive forklift transport option from one job site to another.

A flatbed tow trailer offers enough space and substantial weight capacity to accommodate a forklift.

In addition, a flatbed trailer truck has a low deck, making it easier to safely load/lift your forklift while providing hassle-free clearance when traveling tunnels or bridges.

3) Tilt Tray Truck

If you wish to ship more than one forklift to any job/work site, we recommend using tilt tray trucks because they can accommodate up to almost four forklifts, depending on their sizes and weights.

Since a tilt tray truck can tilt, it’s easier to lift/load and unload the equipment even without a loading dock.

4) Shut Off The Fuel Supply

You must also shut off the fuel supply of your forklift by disconnecting its propane [2] tank from the forklift before towing.

Ensure no fuel will be spilled out of the tank, especially if the forklift is diesel-powered or gasoline-powered.

You must also disconnect the battery terminal, so no arcing will happen. And when you transport electric forklifts, recharging the battery before the forklift transport departs is advisable.

5) Check Vehicle Clearance

Checking the vehicle clearance is also an important matter to secure.

If the top of the forklift is taller than the transport vehicle, you must avoid driving through bridges and overpasses.

6) Observe Proper Transport

Knowing your forklift’s length, weight, and other dimensions is a must. Use a rated trailer to accommodate the forklift’s weight capacity. We recommend verifying the weight and length of your forklift using the machine’s manual.

Before the transportation, you must also ensure that your forklift is in excellent condition before loading it onto the trailer or truck. Check its forks and chains, and place blocks on its rear wheels.

Centering your forklift in a trailer is also important. You must lower its forks to the wooden floor when centering and tilt them forward slightly. You may use a loading dock to lift it easier. Always make the forks pointed toward the rear of the trailer.

Ensure the wheels are chocked (use wooden blocks) behind the wheels of the forklift to prevent unnecessary movement during transport. You can also use a nose jack under the trailer’s front to prevent it from tipping if it isn’t attached to a truck.

Secure the blocks by driving screws into each block and into the floor of the transport.

When loading your forklift on a trailer, ensure that you drive your heavy equipment onto the trailer in reverse and its forks point away from the forklift transportation vehicle.

7) Secure the Forklift

Securing your forklift [1] before and during transportation is also highly encouraged.

Place wood blocks behind the wheels of your forklift before the transport. Fasten the wood blocks into the wooden floor of the truck bed for better security.

We recommend using heavy-duty straps, chains, and come-alongs to secure your forklift. Securing every anchor point at each corner of your forklift will limit its movement during the travel, making it more securely placed/fastened on the floor trailer.

Use at least two come-alongs or chains to establish four anchor points in every corner of the forklift.

If you use flatbeds to transport forklifts, you must use nylon straps, heavy chains, and come-alongs to fasten your forklift onto the truck or trailer.