Heavy Equipment Hauling - Cost Per Mile

Q: What is the average cost per mile for heavy equipment hauling?

The average cost per mile to haul heavy equipment in the U.S. typically ranges between $3 and $9 per mile, depending on distance, weight, and route conditions. Short hauls may cost more per mile, while longer interstate routes can reduce the rate due to distance efficiency. Other key factors include equipment size, trailer type (lowboy, flatbed, or step deck), and permits required for oversized loads. You can explore detailed rate breakdowns on our heavy equipment shipping rates page.

Q: Is there a minimum charge for short-distance heavy equipment hauling?

Yes. Most transporters apply a minimum load fee—often between $500 and $1,000—to cover driver time, loading, and permits even for short trips under 100 miles. While the per-mile rate may appear higher, this ensures safe, compliant handling of machinery. For localized projects, you can compare regional quotes at equipment hauling near me .

Q: How can I calculate total heavy equipment transport cost?

To estimate your total cost, multiply the average cost per mile by your trip distance, then add any permit or escort fees. For example, a 600-mile haul at $4 per mile would total about $2,400, excluding extras. Use our cost distance estimate tool for a more tailored calculation based on your route and machinery type.

Q: Does the type of trailer affect heavy equipment hauling rates?

Absolutely. Lowboy trailers are preferred for tall or heavy machinery and often have higher rates, while flatbeds and step decks are used for standard equipment at slightly lower costs. Choosing the right trailer ensures both compliance with DOT height limits and secure load transport. For more on trailer options, visit our heavy haul rates per mile guide.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Oct, 30 2025

If you need to transport heavy equipment and machinery, you will need to work with a team of experts with the knowledge, experience, and means to do it properly. Many things go wrong if you attempt to transport heavy machinery by yourself or hire a company with limited knowledge for this task.

We at A-1 Auto Transport perform heavy equipment hauling regularly and have worked with companies from various industries, including agriculture, construction work, and engineering. We also transport personal vehicles that exceed standard dimensions and special transport for industrial clients and the military.

an orange construction machine rests on a flatbed trailer

How Much Does Heavy Equipment Transport Cost?

As with any type of transport, several factors will influence the shipment cost. With heavy equipment, the transport company and the customer must prepare more carefully, as it’s a type of special transport.

We know that your heavy equipment is a significant investment and that it typically has unusual dimensions. Our team at A-1 Auto Transport ensures that the equipment is protected and safe and that the trailer transporting it will pass without issues through the checkpoints on the route.

Here are the variables we consider when calculating a price for your heavy haul.

Hauling Distance

First of all, the haul cost will depend on how far your heavy equipment will travel. For local transport, companies usually have a fixed fee. However, you will get the cost per mile for exceptional transport and longer distances.

The cost per mile at A-1 Auto Transport is roughly estimated on our dedicated page for heavy haul. As you can see, the longer the distance, the lower the cost per mile is. If short trips of under 200 miles will cost between $4 and $5 per mile, when you ship your heavy equipment over 2500 miles away, the cost drops to $1 per mile.

a large dump truck moves down the highway

Size and Weight of the Equipment

Besides knowing how long the distance is when we estimate your heavy haul cost, it’s crucial to know the size and weight of your vehicle. Depending on the dimensions of your equipment, we will have to use special trailers or containers. Also, if your equipment exceeds a certain weight or size (together with the trailer it’s on), we must beware of road limitations.

We must know these details before estimating the final cost, as they influence the type of equipment we use, the number of people who have to work on the task, and the route we can take.

Time of the Year and Weather

Regarding transportation, the time of year and even the day of the month or hour interval when you schedule the transport can influence the cost. Transporting cargo during the peak season of transporting companies can raise the final price. Summer is usually the busiest time of the year for transporters.

However, transporting heavy equipment during harsh weather conditions that involve precipitations adds to the job's difficulty, and can require special protection for your equipment. Insurance might also be higher when transporting cargo in heavy snow.

a semi truck carrying a construction machine

Get Shipping Insurance for Your Heavy Equipment

Speaking of insurance, it’s essential to have your heavy equipment covered by special insurance. We at A-1 Auto Transport are covered by default with insurance required by federal law. However, when you have valuable, expensive equipment to ship, we highly recommend purchasing extra insurance coverage, as it can prevent very high costs if anything goes wrong.

Contact Us Today for a Free Quote!

If you have any type of heavy equipment you want to ship within the US or overseas, contact our customer service team by filling out the online quote form or calling us at 1-888-230-6512. We are leaders in our domain because we treat every haul with maximum care for our customer's needs, ensure the safety of the cargo, and be as efficient as possible.

There is almost nothing we can’t ship, as we regularly haul farm or construction vehicles. Get in touch with us, and we will happily help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost per mile for heavy equipment hauling?

The average cost per mile to haul heavy equipment in the U.S. typically ranges between $3 and $9 per mile, depending on distance, weight, and route conditions. Short hauls may cost more per mile, while longer interstate routes can reduce the rate due to distance efficiency. Other key factors include equipment size, trailer type (lowboy, flatbed, or step deck), and permits required for oversized loads. You can explore detailed rate breakdowns on our heavy equipment shipping rates page.

What factors affect heavy equipment hauling cost per mile?

Several variables determine the per-mile hauling rate, including equipment dimensions, weight, pickup and delivery distance, route accessibility, and fuel costs. Additional expenses may occur if the haul requires escorts, special permits, or route surveys for oversized loads. Seasonal demand and regional traffic patterns also play roles. Learn more about cost variables using our heavy equipment shipping calculator.

Is there a minimum charge for short-distance heavy equipment hauling?

Yes. Most transporters apply a minimum load fee—often between $500 and $1,000 to cover driver time, loading, and permits even for short trips under 100 miles. While the per-mile rate may appear higher, this ensures safe, compliant handling of machinery. For localized projects, you can compare regional quotes at equipment hauling near me.

How does equipment weight influence hauling rates?

Heavier machinery generally costs more to transport due to the need for specialized trailers and the added fuel consumption. Loads exceeding 80,000 lbs require oversize/overweight permits, which increase overall cost per mile. Carriers also factor in the type of rigging or loading support needed for large construction or farm machinery. For related insights, see our towing heavy equipment resource.

How can I calculate total heavy equipment transport cost?

To estimate your total cost, multiply the average cost per mile by your trip distance, then add any permit or escort fees. For example, a 600-mile haul at $4 per mile would total about $2,400, excluding extras. Use our cost distance estimate tool for a more tailored calculation based on your route and machinery type.

Does the type of trailer affect heavy equipment hauling rates?

Absolutely. Lowboy trailers are preferred for tall or heavy machinery and often have higher rates, while flatbeds and step decks are used for standard equipment at slightly lower costs. Choosing the right trailer ensures both compliance with DOT height limits and secure load transport. For more on trailer options, visit our heavy haul rates per mile guide.

Are permits and escorts included in per-mile hauling quotes?

Not always. Some quotes include permits and escorts, but many carriers charge them separately based on state regulations and load size. For instance, wide or tall loads may require pilot cars, which add $1.50–$2.50 per mile each. It’s essential to confirm these charges upfront when getting a quote. Check our how do you ship heavy machinery guide for compliance details.