Cost to Ship a Tractor: How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Tractor? A Detailed Guide on Tractor Shipping

How Much Does It Cost To Ship A Tractor? Everything You Should Know

If you need to ship a tractor from one farm to another, you may wonder what your best option is. If you’re sending your farm vehicle more than a few miles, you’ll likely need to hire a heavy equipment shipping company to transport it on a tractor-trailer.

But how much does it charge to move a tractor? How will your Farming vehicle be shipped? How should you prepare your tractor for shipping on a truck? In this guide from A-1 Auto Transport, we’ll discuss everything you need to know.

How Are Tractors Usually Shipped?

Professional drivers usually ship Farming vehicles on a flatbed trailer. This is the best way to ship a vehicle traveling domestically since it can often be driven on and off of a flatbed. Typically, tractors are shipped in one piece, though some larger ones may have to be disassembled or require the removal of some attachments before shipping.

In some cases, it is possible to ship smaller tractors in enclosed trailers. However, this is more expensive and usually not necessary—agricultural vehicles are not delicate and are meant to be exposed to the elements. It may make sense to ship a luxury car in a closed trailer, but this is not necessary for heavy agricultural machinery.

• Tractor shipping averages $2.00–$4.00 per mile, with most domestic moves totaling $800–$4,500 depending on size, weight, and trailer type required.
• Most tractors are transported on open flatbed trailers and delivered in 2–7 days; oversized units on step-deck or lowboy trailers take longer due to route restrictions.
• Tractors exceeding legal width or height limits require DOT oversize permits and may need pilot cars, adding cost and compliance steps before transport can begin.

How Much Will It Cost To Ship A Tractor?

Shipping a farm-grade tractor usually costs between $2 and $3 per mile, but this can vary widely. There is no set price for a Farming vehicle shipment because so many factors can affect the total price you’ll pay. This includes LTL (Less Than Truckload) vs FTL (Full Truckload) shipping, oversized load requirements, the distance your agricultural vehicle must be sent, the population density near the destination area, and more.

Let’s explore these factors in a bit more detail now.

• Weight and size of your tractor – The average farm equipment can weigh up to 20,000 pounds or more, and depending on the machine and its attachments, a farm vehicle can vary wildly in dimensions (length, width, and height)
  
  As a rule, the larger the vehicle is, the more it will cost to ship per mile, especially if it qualifies as an oversized load. Oversized loads require additional permits and may require pilot cars, which adds to moving costs. 
   
• LTL vs. FTL shipping—Large farm Farming vehicles must be sent with FTL (Full Truckload) hauling, which means your agricultural vehicle will take up all available space on a truck flatbed, and you’ll pay for hauling accordingly.
  
  In contrast, smaller tractors can be sent with LTL (Less Than Truckload) hauling. In LTL moving, you can share a flatbed with another shipment going to a nearby destination – For example, if your agricultural vehicle is 12 feet long and the flatbed is 48 feet long, you’ll only take up about 25% of its capacity – and the truck can carry other shipments, too. This reduces delivery prices, making the process more lengthy and complex.
   
• Distance of shipment – You’ll be charged per mile for shipping your Farming vehicle, so a longer trip – say between states, from Maryland to Colorado – will cost more than a local shipment within your state.
  
  However, the cost per mile tends to be lower if the distance traveled is higher. Though you’ll still pay more for a long-distance shipment – because it must travel many more miles – you’ll pay less per mile that your agricultural vehicle is being shipped.
   
• Population density near the destination—Tractors are often sent to rural areas far away from population centers. If this is the case, you may pay more for your shipment.
  
  The driver must “deadhead” after dropping off the Farming vehicle. “Deadheading” is a term used to refer to driving without carrying cargo. If no customers near your location need to ship cargo, the driver may have a long distance to pick up their next cargo shipment. If you live more than 200+ miles from a major population center, expect to pay a slightly higher rate because of this.

How Should I Prepare?

Before you freight ship your tractor, document its condition, remove loose items from the cabin (if applicable), drain away any excess fuel, remove attachments, and ensure you know how it will be loaded onto the truck when it’s time to ship your agricultural vehicle. Your shipping company will provide you with any additional instructions you may need.

• Document the condition of your tractor. Taking photos and videos of your vehicle will ensure you can look out for any potential damage caused during the shipment process and give you peace of mind.
• Remove loose items – If you have any personal items in the cabin or items that may move around, remove them. Loose, unsecured items could shift and cause damage during the shipment process. Any valuable electronics or personal items should also be removed to reduce the theft risk during hauling.
• Drain excess fuel—Some fuel may be needed to drive the semi on and off, but it’s a good idea to drain most of the fuel from your agricultural vehicle. This reduces its loading weight and also helps improve safety.
• Remove attachments – In some cases, it may be wise to remove Farming vehicle attachments and ship them separately. 
  
  This is particularly true of Farming vehicles that would otherwise count as an oversized load. In most cases, the cost of partially disassembling the farm equipment or removing attachments will be much lower than paying for the costs associated with oversized load designation. 
   
• Develop a loading and unloading strategy – You’ll need to work with your shipping company to determine the best way to load your agricultural vehicle. Most can be driven onto a flatbed using ramps. They are fastened securely using straps and chains. Some larger tractors with oversized wheels and tires may need to be lifted onto the truck using a crane. Note that this may require additional specialized equipment and incur additional costs. Professionals know the rules of loading and transiting heavy farm machinery. Once you leave items in their care, they will handle it.

Relevant Statistics

• On average, it costs $950 to transport a tractor within a 500-mile radius.
• Approximately 82% of Farming vehicle conveyance companies offer insurance coverage for any damages during transit.
• Hailing a tractor internationally can range from $2,500 to $6,000, depending on the distance and additional services required.
• Around 95% of Farming vehicle shipments are hauled using flatbed trailers for efficient and safe conveyance.
• The fuel consumption for transporting a tractor over 1,000 miles is typically around 25 gallons, with diesel fuel being the preferred choice for its efficiency.

General Facts

• The cost of transporting an agricultural vehicle depends on various factors such as distance, weight, size, and the transportation method used.
• Hailing a tractor locally can range from $100 to $500 on average.
• For long-distance carriers, the cost can vary between $1 to $5 per mile.
• Additional expenses may include permits, fuel surcharges, tolls, and insurance.
• Hiring a professional tractor transportation service is recommended to ensure safe and efficient delivery while considering the specific requirements of your farm vehicle.

Need To Move A Tractor? Work With A-1 AT To Get The Help You Need

At A-1 Auto Transport, we know how important your farm equipment is for your livelihood, and we understand that shipping an agricultural tractor can be a complex process. So we’re here to help. As a leading shipper for heavy equipment transportation, we can provide reliable and reasonably-priced shipping to and from anywhere. We ship any make, model, or type of vehicle, including John Deere and New Holland. We can also ship tractors in whole or parts and with implements like plow. Whether you are carrying any vehicle within the United States or North America, we can help.

Ready to get started? Contact us online, use our heavy equipment moving calculator, or give us a call at (888) 230-9116. speak to one of our representatives immediately, and get the tractor shipping services you need. No matter where you are in America, we’re here to help!