How To Transport A Dump Truck: Explained (2022)
Whether you choose to personally or let qualified transport companies transport your dump truck, there’s a simple process you must follow. Since dump trucks aren’t legally allowed to traverse highways, you must use an effective shifting method to haul dump trucks from one job site to another.
But how, you ask? Keep on reading to learn how to relocate a dump truck – in a hassle-free, more cost-effective, and legal way.
How Much Does It Cost To Transport A Dump Truck?
Typically, transporting/shipping a dump truck may cost at least $1.40 per mile for 1-500 miles. However, the shipping cost varies depending on the trailers used to deliver the car, your dump truck’s size and dimensions, and the mileage needed.
The delivery time frame and fuel economy also affect the shifting cost; the faster you want the heavy construction equipment delivered, you’ll have to pay more than the usual delivery charge.
When relocating large trucks over long distances, you can cut the cost by disassembling some parts of the heavy machinery and relocating it ahead of time through another trailer, like a step-deck or an RGN. The delivery route also affects the overall hauling cost, so you’ll have to pay more if the long-distance delivery route requires specific permits.
Do You Need Permits or Licenses?
Yes, you might need permits or licenses if the heavy equipment exceeds the dimensions required by local and state laws and regulations. You might also need permits if you plan to ship the heavy equipment when it’s not empty. Always ensure that you check every delivery detail with your local DOT office.
This is where professional haulers come in handy. If you let the company transfer dump trucks, they will take care of every permit or license needed to transfer them. The permits and licenses required vary depending on the state or locality you plan to ship a dump truck.
Final Thoughts
To move a dump truck, you must choose the best trailer, secure necessary permits, and adhere to all local and state laws. Then, prepare the standard dump truck before shifting it and ensure that every part of it is secure. If you want hassle-free dump truck hauling, check out A-1 Auto Transport. We provide experienced drivers and knowledgeable staff to ship trucks over long distances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to transport a dump truck?
Most dump trucks are moved on lowboy trailers because they provide the clearance and axle support needed for heavy construction vehicles. Carriers evaluate weight, axle count, bed height, and any attachments before selecting the trailer. Oversize units may require escort vehicles or limited travel hours depending on state rules. Professional operators also check loading angles and securement points for safe loading. For more detail on equipment options, see our dump truck shipping guide.
How do you move a large or oversized dump truck?
Large or oversized dump trucks generally require a removable gooseneck lowboy with multi-axle support and oversize permits from each state’s Department of Transportation. Haulers verify loaded height limits, commonly around 13 ft 6 in in many states, and plan routes to avoid low bridges or restricted roads. Some states require daylight-only movement for wider loads. Operators may remove accessories like tailgates or extensions to reduce dimensions and simplify permitting before transport.
Can a dump truck be transported across state lines easily?
Standard-size dump trucks typically move easily across state lines when their weight and dimensions meet commercial transport limits. Carriers plan around state-specific rules, seasonal agricultural restrictions, and weather conditions that may limit heavy loads. Working with an experienced hauler helps coordinate compliance, securement, and timing. Many shippers compare routing and delivery estimates through services like this heavy equipment hauling resource.
Do dump trucks require special permits for transport?
A dump truck requires special permits when its loaded height, width, length, or total weight exceeds normal commercial limits. Each state issues oversize or overweight permits and may require pilot cars once a load passes defined thresholds, such as being over 12 ft wide. Haulers verify axle spacing, bridge laws, and permitted travel windows before dispatch. Some states also restrict weekend or evening travel for heavy loads.
How long does it take to transport a dump truck?
Most regional dump truck shipments take between 2 and 7 days, while long-distance moves can range from 7 to 14 days depending on routing, permit processing times, and weather. Oversize loads may require escorts or restricted travel windows, which can extend timelines. Carriers also coordinate with construction zones, freight traffic patterns, and load-securement requirements to ensure safe and efficient delivery.
What preparation is required before shipping a dump truck?
Preparation typically includes lowering the bed, securing the tailgate, locking or capping hydraulic controls, and removing loose items. Carriers also recommend checking tires, brakes, and the battery to ensure the truck can safely load and unload. Reducing fuel to a safe level helps limit weight. If the truck exceeds standard limits, removing accessories such as tarp systems, toolboxes, or extensions can help avoid oversize classification.
1) Select A Transport Method
The first thing you must do before any dump truck transport is to choose the best long-distance transport method for your dump truck’s size, weight, and final destination.
If the dump truck has a horizontal hydraulic ram or vertical hydraulic ram mounted between the dump body and the cab, and it has a dump chassis, then a flatbed [1] trailer is your best choice to haul it.
Flatbed trailers are excellent for shipping standard dump trucks, side dump trucks, and off-highway trucks (haul trucks with diesel-electric powertrains, conventional steering, and rigid frame rails). Some smaller dump trucks can also fit a step-deck trailer.
However, some dump truck owners opt for a lowboy or removable Gooseneck trailer (RGN trailer) because of their dump truck’s size and length.
An RGN trailer provides greater clearance than flatbeds, so they can transport large or articulated dump trucks, especially those that exceed recommended loads and dimension regulations.
Thus, we recommend RGN trailers if you want to transport construction equipment, such as excavators, forklifts, wheel loaders, skid steers,
2) Prepare Your Vehicle
Whether you choose flatbed, lowboy, or RGN trailers, you will still need to prepare the heavy equipment before the shipment.
Some large dump trucks may require you to disassemble some of their parts before shipping.
Hence, ensure you have checked all preventive measures before the transport, such as the dump truck’s size, length, and height.
Shipping the disassembled large dump truck’s parts on a flatbed trailer is less expensive and safer.
Large dump trucks, especially off-highway trucks, tend to attract unwanted debris during the operation.
We recommend cleaning your dump truck before the transport to avoid any large pieces of dirt or loose cargo that may fall off the dump truck.
3) Secure Your Dump Truck
Ensure all parts are well-secured using heavy metal chains or tie-down straps in at least four spots on the trailer.
Load your dump truck on an even ground and evenly spread its weight onto the dump trailer.
Safely remove all unnecessary loads in the dump truck and check all the screws, tires, and small parts of the truck.
Ensure that the dump truck is on a neutral break or its engine is not running. If you opted for open-air shipping, ask the hauling company if you can put a tarp over your dump truck to protect it from dirt and hazardous debris during transport.
4) Know The Rules & Regulations
Knowing the rules and regulations for shipping heavy equipment is also best to avoid problems.
Always work with your Department of Transportation (DOT) [2] offices before the transport.
You may contact them and ask for permits and licenses that need to be secured or just let your hauling company secure the necessary permits for you.
Since standard dump trucks typically fall within (almost) all state dimensional regulations, they are generally easier to haul than larger trucks, such as off-road dump trucks and articulated dump trucks.
When articulated dump trucks exceed dimensional regulations, planning the delivery route and securing proper permits is necessary.
5) Get Professional Help
Generally, professional shippers or haulers provide everything you must secure before the transportation.
Professional hauling companies provide drivers with extensive experience and experienced operators, so you won’t have to worry about your dump truck’s safety. They also offer insurance, so you can ship your dump truck without worrying about damages.
Professional dump truck transport services will also get the necessary permits for you.
They work with DOT offices and adhere to rules and regulations set by the state where your dump truck would be delivered.
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