How To Transport A Dump Truck: Explained (2022)

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.