Lowboy Trailer Shipping Services for Heavy Haul Transport

Lowboy trailers are specialized transportation equipment designed to move heavy or oversized cargo that standard trailers cannot easily transport. Their unique design, featuring a low deck height, allows for quickly shifting tall or heavy items, making them indispensable in construction, machinery, and oilfield operations.

Lowboy trailers are widely used in the shipping industry to haul heavy machinery loads such as cranes, tractors, harvesters, dozers, dump trucks, and other equipment. They are ideal for tall machinery that needs to be shipped on a trailer that can accommodate the construction equipment and haul equipment that needs to pass through areas with low clearance. They can transport equipment up to 12 feet tall when other trailers cannot. Different types of lowboy trailers include extendable lowboy trailers, stretch lowboy trailers, two-axle lowboy trailers, etc.

Sometimes, lowboy trailers must be relocated to different states, such as Maryland, New York, California, Los Angeles, Chicago, New Jersey, Florida, North Carolina, Vermont, Arizona, Michigan, New Mexico, Minnesota, Colorado, and others. When lowboy freight is required, it can be pulled behind a semi-truck or hauled on another oversized flatbed trailer to avoid wear and tear on the tires. However, simply pulling it on its own works best.

Why Choose A1 for Lowboy Trucking?

• Specialized Experience in Heavy Hauling: Our team has decades of hands-on experience with lowboy hauling, managing everything from bulldozers to oversized machinery. We understand the logistics and safety protocols required for complex lowboy transport services.
• Licensed, Insured, and Compliant: We operate as a fully licensed and insured lowboy trucking company, meeting all FMCSA and DOT regulations. Whether you're moving equipment locally or across state lines, we ensure full legal compliance and smooth transport.
• Cargo Safety Comes First: Every shipment is covered by comprehensive cargo insurance. Protection is built into the process from the moment your equipment is loaded onto a lowboy trailer to the final delivery.
• Drivers Who Know Lowboy Trailers: Our lowboy drivers are trained specifically for heavy haul situations. They know how to navigate tight routes, load properly, and secure cargo to meet strict safety standards.
• Purpose-Built Fleet for Heavy Equipment: We operate a dedicated lowboy truck fleet for hauling oversized and overweight loads. Whether you're looking for lowboy transport near you or need nationwide service, we have the equipment and reach to get it done.
• Nationwide Reach, Local Access: Do you need lowboy trucking near me? We offer nationwide coverage with local pickup options, making it easy to schedule and manage heavy haul transport wherever you are.

Types of Lowboy Trailers

Lowboy trailers are purpose-built for hauling oversized and heavy equipment. Choosing the right type depends on your cargo's size, weight, and loading requirements.

Fixed Gooseneck (FNG) Lowboy Trailers: FNG lowboys are known for their straightforward loading process. The gooseneck detaches from the trailer, allowing the deck to drop and form a natural incline—ideal for driving on heavy machinery like excavators or bulldozers.

Removable Gooseneck (RGN) Lowboy Trailers: RGNs are a flexible option for heavy haul transport. The front section detaches completely, creating a clear ramp for loading tall or awkwardly shaped equipment. They're often used in lowboy hauling for backhoes, industrial gear, and construction vehicles.

Double-Drop Lowboy Trailers: These trailers have a recessed middle section that lowers the deck height to accommodate tall cargo. They are commonly chosen for transporting oilfield rigs, oversized tanks, or equipment that exceeds standard height limits.

Lowboy Trailer Sizes and Dimensions

Lowboy trucking requires careful planning, especially regarding size and weight limits.

Weight Capacity: These trailers can handle 20,000 to over 80,000 pounds, depending on the number of axles. More axles distribute weight better, making it possible to haul heavier loads.

Length and Width: Most lowboy trailers are between 24 and 30 feet long, with an average width of 8.5 feet. Some extendable models allow for broader cargo.

Deck Height: The key advantage of a lowboy truck is its low deck height, usually between 18 and 24 inches, which allows for taller loads without exceeding legal road height limits.

Essential Features of Lowboy Trailers

To ensure safe and efficient lowboy transportation, trailers come equipped with specialized features:

Axles: Most lowboy haulers have two to eight axles, and more can be added for heavier loads.

Ramps: Hydraulic ramps make loading smoother, especially for excavators, backhoes, and other heavy machinery.

Deck Design: Some lowboy trucking companies offer modular decks that adjust for length and width, providing flexibility for different cargo types.

No matter the load, construction equipment, bulldozers, or specialized oilfield machinery—a lowboy transport option is built to handle it.

Regulations and Permits for Lowboy Trucking

Moving oversized loads on lowboy trailers means navigating various federal, state, and local regulations.

Federal Regulations: The Department of Transportation sets national rules for oversized loads, including escort vehicle requirements, signage, and allowed travel hours.

State and Local Permits: States have unique permit requirements detailing approved routes, travel times, and whether pilot cars are needed. Some local areas require additional permits.

How Trucking Companies Handle Compliance

A reputable lowboy trucking company ensures that all regulatory steps are followed. This includes:

Expert Guidance: Navigating the rules for lowboy trailer hauling across different states.

Permit Handling: Manage paperwork for lowboy loads and determine cargo dimensions, weight, and destination.

Choosing the Right Lowboy Carrier and Equipment

The success of Lowboy Transport Services depends on selecting the right carrier and trailer type:

Experienced Carriers: A lowboy transport company with expertise in heavy haul lowboy trailers ensures a smoother process.

Trailer Selection: Options like RGN trailers provide advantages for loading and shifting heavy machinery. The choice depends on cargo dimensions, weight, and specific loading needs.

Logistics and Delivery for Lowboy Trucking

Timely and efficient lowboy hauling requires strategic planning:

Route Planning: Identifying the most efficient, legally compliant routes while avoiding obstacles and road restrictions.

Driver Expertise: Skilled lowboy drivers are essential, especially when handling oversized loads.

Real-Time Updates: Keeping track of road conditions, weather, and regulatory changes ensures smooth lowboy transportation services.

Cost Factors and Pricing for Lowboy Trailer Shipping

• Shipping heavy equipment with a lowboy trailer involves several variables that affect pricing. Understanding these key cost drivers helps you budget more accurately and avoid surprises.
• Cargo Size and Weight: Larger and heavier equipment costs more to move. Oversized loads often need reinforced lowboy trucks, route-specific permits, and extra support—driving up the price for lowboy hauling services.
• Transport Distance: The farther your shipment travels, the higher the cost. Fuel, labor, and equipment wear all scale with mileage, whether you’re handling a short lowboy delivery or cross-country heavy haul.
• Route Restrictions and Logistics: Certain routes include weight restrictions, tolls, or clearance issues like low bridges. Navigating these challenges often requires rerouting and additional permits, which can add to the overall cost of lowboy trucking.
• Special Equipment and Handling: Some loads demand more than a standard lowboy trailer. For example, using a removable gooseneck (RGN) for easier loading or hiring cranes for loading can increase costs. These logistics are often necessary for safe lowboy transport.
• Market Demand and Availability: Rates fluctuate based on availability and seasonal demand. During peak construction periods, prices for lowboy trucking near me or in high-demand areas may rise. Booking early often helps lock in better rates.
• Permits and Insurance: Most oversized shipments require state-specific permits, and every load needs proper insurance. These regulatory and safety requirements are non-negotiable and factored into your final quote.
• Getting the Most Value: Accurate details about your cargo and route make it easier for lowboy transportation companies to plan efficiently. Advance booking also gives you more flexibility and better pricing options for your lowboy transport services.

Relevant Statistics

• Lowboy trailer shipping continues to be a key component of heavy equipment transportation, accounting for a significant percentage of oversized load hauls.
• The average weight capacity of modern lowboy trailers has increased, with many models now supporting loads of up to 110,000 pounds, accommodating larger and heavier equipment.
• Over 90% of oversized loads transported using lowboy trailers are related to construction, infrastructure, and energy sector projects.
• Advancements in hydraulic systems now allow lowboy trailers to lower their deck heights to as low as 18 inches, making it easier to transport taller equipment while maintaining road clearance regulations.
• Standard lowboy trailers measure approximately 53 feet long and provide ample space for hauling large machinery and other heavy loads.

General Facts

• Lowboy trailers are designed to transport heavy and oversized cargo, ensuring compliance with road height and weight restrictions.
• Their low deck height allows for the movement of tall equipment without exceeding legal height limits.
• Many lowboy trailers now come equipped with removable goosenecks (RGNs) or hydraulic loading systems, allowing for easier machinery front-loading.
• These trailers are widely used in construction, agriculture, and oil and gas industries to move large machinery, including bulldozers, excavators, and drilling equipment.
• Depending on state and federal regulations, special permits and escort vehicles are often required for oversized loads transported by lowboy trailers.

Let the Professionals Handle

With our lowboy trailer transportation services, we can quickly relocate your construction, mining, or other heavy machinery. All shipments are safeguarded by comprehensive insurance coverage throughout shipping. Whether relocating locally or coast to coast, we want to ensure our customers don't have to worry about their packages. We can haul your specific lowboy trailer to any of the fifty United States (including Alaska) and numerous international locations (including Canada, Mexico, and the European Union).

When it comes to running a business, there are all kinds of problems that can arise. One common problem is calculating risk, especially when it comes to investing in new machines or equipment. Fortunately, we offer various nationwide hauling services to help you quickly move even the heaviest pieces of machinery. And with our reliable and accurate calculator, you can rest assured that you're getting the best possible price for our services. So, if your equipment needs to be hauled from one location to another location, look no further than us.

Book Shipment Today

Our team is here to provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your hauling services are taken care of with the utmost attention and support. We can assist you if you need lowboy trailer transport for a shipment or any other hauling type. Fill out the free quote form on this page or call an agent at 1-888-230-9116 to get started. We offer our services across the country, including major cities, and strive to provide the best possible care and support for all of our clients.