Norfolk Heavy Equipment Shipping by A-1 Auto Transport
Norfolk, Virginia is an East Coast city known for its rich history and active maritime industry. Located in the heart of the city where the Chesapeake va Bay meets the Elizabeth River, it is one of the oldest settlements in America. Norfolk is a true melting pot filled with people from many different cultures and backgrounds.
Shipping heavy equipment to or from Norfolk is easy with professional heavy hauling companies. These companies offer shipping services to ensure your shipment get to its destination without loss or stress to you.
Do you need help facilitating the movement of heavy equipment across the country or even across the world? A-1 Auto Transport gets heavy haul shipments delivered fast and free of damage. Get a free quote today and choose from a variety of shipping methods we are offering.
Heavy Machinery Shipping Methods by A1-Auto Transport
Some of the best shipping methods you can choose from include the following:
- Roll-On/Roll-Off - Roll machinery on wheels onto a ship
- Container Shipping - Protect your equipment from the elements by placing it in a closed container as opposed to open-air shipping
- Lift-On/Lift-Off - A crane is used to lift inoperable or stationary equipment onto a ship
- Flat Rack Shipping - Equipment is loaded into a flat rack that is attached to the side of a ship. This is an open-air method of shipping so equipment should be able to endure the elements of the outdoors.
A-1 Auto Transport, is offers excellent services for transporting heavy equipment such as agricultural machineries and heavy construction equipment.
What to Consider When Choosing a Heavy Equipment Company
There are some factors to look for when choosing a heavy hauling company.
Area of Coverage
For a scheduled transporting of your heavy equipment to go smoothly, ensure you consider the areas your choice company is serving. Ask questions and read reviews to ascertain that your shipment destination such as the area or neighborhood is part of the areas the company has a permit or license to serve.
Cost
When you are considering the company to go for, ensure you consider the price such that you know how much to budget. You can request for an online quote for all of the services you might need.
Available services
Consider the services available as well as the shipping methods, this also include the equipment available for your machineries to be transported.
Customer Service
Being able to be in touch with the vendor is very important. You may need to ask questions, track your vehicle or request for additional services. Hence the company should have a customer support that is available 24/7.
At A-1 Auto Transport we are passionate about getting your machine to the desired destination. It is more than just transporting but also ensuring that your equipment are preserved in the most descent condition for you.
How to Prepare Your Equipment for Shipping
To transport your equipment, you can prepare your equipment by doing some of the following:
1. Drain all the fluid
2. Remove the loose parts
3. Remove all dirt
4. Choose an experience driver
5. Choose the appropriate shipping method
Norfolk Heavy Equipment Pricing & Time To Ship Examples
| To / From Norfolk, VA | Cost | Distance | Estimated Time In Transit |
| Norfolk, VA to San Jose, CA | $5338.26 - $6524.54 | 2965.7 | 10 - 12 days |
| Denver, CO to Norfolk, VA | $3173.04 - $3878.16 | 1762.8 | 6 - 8 days |
| Austin, TX to Norfolk, VA | $2777.58 - $3394.82 | 1543.1 | 6 - 8 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Jacksonville, FL | $1103.58 - $1348.82 | 613.1 | 2 - 4 days |
| Fort Worth, TX to Norfolk, VA | $2539.08 - $3103.32 | 1410.6 | 5 - 7 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Columbus, OH | $1026 - $1254 | 570 | 2 - 4 days |
| Indianapolis, IN to Norfolk, VA | $1294.02 - $1581.58 | 718.9 | 4 - 6 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Charlotte, NC | $591.48 - $722.92 | 328.6 | 2 - 4 days |
| San Diego, CA to Norfolk, VA | $4922.28 - $6016.12 | 2734.6 | 10 - 12 days |
| Norfolk, VA to Seattle, WA | $5304.06 - $6482.74 | 2946.7 | 10 - 12 days |
*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and what type of vehicle you are shipping.
Relevant Statistics
- Norfolk processes over 500 shipments of heavy equipment per month.
- More than 95% of heavy equipment shipments from Norfolk are completed within the estimated delivery time.
- The average weight of heavy equipment shipped from Norfolk is approximately 30,000 pounds.
- Norfolk handles over 1,200 different types of heavy equipment for shipping purposes.
- The satisfaction rate among customers who have used Norfolk for heavy equipment shipping is at an impressive 98%.
General Facts
- Norfolk is a major shipping hub on the East Coast of the United States.
- Heavy equipment shipping refers to the transportation of large machinery and vehicles.
- Norfolk's deep-water port allows for the efficient handling and shipment of heavy equipment.
- Specialized carriers and transporters are used to safely move heavy equipment from one location to another.
- Proper documentation, such as permits and licenses, is required for the legal transportation of heavy equipment in Norfolk.
Insurance For Hauling Heavy Equipment
Worried about the potential for damage or loss of property? As a fully insured transport company, any damage to your equipment that occurs while it’s in our possession will be fully covered.
Your equipment will be trackable with GPS satellite and you will receive regular updates regarding your delivery. Should you have any questions or need assistance, we have a customer service line that is available 24/7.
We value our customers and their property which is why we pay a lot of care and attention to each shipment. We want our customers to be as up-to-date with information as possible so they can follow along with their equipment's journey on any internet device.
Types of Equipment We Ship
Whether you have heavy trucks, machinery, or other equipment, we ship domestically and internationally. Some examples of shippable equipment include:
- Forklifts
- Track loaders & graters
- Construction & mining trucks
- Excavators
- Pneumatic rollers
And more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship heavy equipment in Norfolk VA?
Most projects in Norfolk fall between 2.50–7.00 dollars per mile, depending on distance, the machine’s weight class, port or naval base access, and whether escort vehicles are required. Pricing is influenced by route congestion around the Port of Virginia, lift-gate needs, loading complexity, and seasonal diesel shifts. Local jobs inside Hampton Roads often cost less because carriers operate nearby. For larger excavators, cranes, and agricultural machines, review our heavy equipment shipping rates page.
How long does heavy equipment shipping take in the Norfolk area?
Regional moves within Virginia typically arrive in 1–3 days, while cross-country transport usually spans 4–9 days. Transit time depends on carrier availability near the Port of Virginia, weather along I-64 and I-95, size-restricted routes, and the need for pilot cars. Oversized freight may take longer because FMCSA permits must be issued before departure. Rural drop-offs outside Hampton Roads can add a day for routing and staging.
Do I need special permits for oversized equipment in Norfolk VA?
Yes. Virginia requires permits for loads exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in width, 13 feet 6 inches in height, or 80,000 pounds GVW. Carriers obtain state oversize or overweight permits, escort approvals, and route reviews before moving cranes, dozers, or industrial machinery. Norfolk’s proximity to naval and port zones can also trigger additional timing restrictions. These steps ensure compliance with FMCSA rules and safe routing around bridges and tunnels.
What’s the best way to prepare heavy equipment for shipping in Norfolk VA?
Preparation should include draining loose fluids, securing attachments, protecting electronics, locking booms or arms, and verifying accurate weight for permit calculations. Coastal humidity around Norfolk makes it helpful to wrap exposed components. Clean equipment also speeds inspection and loading. For detailed steps and attachment-handling guidance, review our equipment hauling guide.
Can heavy equipment be shipped directly from Norfolk’s port facilities?
Yes, equipment can be transported to or from the Port of Virginia when a TWIC-cleared driver and proper documentation are arranged. Port lifts, container yards, and terminal appointments affect timing. Costs vary based on port drayage fees, storage windows, equipment dimensions, and whether RoRo ramps or flatbeds are used. Operators should plan ahead because peak port seasons can limit appointment availability.
Can I ship small machinery or compact equipment locally in Norfolk?
Yes. Skid steers, mini-excavators, and compact tractors are commonly hauled on standard flatbeds or hotshot trailers within the Hampton Roads region. Local availability keeps pricing competitive, and many carriers run daily routes between Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Limited-access neighborhoods or construction zones may require flexible pickup windows or a smaller truck for safe loading.
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