Shipping Construction Equipment
How to Ship Construction Equipment
Construction equipment comes in different types, sizes, and dimensions. From cranes to dump trucks, backhoes, bulldozers, excavators, forklifts, skid steer loaders, and more. These tools may be needed in different places, thus requiring heavy gear services. Fortunately, it isn’t hard to find a reliable transporter that offers state, nationwide, and international services for shipping construction equipment and vehicles. In most cases, customers looking to ship large-weight construction tools must use open-air methods either by ground conveyance on a flatbed trailer, RGN, or water vessel. This is the cheapest and most cost-efficient form of hauling for a heavy load but it cannot protect from bad road conditions and weather.
It isn’t likely that you’ll find any damage to your shipments, but in case of an accident, the company provides insurance coverage. This coverage often covers the cost of repairs and replacements up to the full value of the oversized cargo.
Many Great Benefits of Using Professional Tools
There are so many incredible benefits to using professional services for construction geardeliveries. It is the easiest and safest way to deliver extensive tools and machinery. During hauling, the company will provide insurance coverage. This coverage must meet at least the minimum requirements by law—the more protection provided for your building equipment and heavy loads - the better. You may be able to purchase additional freight insurance through the transporter to cover your needs.
Regarding international deliveries, such as those in Canada, meeting all requirements listed in that country’s import policy is essential. If you do not meet the requirements and provide all the proper paperwork, documentation, and permits to Customs, your construction supplies and truck may get denied access into the country. Fortunately, when you hire a hauler with experience in overseas building equipment transports, they’ll know exactly how to deal with foreign laws and everything involved in the safe delivery process to another nation.
- Construction equipment shipping costs $2–$10 per mile, with total rates ranging $800–$15,000+ based on size, weight, and trailer type.
- Regional construction equipment moves take 2–7 days; cross-country hauls on flatbed or lowboy trailers require 5–14 days depending on route and permits.
- Loads exceeding 8.5 feet wide or 46,000 lbs require FMCSA-compliant state permits, route planning, and escort vehicles before transport begins.
A1 AT has decades of industry experience regarding oversized loads and tool hauling. We also have the tools, technology, and professionals who are trained to haul construction machinery safely, and at a reasonable cost. We have trailers and haulers of different sizes to ship various items and a network of partners in other states to pick up and dispatch your items to your chosen destination anywhere in the U.S., regardless of the distance. These include lowboys, flatbeds, step deck trailers, and other solutions and trucking services to meet your needs.
We can ship whole machinery and components or parts; we can even ship just a critical piece you need to install. We can do full container loading (FTL) or LTL when you choose container moving. Our rates and prices are transparent as we provide details on our charges without hidden fees. We guarantee a smooth and stress-free experience. Talk to our customer service and logistics agent to get a free delivery estimate.
Relevant Statistics
Approximately 1.2 million tons of construction equipment are shipped globally each year.
Over 95% of the tools are transported by sea.
The average size of equipment shipped is around 18 meters in length.
Containers specifically designed for building equipment account for 10% of the global container trade.
Construction tools shipping contributes to a $7 billion industry worldwide.
General Facts
Construction equipment refers to machinery used in the building industry, such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
Moving tools involves hauling these heavy and large machinery from one location to another.
Different methods can be used, including containerized shipping, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), and flat-rack delivery.
Proper packaging and securing of building equipment is essential to ensure safe transportation and prevent damage.
Moving construction tools often requires permits and compliance with size, weight, and hazardous materials regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship construction equipment?
As of August 7, 2026, many legal-size domestic construction-equipment moves fall around $3.50-$4.00 per loaded mile, while specialized RGN or permitted oversize moves often run about $5-$7.50 per mile. Machine dimensions, operating weight, trailer type, route, and loading needs account for most quote differences. Very large or difficult loads can exceed those planning bands. A1's heavy equipment shipping calculator can price the specific machine and route.
What is the best way to transport construction equipment?
Construction equipment should be matched to a trailer by its loaded height, width, length, weight, and loading method, rather than by the machine name alone. Flatbeds suit many legal-size machines, while step-decks and lowboys provide lower deck height for taller equipment. An RGN can detach at the front for ground-level drive-on loading. For interstate moves, the carrier must also secure the machine and its attachments in accordance with applicable FMCSA cargo-securement rules.
How long does construction equipment shipping take?
Loaded domestic construction-equipment transit usually runs 1-3 days for regional hauls and about 7-12 days for cross-country moves after pickup. Oversize permits, route restrictions, weather, and difficult pickup or delivery access can extend those windows. Pickup scheduling happens before loaded transit, so the quoted pickup window and estimated delivery time should be treated as separate planning periods.
When does construction equipment need oversize or overweight permits?
Construction equipment needs an oversize or overweight permit when the loaded vehicle exceeds the legal limits that apply on its route. On the National Network, federal width is generally limited to 102 inches, or 8 feet 6 inches; Interstate weight also depends on the 80,000-pound gross limit, axle limits, and Bridge Formula requirements. Height, length, escort, and travel-time rules can vary by state. A machine's own weight therefore does not determine permit status by itself.
Can construction equipment be shipped overseas?
Construction equipment can ship overseas by RoRo, container, flat rack, or breakbulk, depending on the machine's mobility, dimensions, and destination. RoRo is widely used for rolling construction machinery, while out-of-gauge machines may require flat-rack or breakbulk handling. For U.S. exports of used self-propelled construction equipment, CBP treats the machine as a self-propelled vehicle for Part 192 purposes, so ownership and export-document requirements may apply. A1's overseas heavy equipment shipping guide covers the available shipping methods.
How should I prepare construction equipment for shipping?
Before pickup, prepare construction equipment by confirming the actual loaded dimensions and operating weight, cleaning it for inspection, and securing or removing loose attachments. Lock booms, buckets, blades, and other moving components in their transport position; FMCSA guidance requires accessory equipment to be restrained so neither it nor the machine can shift. Tell the carrier if the machine does not run or needs special loading equipment, and photograph its condition before loading. A1's heavy equipment preparation guide provides additional preparation steps.
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