Shipping Scissor Lifts


How to Ship Scissor Lifts
Scissor lifts are used in the construction and facility maintenance industry as work platforms, to elevate workers, tools, and equipment to working heights. It's a form of scaffolding in its own right, which comes in different designs. Since scissor lifts are deemed heavy equipment due to their large size and weight, they are too difficult to ship by any means other than the proper transport equipment, trailers, and haulers.
Hiring a transport company to ship your scissor lift isn't a process that should be rushed, especially if you must use these shipping services often to get your scissor lift from work site to work site. You'll want to ensure you hire a trustworthy freight hauler with heavy equipment shipping experience and the right tools.
Vertical lift Hauling
Whether you're in the construction industry, the utility industry, oil & gas, or other industry areas that regularly require you to work with scissor lifts, A-1 Auto Transport is here to help you simplify the logistics of hauling your lifts to new job sites, warehouses, industrial plants, and other such destinations. Whether you are looking at ground transportation or sea freight shipping, we have the capacity, equipment, and professionals to make it happen.
If you've been Googling and searching websites for “scissor lift haulers and shippers near me,” you've come to the right place. As one of the best towing services out there, we've handled construction equipment and heavy machinery of all sizes, types, and styles – including scissor lifts.
With reasonable prices, partial load shipping options, experienced drivers, and guaranteed delivery dates, we make shipping scissor lifts throughout the United States easy. You can trust us whether you want to send your scissor lift to the neighboring county or state, or across the entire country.
Haulers And Shippers Near You
- Scissor lift shipping costs $1.50–$4.50 per mile, with total quotes ranging $400–$2,500+ based on weight, dimensions, and trailer type.
- Most scissor lift shipments deliver in 2–7 days; hauls under 500 miles often complete in 1–2 days via flatbed or step-deck trailer.
- FMCSA-licensed carriers must maintain active cargo insurance and use compliant tie-down securement on all flatbed scissor lift loads.
Wondering why you should choose us if you've been looking for “Scissor lift haulers and shippers near me?” There are a few reasons that we're the best choice for importing your essential construction and maintenance equipment, such as scissor lifts.
First and foremost, we're dedicated to guaranteed delivery dates. We know that the timely delivery of heavy equipment such as scissor lifts is essential for you to meet your project deadlines, and ensure that your business can operate smoothly. By eliminating shipment delays and guaranteeing delivery dates, we give you peace of mind – allowing you to focus on your business.
We're also experienced in the shipping and hauling of heavy equipment of all shapes and sizes. We don't just haul scissor lifts, but also have experience hauling forklifts, skid loaders, cranes and so much more – you name it, and we've shipped it. You can trust us to take care of your equipment.
Finally, we offer reasonable rates for our transportation services, helping you save even more each time you save shipping scissor lifts.

How Much Will It Cost To Haul?
There are a number of different things that impact the cost of hauling a scissor lift, depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few of the factors that will influence the price of shipping your lift.
- Dimensions & size – Considering the length, height, and width of your scissor lift, the larger and bulkier your scissor lift is, the more it will cost to ship due to heavier weight, complexity when securing the load, and other such factors. In contrast, smaller scissor lifts can be shipped for a lower rate.
- Weight – During shipping, weight influences fuel consumption, the difficulty of loading and unloading your scissor lift, and a number of other things. The heavier your load is, the more expensive it will be to haul. Every shipping equipment has a max weight of load they allow so the weight of your equipment will determine the best trailer suited to haul it.
- Full or partial load – For larger scissor lifts, you may need full-load shipping. In other words, your scissor lift will be the only object we're hauling. Naturally, this is more expensive. However, some scissor lifts may be small and light enough to send them as partial loads. We'll load our truck with your scissor lift and some other equipment that's being sent near your destination. By combining shipments with other companies using our partial truckload shipping, you can save a lot of money.
- Required delivery date – The sooner you need your scissor lift shipped, the more you'll pay. Rush delivery fees and other costs are common when you need rapid shipping for your equipment – so we recommend planning in advance to avoid these costs.
- Total shipping distance – As you may expect, the cost of hauling a scissor lift from coast to coast is much higher than the cost of shipping it to a local job site or your neighboring state. Counter-intuitively, though, the price-per-mile of long-haul shipping is lower, compared to short-haul shipping, due to economies of scale.
- Open-air or container shipping – Open-air shipping is the cheapest way to ship your scissor lift. It will be loaded onto a flatbed trailer, secured in place, and then sent to its destination – but it will be exposed to the elements. Container shipping is usually a bit more expensive. Your scissor lift will be loaded into a standard 40-foot trailer, which will protect it from the elements while it's in transit.
If you'd like to learn more about the cost of shipping a scissor lift or are ready to get a quote, you can contact the team at A-1 Auto Transport now.

The Advantages of Hiring a Professional Hauler
- Believe it or not- you'll save money by hiring professionals for the transport especially if you're a frequent customer
- Experienced, reputable transporters have a variety of standard shipping equipment and technology to ensure a safer, less risky delivery
- By law, licensed haulers are required to carry the minimum amount of insurance coverage
- The process of delivery is much faster and more efficient
- You're presented with more carrier options and services such as door-to-door delivery and expedited services
- Free satellite tracking services can be accessed through any Wi-Fi-enabled device to let you keep track of your scissor lift's whereabouts during the delivery process
- If shipping overseas, the transport company will help you comply with the foreign import policies so that the vehicle is approved by Customs
- Customer service reps and transport professionals will be at your side throughout the entire process of shipping if you have any concerns
There are many benefits to hiring shipping services through professional transporters for the delivery of your scissor lift. They will take great care of it, ensuring its safety and getting it delivered in a time-efficient manner.
Relevant Statistics
Approximately 95% of scissor lifts shipped internationally arrive at their destination without any damage.
Scissor lifts can be shipped to over 120 countries worldwide, making them readily available globally.
On average, a single shipping container can accommodate up to 7 scissor lifts for efficient carrier.
The cost of hauling a scissor lift internationally is typically around USD 2,500 per unit.
More than 80% of scissor lifts are hauled via sea freight due to their cost-effectiveness and capacity.
General Facts
Scissor lifts are heavy machinery used for lifting people and materials to elevated heights.
Shipping scissor lifts involves hauling these machines from one location to another, typically by truck or trailer.
Properly securing scissor lifts during transit is crucial to prevent damage and ensure safe transportation.
Shipping scissor lifts often requires specialized equipment such as flatbed trailers, step decks, or low loaders (lowboys).
It is important to comply with local regulations and obtain any necessary permits when hauling scissor lifts, especially across borders.
Contact us For Vertical lift Hauling Nationwide
Whether you're hauling a single scissor lift to a nearby job site, or you need to haul multiple large scissor lifts across the country, A-1 Auto Transport is always here to help. We are proud to support our customers all over the country. No job is too big or too small – so contact us online now to get a quote, or give us a call at (888) 230-9116 to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a scissor lift?
As of August 7, 2026, standard U.S. scissor lift shipping on an open-deck trailer typically runs about $2.75-$4.00 per loaded mile, while short hauls can reach $3.25-$5.00+ per mile. For a 500-1,500-mile flatbed or step-deck move, a practical planning total is roughly $1,500-$5,500. Distance, stowed dimensions, machine weight, trailer type, and site access explain most quote differences. A1's heavy equipment shipping calculator can help narrow the estimate once you have the exact machine specs and both ZIP codes.
What is the best way to transport a scissor lift?
For most legal-size scissor lifts, a flatbed or step-deck trailer is the practical choice, with the trailer selected from the lift's stowed height, width, weight, ground clearance, and loading method. A step deck gives taller equipment more vertical clearance, while a lowboy or RGN may be needed for larger or heavier units. Permit needs depend on the loaded dimensions and route, so a compact lift should not automatically be treated as permit-free. Confirm transport-ready measurements and whether the machine can drive onto the trailer before dispatch.
How long does scissor lift shipping take?
Scissor lift shipping usually takes 1-2 loaded transit days under 500 miles, about 3-6 days for 500-1,500 miles, and roughly 5-10 days for cross-country moves. Those ranges describe travel after the lift is loaded, not the time needed to match and schedule the correct trailer. Oversize permits, restricted travel windows, severe weather, or difficult job-site access can extend the schedule. If a project has a fixed start date, leave some buffer between the estimated delivery window and the day the lift must be in service.
Is door-to-door shipping available for scissor lifts?
Yes, door-to-door scissor lift shipping is available when a large trailer can safely and legally reach both the pickup and delivery locations. If a job site has soft ground, tight turns, low clearances, restricted streets, or no safe loading area, the driver may use a nearby staging point instead. Confirm trailer access and the unloading plan before pickup, especially for an active construction site. A1's door-to-door auto transport service explains how address-based pickup and delivery works.
How much does a 19-foot scissor lift weigh?
Common 19-foot slab-electric scissor lifts weigh about 2,900-3,300 lb in standard configuration, although the exact shipping weight depends on the model and installed options. Genie lists its 2026 GS-1932 at 2,929 lb, while Skyjack lists the SJ3219 E at 3,236 lb. Use the serial plate or current manufacturer specification for the machine being shipped rather than relying on platform height alone. The transport quote should use the actual shipping weight because factory options and accessories can change the machine's final weight and trailer requirements.
How should a scissor lift be prepared and secured for transport?
Prepare a scissor lift by fully lowering the platform, retracting and locking the extension deck where fitted, removing loose items, and switching the machine off as its operator manual directs. Confirm its transport weight and stowed dimensions, then use designated tie-down points with properly rated securement. For wheeled or tracked equipment weighing 10,000 lb or more, 49 CFR 393.130 requires at least four tiedowns against movement in every direction. A1's heavy equipment preparation guide covers the broader pickup checklist.

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