Shipping a Skip Loader
A skip loader is a front-end loader machine used to clear trees and debris from a plot of land or to load heavy materials like gravel, rubble, debris, and dirt into trucks. One of the biggest questions is, “How can you transit the shovel dozer to the job site?” This is where the professional dispatching team at A-1 Auto Transport enters the plan.
With more than 30 years of experience in the haulage conveyance industry, A-1 Auto Transport has worked with front-end scoops and other heavy equipment, and we know the safest ways to relocate heavy equipment. With our knowledge, experience, and standard equipment and trailers, your vehicle will be easily picked up with the right equipment, dispatched, and delivered to the job site.
Door To Door
We offer door-to-door, or job site-to-job site pickup and delivery for shovel dozers, backhoe tractors, and other construction and landscaping equipment. We have standard trailers to support your machinery's size, weight, and height. Our driver will complete an on-site inspection of the high lift to ensure it's in good condition for conveyance. Once the inspection is complete, you will be asked to sign a verification stating that you agree with the condition listed on the inspection report. If the equipment owner is unavailable, an approved person will need to be on hand when the shovel dozer is picked up.
Interstate Transit
A flatbed trailer will be used to transport a scoop for interstate conveyance within the United States. The skip loader will be lifted onto the flatbed with a pulley system/wench or driven onto the flatbed with ramps.
Relevant Statistics
Over 95% of shovel dozers used for shifting are moved via container ships.
The average weight of a move is approximately 7,500 kilograms.
Hauling accounts for over 12% of all heavy equipment conveyance.
More than 2,000 high lifts are hauled internationally each month.
Dispatching a scoop overseas ranges from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the distance and destination.
General Facts
It is a versatile construction vehicle used for handling and hauling different materials.
Delivery involves the conveyance of a hovel dozer from one location to another.
Skip loaders are often sent on flatbed trucks or lowboy trailers.
Proper securing and strapping are crucial to ensure the safe conveyance of the scoop during shifting.
Shipping companies provide professional services for all aspects of transporting high lifts, including loading, securing, and unloading the equipment.
International Shifting
When moving a scoop and its attachments to another country, you must check the customs regulations of the country you want to import the equipment. Our professional team can assist you in ensuring you have the correct documentation in place for shipment. With our extensive network capacity of international shifting partners, we can move your scoop safely to Canada, Mexico, France, or other overseas locations.
- Skip loader shipping costs $700–$3,500+ nationwide, with flatbed or step-deck trailer selection driven by machine height and attachment size.
- Regional skip loader moves deliver in 2–7 days; cross-country interstate shipments typically require 7–14 days, depending on permit routing and access.
- FMCSA-compliant carriers provide cargo insurance, conduct pre-transport inspections, and manage oversize permits when dimensions exceed state legal limits.
Book Transit Now
We can help ship all your machinery, equipment, vehicles, and tools, including dump trucks and skid steer to a new job site, for repairs, or to a warehouse. For a free quote, be sure to fill out the quote form on this page, give one of our expert agents a call at 1-888-230-9116 for further information, or book our transport solutions today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does shipping a skip loader cost?
Shipping a skip loader generally costs between $700 and $3,500+, depending on the machine's weight, dimensions, shipping distance, trailer type, fuel costs, and seasonal demand. A short regional move may cost under $1,500, while a cross-country shipment can exceed $3,000. Machines with oversized attachments or limited loading access often require specialized equipment, which increases pricing. Many contractors use a heavy equipment shipping calculator to estimate transport costs before booking.
How long does it take to ship a skip loader?
Most skip loader shipments take 2 to 7 days for regional routes and approximately 7 to 14 days for longer interstate moves. Delivery times are influenced by distance, weather, permit requirements, carrier schedules, traffic conditions, and pickup location accessibility. Equipment moving between major construction markets usually ships faster than machinery located in remote rural areas. Booking several days in advance often improves scheduling flexibility and carrier availability.
What is the best trailer for shipping a skip loader?
The best trailer for shipping a skip loader is usually a flatbed trailer or step-deck trailer. The right choice depends on the machine's height, operating weight, bucket size, and attachment configuration. Standard-sized skip loaders often fit safely on flatbeds, while taller equipment may require a step-deck to remain within legal height limits. For larger construction fleets or mixed machinery shipments, specialized heavy equipment transport solutions can improve efficiency and reduce loading challenges.
Does a skip loader require permits for transport?
A skip loader may require permits if its combined transport dimensions exceed state legal limits for height, width, length, or weight. While many standard models can move without oversize permits, larger configurations with attachments often need additional paperwork and approved routing. Professional carriers handle permit acquisition, route planning, and compliance requirements before transport begins, helping prevent delays, fines, or unexpected restrictions during transit.
How do I prepare a skip loader for shipping?
Proper preparation helps prevent delays and protects the equipment during transport. Before shipping, remove loose tools, secure attachments, check for hydraulic leaks, clean excessive dirt, and document the machine's condition with photographs. Fuel levels are often reduced, and movable components should be locked into place. Following a heavy equipment shipping preparation guide can simplify loading and improve transport safety.
Is a skip loader insured during transportation?
Yes. Reputable carriers provide cargo insurance coverage while a skip loader is being transported. Coverage amounts vary based on the carrier, equipment value, and shipment type. Before booking, request proof of insurance and verify coverage limits for your machinery. Customers should also perform inspections at pickup and delivery, noting any existing damage on transport records. FMCSA-compliant carriers typically maintain the insurance protections required for commercial heavy equipment transport.
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