Small Equipment Shipping Services

Q: How much does it cost to ship small equipment?

Most small equipment shipments fall between $300 and $1,200 for regional hauls and $800 to $2,000 for longer interstate routes. Pricing depends on weight class , crating , commercial pickup locations , and carrier type . Liftgate delivery and limited-access sites can raise the rate. For detailed price variables, compare with the broader heavy equipment shipping rates guide .

Q: How long does small equipment shipping take?

Standard LTL transit for small equipment averages 2 to 7 days for most domestic lanes. Pickup windows may be longer for rural areas or commercial sites requiring appointments. Weather patterns , freight volume , and fuel market shifts can extend delivery times. Compact equipment generally moves faster than oversized machinery because it fits standard truck freight lanes.

Q: What information do carriers need to quote small equipment shipping?

Carriers require weight , dimensions , photos , equipment type , and whether it must be palletized or crated . They also need pickup details such as forklift access , business hours , and loading conditions . Providing accurate specs helps ensure proper truck assignment and prevents reclass charges. Most quotes are generated within minutes through digital freight platforms or direct carrier systems.

by Joe Webster

Last updated Nov, 27 2025

Do you need to have your small equipment shipped? Then A-1 Auto Transport is at your service!

Shipping small equipment might not be as complicated as it's often the case with heavy equipment. However, you must still work with a reputable transport company that can safely haul and deliver your assets to the intended destination.

If you’re interested in small equipment shipping services, this short guide can help you learn more!

a man in a suit stands confidently beside a tractor

How Much Does It Cost to Ship Small Equipment?

Shipping rates can vary dramatically across the industry because there are many factors transport companies consider when establishing their rates.

Let’s look over some of the main factors that can influence the small equipment shipping rates:

The Company Itself - Companies with more resources can provide better deals for clients, from special packages down to more affordable rates;
Time of Shipping - If you’re shipping during the summer, you can expect much higher rates than in the wintertime. This is because demand drops during winter, so many companies offer discounts and special deals to encourage clients to ship during the colder months;
Delivery Location - If you need to ship to a more remote location that is not easy to access by the transport company, expect to be paying a higher rate;
Special Consideration - Items that require more attention or special consideration can influence your shipping rates tremendously.

a white truck transporting four tractors

What to Look for in a Small Machinery Shipping Company

If you need to ship heavy equipment, consider the following items when you’re searching for a transportation company to help:

Experience - Small equipment can play a significant role in your company, so you’ll want to minimize the risk of damage as much as possible. A company experienced in handling such items is therefore much preferable to help;
Reputation - Your company assets must be handled by someone you can trust to get the job done right. Look for the company’s reputation by checking out online reviews, especially those that come from third-party sources like forums or online directories, to see how serious a company you’re thinking of hiring truly is;
Insurance protects your assets if something goes wrong while hauling your transport. While federal law mandates that all transport companies must carry this insurance, it’s never a bad idea to double-check. Also, pay attention to how much the insurance offered by the company can actually cover;
Free Estimates - Because pricing is so complex in this industry, many transport companies offer free estimates to give potential clients a ballpark of how much transporting small equipment will cost them. You can use these estimates to compare the rates of different companies and assess which is most convenient for you and your budget;
Types of Services Offered - Consider what you need before setting your sites on one specific company. Not all transport firms can accommodate the same things, so if you need long-distance or overseas shipping, or have some special requirements, be sure to check if the transport company can actually offer these services.

a auto transport truck navigating the highway

A-1 Auto Transport Is at Your Service

If you’re looking for a company that can handle all your small equipment shipping needs, A-1 Auto Transport is here to help you access the services you need for a job well done.

We understand it can be daunting to navigate the complex world of equipment shipping, so our team is here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision. Moreover, our professional shipping services can help you get a hassle-free way to ship all your assets!

To get started, use our online calculator to get a free quote on your small equipment shipping services, and call the A-1 Auto Transport team directly to learn more about our services!

a tractor trailer transporting two tractors on its flatbed

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as small equipment in shipping?

Small equipment typically includes compact machinery under 5,000 pounds such as generators, pumps, compressors, walk-behind trenchers, small farm implements, and light construction tools. Carriers move these items using palletized freight, crated shipments, or small-equipment flatbeds depending on weight and dimensions. Key factors include size, liftgate needs, and whether the item must be crated. For more specialized units, reviewing similar requirements on the equipment hauling resource can help you understand preparation steps.

How much does it cost to ship small equipment?

Most small equipment shipments fall between $300 and $1,200 for regional hauls and $800 to $2,000 for longer interstate routes. Pricing depends on weight class, crating, commercial pickup locations, and carrier type. Liftgate delivery and limited-access sites can raise the rate. For detailed price variables, compare with the broader heavy equipment shipping rates guide.

What is the best way to ship small equipment safely?

The safest method is securing the equipment to a pallet or inside a crate, then loading it onto an LTL or partial-truckload carrier experienced with machinery. Items with fluids, blades, or attachments should be drained, folded, or removed before shipping. Carriers regulated by the FMCSA require proper strapping, labeling, and weight declarations. For fragile tools or compact machinery with protruding components, many shippers use enclosed crates similar to those used in enclosed transport for added impact protection.

How long does small equipment shipping take?

Standard LTL transit for small equipment averages 2 to 7 days for most domestic lanes. Pickup windows may be longer for rural areas or commercial sites requiring appointments. Weather patterns, freight volume, and fuel market shifts can extend delivery times. Compact equipment generally moves faster than oversized machinery because it fits standard truck freight lanes.

Do I need to crate small equipment before shipping?

Crating is recommended when the equipment has delicate controls, electronics, or any exposed components. Heavy steel items may ship safely on a pallet with blocking and bracing. The decision depends on fragility, value, and carrier requirements. Many LTL carriers require crating above certain weight thresholds or when machinery cannot sit evenly on a pallet.

Can small equipment be shipped door to door?

Yes, most carriers offer door-to-door delivery as long as the pickup and drop-off addresses can accommodate a freight truck. Residential sites may need a liftgate, and limited-access fees may apply. For smoother delivery, customers often choose routes similar to standard door-to-door transport service used in vehicle shipping, which follows the same scheduling model.

What information do carriers need to quote small equipment shipping?

Carriers require weight, dimensions, photos, equipment type, and whether it must be palletized or crated. They also need pickup details such as forklift access, business hours, and loading conditions. Providing accurate specs helps ensure proper truck assignment and prevents reclass charges. Most quotes are generated within minutes through digital freight platforms or direct carrier systems.