Heavy Equipment Transport
AutoStar Transport Express coordinates heavy equipment transport across the United States: construction equipment, farm machinery, forklifts, commercial trucks and vans, and other large or specialty loads. We match each shipment with a vetted carrier, the right trailer and a route plan, so pickup starts with fewer surprises.
Where are you shipping your vehicle?
Start with a ZIP code — we'll fill in the city and state.
Tip: a ZIP code (e.g. 33101) gives the most accurate quote — we'll fill in the city and state.
ZIP or city (e.g. 10001 — New York, NY).
Oversized Transport Support Backed by Experience
- coordinating vehicle transport
- Since 2007
- vehicles shipped per year
- 30,000+
- vetted carriers
- 25,000+
- nationwide support
- 50 states
Heavy Equipment We Haul
Each type of machinery needs a transport plan that starts with the actual load. Choose the page that matches your equipment, or call us if it is something else.
Construction Equipment Hauling
Construction Equipment Hauling ServicesExcavators, loaders, skid steers, backhoes and compact equipment need the right trailer, loading ramps and secure tie-down points.
Agriculture and Farming Equipment Hauling
Agriculture & Farming Equipment Hauling ServicesTractors, implements and other farm machinery often start from rural pickup locations that need route and access planning.
Forklift and Warehouse Equipment Transport
Warehouse Equipment Hauling and Forklift TransportForklifts and warehouse equipment need trailer fit, loading access and delivery timing.
Commercial Truck Transport
Commercial Truck Transport ServicesWork trucks, box trucks and semi trucks are reviewed for weight, length and loading requirements.
Sprinter Van and Commercial Van Shipping
Sprinter Van Shipping and Commercial Van TransportHigh-roof, cargo and passenger vans need height and length review.
Other Machinery
Generators, industrial and job-site equipment. Call AutoStar with the dimensions and weight and we will review the transport options.
How Heavy Equipment Shipping Works
A clear process helps keep heavy loads from becoming last-minute surprises.
Share the Load Details
Send the pickup and delivery locations, dimensions, weight, running condition, attachments, photos, timing and access notes.
Review the Best Transport Setup
The shipment is reviewed for trailer fit, loading needs, route considerations and carrier availability.
Confirm the Quote
Your quote reflects the route, load details, trailer type, timing and any special transport requirements.
Schedule Pickup
Pickup is coordinated with the carrier and site contact. For heavy loads, clear access and accurate location details are especially important.
Inspect, Load, and Secure
The carrier documents condition, loads the equipment and secures it for transport.
Delivery and Final Check
At delivery, inspect the equipment, confirm condition and complete the handoff.
Transport Options
Trailers for Heavy Machinery Transport
The right trailer depends on the equipment, not just the distance.
| Attribute | Standard Open When it fits | Flatbed or Step Deck Large open loads | Lowboy or RGN Tall or heavy equipment | Enclosed Specialty Added protection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Larger vehicles within carrier limits | Large open loads | Tall or heavy equipment | High-value or weather-sensitive equipment |
| Key benefit | Practical when dimensions allow | Flexible open deck space | Lower clearance and easier loading angles | Extra protection when the load fits |
| Planning need | Verify dimensions first | Review size, weight, and access | Review loading and route requirements | Availability depends on size and route |
- Best fit
- Standard Open: Larger vehicles within carrier limits
- Flatbed or Step Deck: Large open loads
- Lowboy or RGN: Tall or heavy equipment
- Enclosed Specialty: High-value or weather-sensitive equipment
- Key benefit
- Standard Open: Practical when dimensions allow
- Flatbed or Step Deck: Flexible open deck space
- Lowboy or RGN: Lower clearance and easier loading angles
- Enclosed Specialty: Extra protection when the load fits
- Planning need
- Standard Open: Verify dimensions first
- Flatbed or Step Deck: Review size, weight, and access
- Lowboy or RGN: Review loading and route requirements
- Enclosed Specialty: Availability depends on size and route
What We Need for an Accurate Quote
Pickup and delivery ZIP codes.
Preferred pickup and delivery timing.
Equipment type, year, make and model when available.
Length, width, height and weight.
Running condition, steering, braking and rolling status.
Photos from multiple angles.
Attachments, buckets, blades, forks, enclosures or accessories.
Pickup and delivery access notes, including gates, loading areas, tight streets, low trees, steep driveways or appointment requirements.
What Affects Heavy Equipment Transport Cost?
Heavy equipment shipping costs are not one-size-fits-all because the carrier, trailer, route and loading plan can change from one shipment to the next.
Longer routes, remote pickup areas, limited carrier lanes and difficult delivery access can affect pricing and availability.
Height, width, length and weight determine whether the load fits standard equipment or needs a specialty trailer.
Flatbeds, step decks, lowboys, RGN trailers, enclosed high-clearance equipment and other specialty options can affect cost.
Non-running equipment, machinery that cannot steer or brake, and loads that need winching or special loading support may cost more to move.
Some oversize or overweight loads may require route planning, permits or pilot/escort vehicles depending on the route and load dimensions.
Flexible timing can help. Tight windows, seasonal demand, rural routes and specialized equipment needs can affect carrier availability.
Route Planning
Permits, Route Planning, and Pilot Cars
Heavy equipment transport can involve more than matching a load to a trailer. Some loads may need route planning around bridge limits, low clearances, restricted roads, local access rules or state permit requirements.
The Federal Highway Administration notes that oversize and overweight permits are handled at the state level, not issued by the federal government. That means requirements can vary by route and load.
Pilot or escort vehicles may be required for some shipments depending on the width, height, length, weight, route and state rules. Your transport plan should account for these needs before pickup, not after the carrier arrives.
When does a load need a permit?
Limits vary by state and route, but these are the usual triggers for an oversize or overweight permit:
- Width: over 8 ft 6 in (102 in).
- Height: over 13 ft 6 in to 14 ft, depending on the state.
- Length: over 53 ft of trailer length, or the overall length limit set by the state.
- Weight: over 80,000 lb gross vehicle weight.
The permit depends on the whole load as it travels, trailer included, not on the machine alone. Send us the dimensions and weight of your equipment and AutoStar reviews the load details with the carrier before pickup. When a permit is needed, the carrier arranges it, and each state sets the final requirements for its roads.
How to Prepare Heavy Equipment for Transport
Remove loose personal items and unsecured tools.
Secure or remove detachable accessories, covers, ramps, attachments and loose parts.
Take clear photos before pickup.
Confirm whether the equipment runs, steers, brakes and rolls.
Check tire or track condition when applicable.
Share accurate dimensions and weight.
Provide keys, access instructions, gate codes, appointment rules and site contact details.
Make sure the pickup and delivery areas can safely accommodate carrier equipment.
Transport Trust
Safety, Insurance, and Carrier Vetting
Heavy equipment transport is not the place for guesswork. Carrier fit, loading equipment, securement, communication and insurance all matter.
AutoStar works with a vetted carrier network and helps coordinate the details that reduce risk before pickup. The carrier documents condition at pickup and delivery, and customers can take their own photos for added peace of mind.
For heavy equipment and machinery, securement requirements can be more involved than standard vehicle transport. Sharing accurate details early helps the carrier plan for the load and avoid preventable delays.
Why Choose AutoStar for Oversized Vehicle Shipping?
BBB Top Rated for Over 19+ Years
Inc. 5000 honoree
FMCSA MC: 600908
U.S. DOT 2239014Oversized Vehicles Are Covered Too
Oversized vehicle transport is part of this page. A vehicle or piece of equipment that needs extra planning because of its size, weight, height, width, shape, condition or modifications may need a flatbed, step deck, lowboy, RGN trailer, enclosed high-clearance option, special loading support, permits or escort coordination.
Lifted and Modified Trucks
Lift kits, oversized tires, custom bumpers, racks and added height can change how a truck is loaded and secured.
Dually and Utility Trucks
Wider wheelbases, service bodies and work equipment may require a carrier that can handle extra width or weight.
Sprinter Vans, Buses and RV-Style Vehicles
Tall vans, shuttle buses, small buses and motorhomes need careful height, length and access review.
Food Trucks and Commercial Vehicles
Added equipment, custom bodywork, generators and weight distribution are part of the plan.
Non-Running Vehicles
If the vehicle does not run, steer, brake or roll normally, the carrier needs to know before dispatch.
Commercial, Fleet, and Job-Site Transport
Heavy equipment transport is not only for private owners. AutoStar can help with commercial and operational transport needs for contractors, farms, dealerships, auctions, municipalities, fleet operators, storage yards and job sites.
Commercial moves often involve more coordination: operating hours, site contacts, loading zones, security gates, multiple units, equipment availability and delivery appointments. Share those details early so the transport plan can account for the site, not just the equipment.
See also: Fleet Management Transport and Corporate & Government.
Customer Confidence
Transport Support Backed by Customer Experience
Based on 7,717 reviews
In this section
- Agriculture & Farming EquipmentNeed farm equipment hauling? Call AutoStar for agricultural machinery transport, rural pickup planning, and nationwide quotes.
- Commercial TrucksNeed commercial truck transport? Call AutoStar for semi truck shipping, work truck hauling, and quote help nationwide.
- Commercial VansNeed Sprinter van shipping? Call AutoStar for commercial van transport, high-roof van help, and nationwide quotes.
- Construction EquipmentNeed construction equipment hauling? Call AutoStar for machinery shipping, trailer planning, and nationwide quotes.
- Warehouse EquipmentMove forklifts and warehouse equipment with AutoStar. Call for trailer-fit, pickup access, timing, and quote help.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common heavy equipment transport questions about cost, permits, trailers, timing and preparation.
Share the pickup and delivery locations, the equipment type, dimensions, weight, running condition, attachments and photos. AutoStar reviews the load, matches it with a vetted carrier and trailer, and gives you a quote. Pickup is then scheduled with the carrier and the site contact.
Cost depends on the route, size, weight, trailer type, running condition, loading needs, permits, escort requirements, timing and carrier availability. The most accurate quote starts with complete load details.
Construction equipment, farm machinery, forklifts and warehouse equipment, commercial trucks, commercial vans and other large or specialty loads. Call AutoStar if your equipment is not listed.
The trailer depends on the load. Some equipment can travel on a flatbed or step deck, while taller or heavier machinery may need a lowboy or RGN trailer. Some loads may need an enclosed or specialty option.
Provide pickup and delivery locations, dimensions, weight, photos, running condition, attachments, timing and access details for both locations.
Some oversize or overweight shipments may require permits depending on the route, state rules and load dimensions. Permit requirements vary, so the transport plan needs to account for the specific shipment.
It usually does when the load is wider than 8 ft 6 in, taller than 13 ft 6 in to 14 ft (depending on the state), longer than 53 ft on the trailer, or heavier than 80,000 lb gross. Each state sets its own limits, so the transport plan checks the route and the load dimensions. When a permit is needed, the carrier arranges it.
Some loads may require pilot or escort vehicles based on width, height, length, weight, route and state rules. The need is determined by the shipment details and route requirements.
Often, yes. The carrier needs to know whether the equipment runs, rolls, steers and brakes. Non-running loads may need special loading support.
AutoStar coordinates heavy equipment transportation nationwide through our network of experienced and vetted carriers. Whether you're moving construction, agricultural, or industrial equipment, we can help arrange transport to and from virtually any location in the United States.
Door-to-door service may be possible when access is safe for the carrier. If streets are narrow, trees are low, turns are tight or the site has restrictions, pickup or delivery may need to happen at a nearby accessible location.
Loose personal items and unsecured tools should be removed. Attachments and accessories need to be disclosed because they can affect dimensions, securement and carrier fit.
Timing depends on distance, route, carrier availability, trailer type, permits or escorts, loading needs and pickup and delivery access. A route-specific quote can help set expectations.
Remove loose items, secure attachments, photograph condition, confirm running status, share accurate dimensions and weight, and make sure pickup and delivery locations are accessible for carrier equipment.
Yes, many larger or modified vehicles can be shipped when the dimensions, weight and access details are reviewed before dispatch.
Ready to Move Heavy Equipment?
Call AutoStar to talk through the details, or request a quote with your route, dimensions, photos, condition, and timing.
- Nationwide oversized transport support
- Vetted carrier network
- Pickup and delivery inspections
- Modified, heavy, and specialty vehicle support