The Core Factors That Set the Price
Distance is the starting point, but trailer type required matters just as much - a double-drop for a large excavator costs more to book than a standard flatbed for a compact skid steer, independent of distance. Weight matters both for the trailer and axle configuration needed and for whether the load approaches provincial weight limits requiring a permit.
Dimensions matter beyond just triggering a permit - even within legal limits, a taller or wider load can limit which trailers and carriers are viable options, which affects price.
When Permits Add to the Cost
If your equipment's dimensions or weight exceed standard legal limits, permit costs get added to the shipment - these vary by province and by how far outside standard limits the load falls. Escort vehicle costs, when required, are a separate and sometimes significant line item, especially for loads needing both front and rear escorts over a long distance.
We itemize permit and escort costs separately from the base linehaul rate so you can see exactly what's driving the total, rather than folding everything into one number.
Loading and Site Access Factors
If your pickup or delivery site has limited access - unpaved surfaces, tight turning radius, no ramp or crane available - it can affect which carriers are viable and sometimes adds time (and cost) to loading. Letting us know about site conditions upfront means we can quote accurately rather than a driver discovering a problem on arrival.
Tarping and Weather Protection
Equipment that needs weather protection during transit - to prevent damage from rain, road spray, or debris - typically ships on a Rolltite/Conestoga trailer or with tarping added to a standard flatbed. This adds a modest cost but is often worth it for equipment sensitive to weather exposure, particularly for longer-distance moves.
Insurance and Declared Value
Standard cargo insurance has coverage limits that may not fully protect a high-value piece of equipment. If your machine's value exceeds standard coverage, additional insurance may be needed, which adds a modest cost to the shipment but protects you against a significant loss if something goes wrong in transit.
Getting an Accurate Quote
The fastest way to get an accurate equipment freight quote is to provide exact height, width, length, and weight (manufacturer spec sheets are ideal), pickup and delivery locations with any site access notes, whether the equipment can drive on/off or needs crane loading, and your target pickup timeline. With accurate information upfront, we can quote precisely rather than padding for uncertainty - which usually means a better price for you.
Frequently asked questions
What's the biggest factor in equipment shipping cost?
Distance and trailer type required together drive most of the base cost, with permits and escorts adding to the total for oversize or overweight loads.
Does tarping add much to the cost?
It adds a modest amount but is often worthwhile for weather-sensitive equipment, particularly on longer routes where exposure time is greater.
Why do some equipment quotes include escort vehicle costs?
Loads that exceed certain dimension thresholds require pilot/escort vehicles under provincial regulations, and that cost gets passed through as a separate line item.
Is standard cargo insurance enough for expensive equipment?
Not always - if your equipment's value exceeds standard policy limits, additional coverage may be worth adding for full protection.
How can I get the most accurate equipment shipping quote?
Provide exact dimensions and weight (ideally from manufacturer specs), note any site access limitations, and specify whether the equipment can drive on/off or needs crane loading.