The Most Common Equipment We Ship
Excavators from compact mini-excavators up to large-scale machines, skid steers and compact track loaders, wheel loaders, backhoes, dozers, and compaction equipment make up the bulk of construction equipment freight we handle. Each has different height, width, and weight characteristics that determine trailer choice - a compact skid steer might ship on a standard flatbed, while a full-size excavator almost always needs a double-drop.
Attachments - buckets, forks, augers, hydraulic breakers - add another layer of planning, since they affect both the load's overall dimensions and how it needs to be secured.
Job Site to Job Site Moves
Contractors moving equipment between active job sites often need faster turnaround than a typical freight shipment, sometimes with less lead time. We work with this by pre-qualifying carriers who run equipment routes regularly and can move quickly when a contractor needs a machine relocated to keep a project on schedule.
Job site pickup and delivery also comes with its own access considerations - unpaved surfaces, limited turning room, active work areas - that we factor into carrier selection and scheduling.
Dealer and Auction Sales
Equipment dealers shipping sold machines to buyers across the country, or buyers shipping equipment home from an auction, are a significant share of our construction equipment freight. These shipments often need clean, verifiable delivery (photos, signed proof of delivery) since the buyer and seller frequently haven't met the equipment or each other in person.
We build that documentation into the shipment as standard practice for dealer and auction freight, not as an add-on request.
What a Typical Construction Equipment Quote Looks Like
A quote for a mid-size excavator move typically breaks down as: base linehaul rate (driven by distance and trailer type required), any permit costs if the load exceeds standard dimensions, and any accessorial charges like tarping (for Rolltite/Conestoga coverage) or extended loading time if the site requires it. We itemize this rather than giving a single bundled number, so you know exactly what you're paying for.
Getting an accurate quote starts with accurate dimensions and weight - manufacturer spec sheets are the most reliable source if you have them, since visual estimates are often off by enough to matter for permit requirements.
Securing Attachments and Loose Components
Buckets, forks, and other attachments either ship mounted on the machine (secured separately from the main unit) or, if removed, ship as their own secured cargo on the same trailer. We confirm which approach applies to your shipment before booking, since it affects loading time and sometimes trailer choice if attachments add meaningful width or length to the load.
Insurance Considerations for High-Value Machines
Construction equipment often carries significant value, and standard cargo insurance limits on a freight policy may not fully cover a high-value excavator or loader. We confirm coverage adequacy for the declared value of your equipment before dispatch, and can advise on supplemental coverage if needed for particularly high-value machines.
Frequently asked questions
Can you ship a mini-excavator on a standard flatbed?
Often yes, depending on its exact height and weight - many mini-excavators fit within standard flatbed limits. We confirm based on the specific model's dimensions.
How much lead time do you need to ship construction equipment?
It depends on trailer availability and whether permits are required. Standard moves can often be arranged within a few days; oversize loads needing permits typically need more lead time.
Do you provide proof of delivery for dealer or auction equipment sales?
Yes, we build photo documentation and signed proof of delivery into equipment shipments as standard practice, which matters especially for buyer/seller transactions.
Should attachments ship mounted on the machine or separately?
It depends on the specific attachment and how it affects overall load dimensions. We assess this on a case-by-case basis before booking.
Is standard cargo insurance enough for a high-value excavator?
Not always. We confirm coverage adequacy for your equipment's declared value before dispatch and can discuss supplemental coverage for higher-value machines.