Machinery and equipment shipping
Machinery is the freight where guessing costs the most. Deck height, tie-down points, center of gravity and how the piece gets on and off the trailer decide the equipment, the rate and whether the load is legal — and none of it can be worked out at the shipper's gate.
The single most common failure on machinery loads is the wrong trailer. A piece that measures over roughly eight and a half feet tall usually cannot ride on a standard flatbed and stay under legal height; it needs a step deck's lower deck. We ask for the exact dimensions and weight of each piece before quoting, because the trailer choice follows from them.
Loading method is the second. Some machines roll on, some are craned, some need a forklift with enough capacity at both ends. If the destination has no equipment to unload, that has to be solved before the truck leaves, not discovered on arrival.
Securement is not generic. Machinery needs identified tie-down points, blocking or bracing where the piece can shift, and protection for exposed controls or hydraulics. We put the securement plan and any required tarping into the rate confirmation, and we verify carrier authority, insurance and identity before the truck is dispatched.
Equipment we quote for this freight
- Step Deck — Machines and equipment too tall to run legally on a standard flatbed.
- Flatbed — Machinery within standard height that loads by crane or forklift from the side or top.
- Dry Van — Crated equipment, spare parts and attachments that fit standard trailer dimensions.
Handling details we confirm before dispatch
- Deck height calculation against legal overall height before the trailer is assigned
- Securement plan: chains, binders, blocking, bracing and edge protection
- Tarping when the equipment is weather-sensitive and can be tarped safely
- Crane or forklift availability confirmed at pickup and delivery
- Draining or securing fluids and locking moving components before transit
What we need to quote it
- Exact length, width, height and weight of each piece
- Whether the piece is crated, skidded or shipped bare
- Loading and unloading method at both ends — crane, forklift capacity, roll-on
- Identified tie-down points, or whether the manufacturer specifies them
- Any protrusions, fragile controls, hydraulics or fluids requiring preparation
- Pickup date and delivery appointment or install window
Pre-dispatch checklist
- Measure the piece as it will sit on the trailer, not as listed in a catalog
- Confirm the lifting method and equipment capacity at both ends
- Establish whether permits are required before quoting the load as standard
- Photograph the equipment before loading and after delivery
- Keep the rate confirmation, bill of lading and proof of delivery on the shipment record
Talk to us
Questions shippers ask
- How do I know whether I need a flatbed or a step deck?
- It comes down to height. A standard flatbed deck sits high enough that tall equipment exceeds legal overall height; a step deck's lower deck buys clearance. Send us the exact dimensions and we will tell you which one your piece needs.
- Do you handle over-dimensional loads?
- Tell us the dimensions and weight. Loads beyond legal limits require permits and route planning, and we will explain the requirements and what they affect rather than quoting them as a standard move.
- What preparation is expected before pickup?
- Typically securing or draining fluids, locking or removing loose components, protecting exposed controls, and having the lifting equipment and an operator ready at the scheduled time.
Price a load
Send the lane, the equipment and what's on the trailer. We come back with an all-in rate — no account required.