Transport equipment options for construction machines
The right trailer for construction equipment transport depends on the machine weight, dimensions, and whether it can be driven or must be winched.\n\nLowboy trailers are the standard for most construction equipment. See when flatbeds work versus when lowboys are required. A lowboy has a drop-deck design that lowers the load height to accommodate tall machines — excavators, bulldozers, and wheel loaders — while keeping the combination within legal height limits on public roads. Lowboys are rated from 40 tons to 150 tons depending on the configuration.\n\nGooseneck trailers offer a similar loading approach to lowboys with a detachable gooseneck that allows the front of the trailer to lower to ground level for driving or rolling equipment on. These are versatile and widely used for mid-size construction equipment.\n\nStep deck and flatbed trailers are appropriate for smaller, lower-profile equipment — compact track loaders, small skid steers, and attachments — that do not require the full ground clearance of a lowboy approach.\n\nFor machines that cannot move at all, a crane or rotator is required to place the machine on the trailer rather than loading it under its own power or via winch.
Loading construction equipment that can move under its own power
When construction equipment can be driven, loading onto a lowboy or gooseneck is the most straightforward transport scenario.\n\nThe operator drives the machine up the loading ramps or onto the lowered deck, positions it for balanced weight distribution, lowers any implements to the deck, and shuts down. The transport driver then secures the machine with chains to designated tie-down points on the frame — not to implements, hydraulic cylinders, or any other non-structural components.\n\nChain placement is critical. Each machine type has designated tie-down points specified in the operator manual. Using the wrong points risks damaging the machine structure or losing the load during transport. Transport operators who regularly handle specific equipment types know the correct chain points — verify this knowledge before accepting their service.\n\nFor tracked equipment, tracks must be in the correct position and any final drive components protected from chain contact. Incorrect chaining on tracked equipment causes expensive undercarriage damage.
Loading non-running construction equipment
When construction equipment cannot move under its own power, loading requires additional equipment and technique.\n\nWinch loading uses a winch mounted on the transport truck to pull the non-running machine onto the trailer. This works for machines on level ground with intact undercarriages that can be pulled without causing additional damage. The machine must be in a configuration that allows it to be moved — hydraulics must be in a position that allows movement, and any locked brakes must be released or overridden.\n\nCrane loading is required for machines with damaged undercarriages that cannot be rolled, machines in positions where winching is not possible, or machines that have been involved in significant accidents. The crane lifts the machine directly onto the trailer from above, bypassing any movement requirements.\n\nFor overturned equipment, a rotator recovery is typically required to right the machine before it can be assessed and loaded. Attempting to load a non-uprighted machine creates additional damage and is rarely feasible without specialized equipment.
Permit requirements for construction equipment transport
Moving construction equipment on public roads involves oversize and overweight permit requirements in virtually every state.\n\nWidth permits are required for loads exceeding 8 feet 6 inches in most states. See how permit costs factor into construction equipment transport pricing. — which includes most excavators, large wheel loaders, and many bulldozers. Wide loads require escort vehicles and may be restricted to daylight hours or specific routes.\n\nWeight permits are required for combinations exceeding 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on interstate highways, with variations by state on state routes. A fully loaded 80,000-pound transport combination is typical for large equipment moves and requires route-specific permits in many states.\n\nHeight permits may be required for tall loads exceeding 13 feet 6 inches — the standard legal height in most states. Bridge clearances must be verified for any route with tall equipment.\n\nQualified construction equipment transport companies handle permit acquisition as part of their service and are familiar with requirements in their operating region. Never attempt to move oversized construction equipment without confirming permit status — fines and liability for damage to infrastructure are significant. See how tow operators build construction equipment accounts for the business side of this service.