Zero upfront payment. Card on file at booking. Charged only at pickup.
ShipCargo AI
Get Quote
Earthmoving · 8,000 – 200,000 lbs

Excavator Shipping — Mid-Size to Full-Size Tracked Excavators, Nationwide

Lowboy and RGN transport for 20-ton to 90-ton excavators. Permits, escorts, and route surveys handled by our heavy-haul desk.

Get a excavator quote (409) 916-8002
Quick answer

Excavator shipping costs $4.50–$8.50 per mile for mid-size machines (20–40 tons) on a lowboy, and $8–$15+ per mile for full-size units (50–90 tons) requiring multi-axle RGNs, oversize permits, and pilot cars. Most shipments dispatch within 3–7 days; longer for permit-heavy routes.

Weight range
8,000 – 200,000 lbs
Trailer
Lowboy, RGN, or multi-axle removable gooseneck
Permits
Oversize permits in 90% of states for full-size
Typical cost
$1,800–$12,000
Distance + weight class + permit count drives final price.

Trailer selection for excavators

Mini-excavators (under 10,000 lbs) ship on a flatbed or hotshot. Standard 20–40 ton excavators ship on a 35–55 ton lowboy with a detachable gooseneck — the operator drives the machine onto the deck. Full-size 50-ton-plus units need an RGN (removable gooseneck) with extra axles to keep per-axle weight under state limits.

ShipCargo's heavy-haul desk owns the trailer-spec call. You tell us the machine model and weight; we match the right deck and confirm whether the boom needs to come off for height clearance.

Permits, escorts, and route surveys

Anything over 8'6" wide, 13'6" tall, or 80,000 lbs gross is oversize and needs state-by-state permits along the route. Permits typically take 1–3 business days per state, and some states (CA, NY, PA, TX) require pilot car escorts for excess width or height.

We handle the permit application, route survey, and pilot-car booking. Final cost includes permits as a line item, not a surprise — you see the full breakdown before booking.

Pickup, load-out, and securement

Pickup happens at the jobsite, yard, or dealership. The carrier confirms loading equipment (ramps, your machine's tracks, or a wheel loader for assist) ahead of time. Securement uses Grade 70 chains and binders rated to the machine's weight, with the boom locked and travel lock engaged.

Bill of Lading documents pre-existing scratches, dents, and hour-meter reading. Both parties sign before the truck leaves.

Quote your excavator move

Permits, escorts, and rigging itemized — no surprises.

Get my quote

Excavator shipping FAQs

  • Can you ship an excavator with the boom attached?

    Yes for most mid-size machines under 13'6" loaded height. Larger units may require the boom or stick removed and shipped separately or laid on the deck.

  • Do I need to drain the fuel tank?

    No, but tanks should be no more than three-quarters full and all hydraulic and fuel caps must be tight.

  • How long does excavator shipping take?

    Typical transit is 1 day per 400–500 miles for permit-clear routes; oversize / superload moves can be 1 day per 250–350 miles due to nighttime permit restrictions.

Ready to ship your excavator?

Heavy-haul desk handles permits, escorts, and route planning end-to-end.

Get Instant Quote Talk to dispatch