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Power Equipment · 500 – 50,000 lbs

Generator Shipping — Towable & Skid-Mount Industrial Gensets

Flatbed, step-deck, and lowboy transport for portable, towable, and skid-mount generators 20kW to 2MW.

Quick answer

Generator shipping costs $2.50–$6 per mile depending on size. Towable generators (under 20kW) can ship behind a pickup or on a flatbed; skid-mount gensets up to 1MW ship on a step-deck or lowboy. Large 1MW+ units may require oversize permits.

Weight range
500 – 50,000 lbs
Trailer
Flatbed, step-deck, lowboy, or tow-behind
Permits
Only for skid-mount units over 8'6" wide or 13'6" tall
Typical cost
$400–$8,000
Towable units are the cheapest; 1MW+ skid-mounts need lowboy + sometimes permits.

Tow vs trailer

Towable diesel generators (Multiquip DCA, Generac MMG) come with their own DOT-legal trailer and ship as a tow-behind — fastest and cheapest option. Skid-mount and enclosed gensets (Cummins, Caterpillar industrial units) ship on a step-deck or lowboy and need a forklift or crane at both ends for loading.

Fluids, batteries, and DOT prep

Diesel fuel can stay in the tank up to three-quarters full. Batteries stay installed but disconnected. Coolant stays. Any external fuel lines or hookups should be capped.

For new units shipping from a dealer, manufacturer packaging stays on for the trip.

Crane / forklift at delivery

Skid-mount generators need lifting equipment at delivery — typically a forklift for units up to 15,000 lbs and a crane for larger. We coordinate or you supply.

Quote your generator move

Permits, escorts, and rigging itemized — no surprises.

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Generator shipping FAQs

  • Can towable generators ship behind one of your trucks?

    Yes. Towable units pull behind a pickup or hotshot rig and are the cheapest way to move 20kW–60kW gensets.

  • Do I need to drain the diesel tank?

    No — up to three-quarters full is fine. Empty would be a problem because diesel residue dries out fuel system seals.

  • Will the carrier supply loading equipment?

    For towable units, no equipment needed. For skid-mounts, you supply a forklift or we coordinate a rental at pickup/delivery.

Ready to ship your generator?

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