How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Crane?
Cranes are among the most complex machines to move. Boom trucks can drive themselves; rough-terrain and crawler cranes are heavy oversize loads that often ship in multiple pieces. Pricing reflects that complexity.
Typical cost ranges
Crane transport is quoted case by case. Counterweights, boom sections, and the carrier are frequently split across multiple trailers, each with its own permits.
| Machine / haul | Typical range |
|---|---|
Boom truck (drivable) | Varies — often driven or single RGN |
Rough-terrain crane Oversize, permits, possible escorts. | $5.00 – $9.00+ / mile |
Crawler crane (multi-load) Boom, counterweights, and body ship separately. | Custom multi-trailer quote |
These are typical market ranges — not a quote. Real pricing depends on the exact machine, route, season, and how fast it needs to move. The fastest way to a firm number is a two-minute call or quote request.
Why cranes are quoted individually
A large crane rarely moves as a single load. Counterweights, boom sections, and the carrier body each have their own weight and dimensions, and each trailer needs its own permits and routing. Because of that, crane moves are planned and priced one at a time rather than from a rate table.
Ready for an exact number?
Skip the guesswork and the load-board bidding wars. Tell us the machine and the route, and one specialist prices it direct — permits and all.
(208) 495-2260Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transport a crane?
It varies widely. A drivable boom truck may just need routing, while a large crawler crane can require several permitted trailers. The only reliable number comes from a custom quote based on the specific crane.
Do cranes ship in pieces?
Large cranes usually do — the boom, counterweights, and carrier are often separated to stay within legal limits, then reassembled on site.