How to Ship a Concrete Boom Pump Truck: Dimensions, Trailers, and Preparation
Concrete boom pump trucks are among the most challenging pieces of construction equipment to transport — they're heavy (21 to 55+ metric tons), long (9 to 16+ meters), and their folded boom configurations create unique height and weight distribution challenges. Whether you're moving a 33-meter pump to a new job site or shipping a 52-meter unit to an export port, understanding the transport requirements before you call a carrier will save time, money, and headaches.
Concrete Boom Pump Truck Dimensions and Weight by Boom Length
Boom pump trucks are classified primarily by boom length (reach), which directly determines the machine's overall size and weight. Here's a general breakdown:
| Boom Length | Approx. Machine Weight | Approx. Transport Length | Approx. Transport Width | Approx. Transport Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33–38 meters | 21,000–28,000 kg (46,000–62,000 lbs) | 9–11 meters (30–36 ft) | 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) | ~4.0 meters (13.1 ft) |
| 42–47 meters | 28,000–38,000 kg (62,000–84,000 lbs) | 11–13 meters (36–43 ft) | 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) | ~4.0 meters (13.1 ft) |
| 52–58 meters | 38,000–48,000 kg (84,000–106,000 lbs) | 13–15 meters (43–49 ft) | 2.5–2.55 meters (8.2–8.4 ft) | ~4.0 meters (13.1 ft) |
| 62–72 meters | 48,000–55,000+ kg (106,000–121,000+ lbs) | 15–17 meters (49–56 ft) | 2.55 meters (8.4 ft) | ~4.0 meters (13.1 ft) |
The transport height of approximately 4.0 meters (13.1 feet) is consistent across most boom pump models because the folded boom configuration determines the height. This is close to but generally within the 13.5-foot federal height threshold — however, when loaded on a trailer, the total height (machine + deck height) must be calculated carefully.
Permit Requirements for Boom Pump Transport
Boom pump trucks almost universally require oversize and overweight permits:
- Width: Most boom pumps are 8.2 to 8.4 feet wide — just under the 8.5-foot threshold. However, outrigger pads, mirrors, or accessories can push the load over 8.5 feet. Measure carefully.
- Height: With a machine height of ~13.1 feet and a lowboy deck height of 18–24 inches, total loaded height is approximately 14.6 to 15.2 feet — exceeding the 13.5-foot threshold and requiring oversize permits in all states.
- Weight: Virtually all boom pumps exceed 80,000 lbs GVW when loaded on a trailer, requiring overweight permits. Larger units (52 meters and above) may require multi-axle trailers and superload permits.
- Pilot cars: Required in most states for loads over 14.5 feet tall. Larger boom pumps may require front and rear escorts.
Trailer Selection for Boom Pump Transport
The combination of high weight and significant length makes trailer selection critical:
- Standard lowboy (2-axle): Suitable for smaller boom pumps (33–42 meter class) where GVW stays under 80,000 lbs. Deck height of 18–24 inches keeps total loaded height manageable.
- Multi-axle RGN (3–5 axle): Required for larger boom pumps (47 meters and above) to distribute weight across more axles and comply with the Federal Bridge Formula. The removable gooseneck allows the pump to drive on under its own power.
- Extendable lowboy: For very long boom pumps (62+ meters), an extendable trailer may be needed to accommodate the machine's length while maintaining legal axle spacing.
Preparing a Boom Pump Truck for Transport
Proper preparation is essential to prevent damage and ensure the machine is accepted at the destination:
- Fold and lock the boom: The boom must be fully folded and secured in its transport cradle. Confirm all boom sections are locked and the boom rest is engaged.
- Retract outriggers: All outriggers must be fully retracted and locked in the transport position.
- Clean the concrete residue: This is critical. Hardened concrete in the hopper, pump cylinders, and delivery line adds weight and can cause rejection at job sites or export ports. Clean the pump thoroughly before transport — concrete residue is also a biosecurity concern for international shipments.
- Secure loose accessories: Remove or secure control modules, hoses, and any loose accessories.
- Check fluid levels: Ensure the machine has enough fuel and hydraulic fluid to drive onto the trailer. Confirm the hydraulic system is functioning — a non-running boom pump requires crane loading.
Shipping a Boom Pump to an Export Port
Boom pump trucks are frequently exported, particularly to developing markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. For export shipments, additional preparation is required:
- Apply anti-corrosion coating (Cosmoline or equivalent) to exposed hydraulic cylinder rods to prevent rust during ocean transit.
- Seal engine air intakes and exhaust stacks with waterproof tape or plugs.
- Protect windows with plywood if shipping on a flat rack (exposed to weather).
- Ensure fuel is below 25% for RoRo shipments.
- Prepare all export documentation: commercial invoice, bill of lading, EEI filing, and proof of ownership.
IronHaul Logistics moves concrete boom pump trucks for contractors, dealers, and exporters nationwide. We handle oversize permits, multi-axle trailer coordination, and port delivery logistics. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or request a quote online.
Common questions
What trailer do I need to ship a concrete boom pump truck?
Most boom pump trucks require a lowboy or multi-axle RGN trailer. Smaller units (33–42 meter boom class) may fit on a standard 2-axle lowboy. Larger units (47 meters and above) typically require a 3- to 5-axle RGN to distribute weight and comply with the Federal Bridge Formula. Very long units may need an extendable trailer.
Do concrete boom pump trucks require oversize permits?
Yes, almost always. The total loaded height (machine ~13.1 ft + lowboy deck ~1.5–2 ft) typically exceeds the 13.5-foot threshold, requiring oversize permits in all states. Most boom pumps also exceed 80,000 lbs GVW, requiring overweight permits. Pilot cars are required in most states for loads over 14.5 feet tall.
Why is it important to clean concrete residue before transport?
Hardened concrete in the hopper, pump cylinders, and delivery line adds significant weight (potentially hundreds of pounds) and can cause rejection at job sites or export ports. For international shipments, concrete residue is a biosecurity concern — many destination countries require clean equipment. Clean the pump thoroughly before transport.
Can a concrete boom pump truck be shipped for export?
Yes. Boom pump trucks are frequently exported via RoRo (for drivable units) or flat rack (for non-running or oversized units). Export preparation includes anti-corrosion coating on hydraulic cylinders, sealed intakes and exhausts, fuel below 25% for RoRo, and complete export documentation (EEI filing, commercial invoice, bill of lading, proof of ownership).
How much does it cost to ship a concrete boom pump truck?
Costs vary significantly by machine size, distance, and permit complexity. A smaller boom pump (33–38 meter class) moving 500 miles might cost $3,000–$5,000 including permits. Larger units requiring multi-axle RGNs, pilot cars, and superload permits can cost $8,000–$15,000 or more for long-distance moves. Contact IronHaul for a precise quote.
Ready to move a machine?
Tell us what you're shipping and where. We quote direct — no bidding wars, no load-board runaround.