How to Ship a Skid Steer Loader: Everything You Need to Know

Skid Steer Dimensions and Weight: What You Need to Know Before Booking

Skid steer loaders vary significantly in size depending on the manufacturer and model. Before booking transport, you need to know your machine's operating weight and transport dimensions — not the operating dimensions, but the dimensions in the travel position with the bucket lowered and all attachments in the transport configuration.

The average skid steer weighs approximately 7,500 pounds and is well within standard legal road limits. Most skid steer moves do not require oversize permits, which makes them relatively straightforward and affordable to ship.

Trailer Options for Skid Steer Transport

Hotshot Gooseneck Trailers

Hotshot trailers — typically 40-foot gooseneck trailers pulled by a 1-ton pickup — are the most popular and cost-effective option for skid steer transport. A single hotshot can carry 1–3 skid steers depending on their size and weight. Hotshot moves are fast to schedule, widely available, and don't require oversize permits for most skid steers. If you bought a skid steer at auction and need it moved quickly, a hotshot is usually your best option.

Flatbed Trailers

Standard flatbed trailers (48 or 53 feet) are appropriate for larger skid steers or when multiple units need to be moved together. A flatbed can typically carry 3–5 skid steers depending on their size, making it a cost-effective option for dealer inventory moves or rental fleet relocations.

Step Deck Trailers

Step deck trailers are rarely needed for skid steers, as most models are well within height limits on a flatbed or hotshot. However, if you're shipping a large-frame skid steer with a tall cab or ROPS that approaches the 13.5-foot height limit, a step deck provides additional clearance.

Do You Need Permits to Ship a Skid Steer?

In most cases, no. The majority of skid steer loaders fall within standard legal road limits:

• Width: Most skid steers are 4–7 feet wide — well under the 8.5-foot oversize threshold
• Height: Most skid steers are 6–8 feet tall in transport position — well under the 13.5-foot threshold even on a flatbed
• Weight: Most skid steers weigh 3,500–12,000 lbs — far under the 80,000 lb GVW threshold

However, permits may be required in specific situations:

• Large-frame skid steers with wide tires or extended counterweights that push the width over 8.5 feet
• Skid steers with large attachments (wide buckets, snow blowers, sweepers) that add width
• Multiple skid steers loaded side-by-side on a flatbed that together exceed 8.5 feet in width

When in doubt, measure your machine in transport configuration before booking. IronHaul's dispatch team can advise on permit requirements based on your specific dimensions.

How to Prepare Your Skid Steer for Transport

Proper preparation prevents damage and ensures a smooth loading process. Follow these steps before the carrier arrives:

1. Lower the bucket: Lower the front bucket or attachment to the ground or to the lowest travel position. This reduces transport height and prevents the bucket from swinging during transit.
2. Retract the boom: If your skid steer has a telescoping boom (telehandler-style), retract it fully and lock it in the transport position.
3. Engage the parking brake: Engage the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral.
4. Check fluid levels: Ensure hydraulic fluid, engine oil, and coolant are at proper levels. Check for leaks that could create a hazard during transport.
5. Secure loose items: Remove or secure any loose tools, chains, or accessories from the cab or bucket.
6. Tie-down points: Know where your machine's designated tie-down points are. For skid steers over 10,000 lbs, federal regulations require a minimum of four tie-downs. The carrier will use rated chains and binders at the manufacturer-designated anchor points.

Shipping a Skid Steer from an Auction

Buying a skid steer at auction — whether at Ritchie Bros., IronPlanet, Purple Wave, or another platform — is one of the most common reasons people need skid steer transport. Here's what to know:

• Pickup window: Most auction yards give buyers 5–10 business days to remove equipment after the auction. Confirm the pickup deadline before booking transport.
• Lot number and yard address: Provide the auction lot number and the exact yard address when booking with IronHaul. We coordinate with yard staff for the loading window.
• Running condition: Inform IronHaul whether the machine is running. Non-running skid steers can be loaded with a forklift or crane, but this may add cost.
• Title and documentation: Have your bill of sale or title ready. Some auction yards require documentation before releasing equipment to a carrier.

Cost Factors for Skid Steer Shipping

• Distance: Base rates typically range from $1.50–$4.00 per loaded mile; short hauls carry higher per-mile rates
• Number of units: Shipping multiple skid steers on one trailer significantly reduces per-unit cost
• Trailer type: Hotshot is the most affordable; flatbed costs more for single units but is more economical for multiple units
• Fuel surcharge: Typically 15–25% of base rate based on current diesel index
• Permit fees: Usually not required for standard skid steers; if needed, state fees run $50–$200 per state

Ready to ship your skid steer? IronHaul Logistics provides fast, reliable transport for skid steer loaders nationwide — from single auction pickups to full dealer inventory moves. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or fill out our online quote form. We typically respond within 2 hours during business hours and can often schedule pickup within 24–48 hours for standard skid steer moves.