How to Ship a Stationary Concrete Pump

What Is a Stationary Concrete Pump?

A stationary concrete pump (trailer pump or line pump) is a ground-mounted pumping unit mounted on a wheeled trailer chassis. It pumps concrete through a pipeline or hose to the placement location, making it essential for high-rise construction, tunnel work, and projects where a boom pump cannot reach. Major manufacturers include Putzmeister, Schwing, Alliance, and Reed. Output capacities range from 30 cubic yards per hour (small trailer pumps) to 200+ cubic yards per hour (large high-pressure units).

Dimensions and Weight Ranges

Pump Class	Typical Weight	Typical Length	Typical Width	Typical Height
Small (30–60 cy/hr)	10,000–18,000 lbs	18–24 ft	7'–8'	8'–9'
Mid-size (60–120 cy/hr)	18,000–28,000 lbs	24–32 ft	8'–8'6"	9'–10'
Large (120–200+ cy/hr)	28,000–35,000 lbs	32–42 ft	8'6"–9'	10'–11'

Most stationary concrete pumps fall within or near legal weight limits (80,000 lbs GVW including the transport vehicle), but larger units may require overweight permits. Width is the most common dimensional trigger—units over 8'6" wide require overwidth permits in all states.

Trailer Selection

Stationary concrete pumps are typically transported using:

• Flatbed trailers: The most common choice for pumps within legal dimensions. The pump's trailer chassis is loaded onto the flatbed and secured with chains at the axle points.
• Step-deck trailers: Used when the pump's height exceeds 13'6" on a standard flatbed. The lower rear deck of a step-deck reduces the overall transport height by 18–24 inches.
• Towing: Some stationary pumps are road-legal and can be towed directly by a pickup truck or semi-tractor for short distances. However, towing is not recommended for long-distance moves due to tire wear and suspension stress on the pump chassis.

Loading and Securement

Proper loading and securement of a stationary concrete pump requires attention to several details:

1. Clean the pump: Remove all concrete residue from the hopper, pipeline connections, and chassis before loading. Hardened concrete adds weight and can create uneven load distribution.
2. Retract and secure the pipeline: Any attached pipeline sections must be removed or secured to prevent shifting during transit. Loose pipeline is a serious safety hazard.
3. Verify tire condition: If the pump is being transported on its own trailer chassis, check tire pressure and condition before loading. Flat or damaged tires can cause the load to shift.
4. Chain at axle points: Secure the pump chassis to the transport trailer at the axle points using appropriately rated chains and binders. Minimum 4-point securement is required; large units may need 6 chains.
5. Check height: Measure the total transport height (trailer deck + pump height) before dispatch to verify clearance on the planned route.

Permit Requirements

Most stationary concrete pumps fall within or near legal limits, but several scenarios trigger permits:

• Width over 8'6": Large high-pressure pumps can be 9+ feet wide, requiring overwidth permits in all states. Loads over 12' wide require pilot cars.
• Height over 13'6": Pumps with tall hoppers or attached equipment may exceed height limits on a standard flatbed. A step-deck trailer typically resolves this without a permit.
• Weight over 80,000 lbs GVW: Large pumps (28,000–35,000 lbs) combined with a heavy transport vehicle can approach or exceed the 80,000 lb GVW limit, requiring overweight permits.

Cost Factors for Stationary Concrete Pump Transport

• Distance: Base rates for flatbed transport typically start at $2.50–$4.00 per loaded mile for legal-dimension loads.
• Dimensions: Overwidth or overweight loads add permit costs ($50–$300 per state) and may require pilot cars ($1.50–$3.00 per mile per car).
• Fuel surcharges: Applied as a percentage of the base rate, typically 15–25%.
• Cleaning requirements: Some carriers charge a cleaning fee if the pump arrives with significant concrete residue.
• Urgency: Expedited moves (same-day or next-day pickup) command premium rates of 20–40% above standard pricing.

Get a Quote for Stationary Concrete Pump Shipping

IronHaul Logistics moves stationary concrete pumps for contractors, rental companies, and equipment dealers across the US. Whether you're relocating a Putzmeister trailer pump between jobsites or shipping a Schwing high-pressure unit to a new owner, our team handles trailer selection, permit coordination, and delivery scheduling. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit your pump specs through our online quote form for a competitive rate.