How to Ship an Asphalt Paver: Complete Transport Guide

Asphalt Paver Size Classes and Weight Ranges

Asphalt pavers are categorized by their paving width and operating weight. Understanding your machine's class is the first step in planning transport:

Paver Class	Paving Width	Operating Weight	Common Models
Compact / Small	4–8 ft	7,000–18,000 lbs	LeeBoy 8500, Volvo P2820D
Mid-Size	8–16 ft	18,000–35,000 lbs	Roadtec RP150, Cat AP655F
Large / Highway Class	16–30 ft	35,000–60,000 lbs	Roadtec RP185, Cat AP1000F
Extra-Large / Specialty	30–53 ft	60,000–90,000+ lbs	Specialty highway pavers

Key Dimensions That Affect Transport

Several dimensional factors make asphalt paver transport more complex than standard equipment:

• Screed width: The screed assembly extends beyond the machine's base width. Many pavers have screeds that can be retracted for transport, but some configurations still exceed 8.5 ft wide even when retracted.
• Conveyor height: The discharge conveyor on highway-class pavers can extend the machine's height to 9–10 ft in transport configuration. Some conveyors must be removed or folded for legal height compliance.
• Overall length: Mid-size pavers typically measure 18–22 ft in transport configuration. Large highway pavers can reach 27+ ft, and with conveyors extended, may exceed 50 ft.
• Track vs. wheel configuration: Track-mounted pavers have lower ground clearance and different loading requirements than wheeled models.

Trailer Selection for Asphalt Pavers

The right trailer depends on your paver's weight and height in transport configuration:

• Flatbed (48–53 ft): Suitable for compact pavers under 8.5 ft wide and under 8.5 ft tall. The LeeBoy 8500 (15,500 lbs, 8.5 ft wide, 6 ft tall) is a good flatbed candidate.
• Step Deck / Drop Deck: Ideal for pavers 8.5–10 ft tall that are within legal width. The lower deck height (approximately 3.5 ft) provides additional clearance for taller machines.
• Lowboy / RGN: Required for most mid-size and large pavers. The 18–24 inch deck height accommodates machines up to 11–12 ft tall when loaded. The Roadtec RP150 (30,040 lbs, 10.4 ft wide, 9.5 ft tall) typically requires a lowboy.
• Multi-Axle RGN: Required for highway-class pavers over 60,000 lbs. Additional axles distribute weight to meet state bridge formula requirements.

Screed Preparation for Transport

Proper screed preparation is critical for legal transport and machine protection:

• Retract the screed to its minimum transport width. Verify the retracted width against your state's legal width limit (8.5 ft federal standard).
• If the retracted screed still exceeds 8.5 ft, an oversize permit is required. Some screeds can be partially disassembled to achieve legal width.
• Secure all screed extensions and lock the screed in transport position per manufacturer specifications.
• Remove or fold the discharge conveyor if it exceeds height limits in transport position.
• Drain the asphalt hopper completely — residual asphalt adds weight and can create a fire hazard during transport.

Loading and Tie-Down Requirements

Asphalt pavers have specific loading and securement requirements:

• Drive-on loading: Most operational pavers can be driven onto a lowboy or RGN trailer using the machine's own propulsion. Ensure the trailer's ramp angle is within the machine's approach angle capability.
• Tie-down points: Use manufacturer-designated tie-down points only. Chaining to the screed assembly or conveyor can cause structural damage. Most pavers have dedicated D-ring or chain anchor points on the main frame.
• Chain requirements: FMCSA requires working load limit (WLL) chains totaling at least 50% of the cargo weight. For a 30,000-lb paver, minimum chain WLL is 15,000 lbs total.
• Blocking and cribbing: Track-mounted pavers may require blocking under the tracks to prevent movement during transport.

Permit Requirements by Paver Size

• Compact pavers (under 8.5 ft wide, under 8.5 ft tall, under 80,000 lbs): No oversize permit required in most states. Standard flatbed transport.
• Mid-size pavers (8.5–12 ft wide or 8.5–13.5 ft tall): Oversize permit required in all states. One pilot car typically required for loads over 12 ft wide.
• Large highway pavers (over 12 ft wide or over 13.5 ft tall): Oversize permit required. Two pilot cars required for loads over 14.5 ft wide. Route survey may be required.
• Superloads (over 100,000 lbs or over 14 ft wide): Superload permit required. Engineering review and state DOT approval required in most states.

Cost Factors for Asphalt Paver Transport

Transport costs for asphalt pavers vary significantly based on size and configuration. Key cost drivers include trailer type (flatbed vs. lowboy vs. multi-axle), permit complexity, pilot car requirements, and distance. Compact pavers on flatbeds are among the most economical equipment moves; highway-class pavers on multi-axle RGNs with multiple pilot cars represent the high end of the cost spectrum.

Ready to ship your asphalt paver? IronHaul Logistics handles pavers of all sizes, from compact LeeBoy units to full highway-class machines. We manage all permits, coordinate pilot cars, and ensure proper screed preparation guidance. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form for a fast, accurate rate.