How to Ship a Boom Truck Crane: Complete Transport Guide

Boom Truck Crane Types and Transport Dimensions

Boom truck cranes fall into two main categories with different transport profiles:

Type	Lifting Capacity	GVW	Transport Height (boom nested)	Transport Width
Telescoping boom truck (straight boom)	10–50 ton	26,000–80,000 lbs	11–13.5 ft	8–8.5 ft
Knuckleboom (articulating boom)	5–30 ton	26,000–66,000 lbs	10–12.5 ft	8–8.5 ft
Large telescoping boom truck	50–100+ ton	80,000–150,000+ lbs	13–15 ft	8–10 ft

Critical: boom stow position. The transport height of a boom truck crane depends entirely on how the boom is stowed. A telescoping boom must be fully retracted and lowered to its minimum transport angle. A knuckleboom must be folded into its nested position. Verify the boom is in the correct transport position before measuring height—an improperly stowed boom can add 2–4 ft to the transport height.

Drive-Away vs. Trailer Transport

For operational boom truck cranes within legal dimensions, the most cost-effective option is often to drive the truck to its destination under its own power:

• Drive-away: The boom truck is driven by a licensed driver. This avoids trailer costs entirely. The driver must hold a valid CDL (Commercial Driver's License) appropriate for the truck's GVW. The truck must be registered and insured for road travel. Drive-away is the standard method for most boom truck relocations.
• Trailer transport: Used when the boom truck is non-operational, when the owner wants to avoid accumulating mileage, or when the truck's dimensions exceed legal limits in transport position. Trailer options include flatbed (for smaller boom trucks within legal dimensions), step-deck, or RGN/lowboy for larger units.

Permit Requirements for Boom Truck Transport

• Width: Most boom trucks are 8–8.5 ft wide—at or near the 8.5 ft legal limit. Outrigger pads, stabilizer legs, and body extensions may push width over the limit. Measure the widest point in transport position.
• Height: This is the critical dimension. A boom truck with the boom properly stowed is typically 11–13.5 ft tall. If the boom is not fully retracted or is at a higher angle than the minimum transport position, height can exceed 13.5 ft. Verify height carefully before departure.
• Weight: Boom trucks over 80,000 lbs GVW require overweight permits. Large telescoping boom trucks (50–100+ ton capacity) often exceed 80,000 lbs and require permits. When transported on a trailer, the combined GVW of truck plus trailer must be verified.

Loading a Boom Truck onto a Trailer

When trailer transport is required:

1. Fully retract the boom and lower it to the minimum transport angle. Verify the boom lock is engaged.
2. Retract all outriggers and stabilizer legs fully. Verify all outrigger pads are stowed.
3. For RGN loading: detach the gooseneck, drive the boom truck onto the trailer, reattach the gooseneck.
4. For flatbed loading: use ramps or a crane to load the boom truck onto the trailer.
5. Secure the boom truck using the manufacturer-designated tie-down points with Grade 70 or Grade 80 chain. Use a minimum of four tie-downs for trucks over 10,000 lbs.
6. Verify total height (trailer deck + boom truck) before departure.

Cost Factors for Boom Truck Shipping

• Drive-away (operational truck): $0.50–$1.50 per mile for driver cost; most cost-effective for long distances
• Small boom truck on flatbed, regional (under 500 miles): $600–$1,400
• Large boom truck on lowboy, regional: $1,000–$2,500
• Cross-country (1,500+ miles): Add $800–$2,000 to regional rates
• Oversize permits: Add $50–$300 per state if dimensions exceed legal limits

Ship Your Boom Truck with IronHaul Logistics

IronHaul Logistics ships boom truck cranes nationwide, including drive-away services for operational trucks and trailer transport for non-operational units. We handle permit applications, coordinate pilot cars when required, and provide real-time tracking. Get a free quote by filling out our online form, calling (208) 495-2260, or emailing [email protected] with your truck's make, model, GVW, and boom configuration.