How to Ship a Boom Truck: Complete Transport Guide

Boom Truck Dimensions and Weight in Transport Configuration

Boom truck specifications vary widely by manufacturer and crane capacity, but typical transport dimensions fall in these ranges:

Specification	Typical Range	Notes
Overall Length	35–55 feet	Boom retracted, stowed horizontally
Overall Width	8–10 feet	Outriggers folded; may exceed 8.5 ft legal limit
Overall Height	11–14+ feet	Cab + stowed boom; often exceeds 13.5 ft limit
Operating Weight	26,000–80,000+ lbs	Depends on chassis class and crane capacity

Smaller boom trucks (26,000–33,000 lbs, boom stowed under 13.5 ft) may be drivable under their own power on a valid CDL with appropriate endorsements. However, most mid-size and large boom trucks exceed height or weight thresholds and must be transported on a trailer to comply with state regulations.

Trailer Options for Boom Truck Transport

Flatbed (48 or 53 ft): Suitable only for the lightest boom trucks that fall within 48,000 lbs payload and 13.5 ft total height when loaded. The 60-inch deck height of a standard flatbed adds to the machine's own height, so this option is rarely viable for anything over a small service crane.

Step Deck (Drop Deck): The lower rear deck (approximately 36 inches) provides additional vertical clearance compared to a flatbed. Useful for boom trucks in the 33,000–48,000 lb range that are borderline on height.

Lowboy / RGN: The standard choice for most boom trucks. The 18–24 inch deck height maximizes available vertical clearance, and multi-axle RGN configurations can handle loads from 40,000 lbs up to 150,000+ lbs. The removable gooseneck allows the boom truck to be driven onto the deck if it is operational.

Multi-Axle Hydraulic Platform (Goldhofer/Scheuerle): Required for the heaviest boom trucks (80,000+ lbs) or when the load is non-operational and cannot be driven. These specialized trailers distribute weight across many axles to comply with bridge formula requirements.

Permit Requirements

Federal thresholds that trigger oversize/overweight permits: width over 8.5 ft, height over 13.5 ft, length over 53 ft, or gross vehicle weight over 80,000 lbs. Most boom trucks will exceed at least one of these. Key permit considerations:

• Width permits: Required if the boom truck body or outrigger pads extend beyond 8.5 ft. Loads over 12 ft wide typically require one or two pilot cars.
• Height permits: Required if total load height (deck + machine) exceeds 13.5 ft. Some Western states allow 14 ft without a permit.
• Superload permits: Loads over 150,000 lbs GVW or exceeding 16 ft in width require superload permits, which involve route engineering reviews and may require utility line lifts.
• Travel restrictions: Oversize loads are typically restricted to daylight hours (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset). Weekend and holiday travel is prohibited in many states.

Disassembly Considerations

For long-distance moves, partial disassembly of the boom truck can reduce permit complexity and cost. Common disassembly steps include:

• Removing the jib or fly section from the main boom to reduce overall length
• Removing counterweights to reduce gross weight (counterweights ship separately on a flatbed)
• Folding or removing outrigger pads to reduce width
• Removing the headache rack or any roof-mounted accessories that add height

Each component removed must be inventoried, labeled, and shipped on a separate trailer with proper securement. Reassembly at the destination should be factored into project timelines.

Loading and Securement

Boom trucks must be loaded with the crane boom fully retracted and stowed in the lowest possible position. The boom rest or boom cradle should be engaged. Outriggers must be fully retracted and pinned. Securement uses rated chains (Grade 70 or Grade 80) at the manufacturer's designated tie-down points — typically the front and rear axle areas and the crane base mounting points. A minimum of four chains is required for most configurations, with additional chains for loads over 20,000 lbs per the DOT's cargo securement standard (49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I).

IronHaul Logistics has extensive experience moving boom trucks and crane trucks of all sizes across the continental United States. We handle permit acquisition, pilot car coordination, and route surveys so you don't have to. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or use our online quote form to get a fast, accurate shipping estimate.