How to Ship a Bucket Truck or Digger Derrick

Types of Bucket Trucks and Digger Derricks

The terms 'bucket truck' and 'digger derrick' are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct equipment types:

• Bucket Truck / Aerial Work Platform (AWP): A truck-mounted boom with a personnel bucket at the end, used for working at height — power line maintenance, tree trimming, streetlight installation. Boom heights range from 35 ft to 100+ ft. The bucket is the working platform; the truck is the carrier.
• Digger Derrick: A truck-mounted combination unit with both a drilling auger (for setting utility poles) and a derrick/crane for lifting poles and equipment. Sheave heights range from 37 ft (compact backyard units) to 100+ ft (heavy transmission units). Lifting capacity at 10 ft radius ranges from 3,800 to 49,650 lbs depending on model.
• Combination Units: Some units combine bucket, derrick, and auger functions on a single truck chassis. These are common for electric utility line crews.

Dimensions and Weight

Bucket trucks and digger derricks are truck-mounted, which means their transport dimensions depend heavily on the chassis and boom configuration:

• Overall Length: 25–45 ft depending on chassis wheelbase and boom configuration
• Width: 8–10 ft (most are within legal width limits, but outrigger pads and extended equipment can push width over 8.5 ft)
• Height (boom stowed): This is the critical dimension. Most bucket trucks and digger derricks stow their booms in a horizontal or angled position that results in an overall height of 11–15 ft. Heights over 13.5 ft require overheight permits.
• Weight: Truck-mounted units typically weigh 26,000–60,000 lbs GVW depending on chassis and equipment. Units over 26,000 lbs require a CDL to drive; units over 80,000 lbs require overweight permits for road transport.

Can Bucket Trucks Be Driven to Their Destination?

Many bucket trucks and digger derricks are self-propelled and can be driven to their destination if they are operational and within legal dimensions. However, transport on a trailer is often preferred or required when:

• The unit is non-operational (engine issues, hydraulic failure, etc.)
• The unit exceeds legal height when the boom is stowed (common for tall digger derricks)
• The move is long-distance and driving would accumulate excessive mileage on the unit
• The unit is being exported and needs to reach a port
• The unit was purchased at auction and the buyer doesn't have a CDL driver available

Trailer Selection

When a bucket truck or digger derrick needs to be transported on a trailer, the right choice depends on its dimensions:

• Flatbed (48–53 ft): For units under 8.5 ft wide and 8.5 ft tall when loaded on the trailer. The trailer deck height is approximately 5 ft, so the total height (trailer deck + unit height) must stay under 13.5 ft. This limits flatbed use to compact units with low stow heights.
• Step Deck / Drop Deck: The lower rear deck (approximately 3.5 ft) provides extra vertical clearance. Good for units up to 10–11 ft tall when loaded. This is the most common trailer type for bucket trucks and digger derricks.
• RGN (Removable Gooseneck): For the tallest units (12+ ft stow height), an RGN's low deck (18–20 inches) may be needed to keep total height under 13.5 ft. The removable gooseneck allows the truck to drive on if operational.

Height Measurement and Permit Thresholds

Height is the most critical dimension for bucket truck and digger derrick transport. Here's how to calculate total transport height:

1. Measure the unit's height with the boom fully stowed in transport position
2. Add the trailer deck height (approximately 5 ft for flatbed, 3.5 ft for step deck rear, 1.5–2 ft for RGN)
3. If total height exceeds 13.5 ft, an overheight permit is required
4. If total height exceeds 14.5–15 ft, utility line lifts may be required along the route
5. If total height exceeds 16 ft, a route survey is typically required

Loading and Securing

Proper loading and securement is critical for bucket trucks and digger derricks:

• Drive the unit onto the trailer (if operational) or use a crane for non-operational units
• Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks at all tires
• Secure the boom in the transport position using the manufacturer's boom rest or cradle
• Use chain binders at the front and rear axles — minimum 4 tie-down points for units over 10,000 lbs
• Secure outrigger pads and any loose equipment in the body compartments
• Verify that all body compartment doors are latched and locked

IronHaul Logistics ships bucket trucks and digger derricks for utility companies, telecom contractors, and equipment dealers nationwide. We handle height calculations, permit applications, and trailer selection. Contact us at [email protected] or call (208) 495-2260 for a quote.